Starlink, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, has officially launched its satellite internet service in Yemen, marking a significant technological milestone for the country.
The service aims to improve communication systems, particularly for military purposes, similar to its role in Ukraine.
It will also provide new opportunities for distance learning, allowing students in Houthi-controlled areas to access formal education.
The US Embassy in Yemen celebrated the launch, calling it a notable achievement, highlighting the potential of technology to open new doors for progress and development. Yemen is now the first country in the Middle East to gain full access to Starlink’s satellite internet service.
Wael Taramoom, the CEO of Yemen’s National Telecommunications Corporation, confirmed that Starlink’s satellite internet service was officially introduced on Wednesday.
He noted that this development comes after the finalization of legal procedures and the signing of a licensing agreement earlier this year, making Yemen’s telecommunications company an authorized agent for Starlink within the country.
Starlink, a project by SpaceX, aims to provide satellite internet to remote and underserved areas, making Yemen a prime beneficiary given its current challenges with traditional infrastructure.
According to a senior official at Yemen’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the service will be offered at a 50% reduced cost, enhancing its accessibility to the wider population.
