Yemeni government approves Starlink satellite internet service

Today, the Yemeni government approved the launch of Starlink satellite internet service during a cabinet meeting in the capital, Aden.

The official news agency Saba reported that the meeting discussed a report submitted by the Telecommunications Corporation, detailing the license agreement with Starlink and the services to be provided through the corporation as an authorized agent.

The agency confirmed that the registration of devices used illegally and their status correction has been completed.

"A broad launch of all Starlink services will soon commence through the corporation's points of sale and distributed and spread across most governorates. These points of sale will provide all services from selling devices, activating them, paying subscription fees at reasonable prices, and providing other services, including direct technical support," the statement added.

The statement also indicated that a period would be set for registering all Starlink devices that entered Yemeni territory illegally before action is taken against violators.

Over the past few months, unknown quantities of Starlink devices have been smuggled into Yemen, with each device valued between $2,000 and $3,000, double the original price offered by SpaceX, owned by billionaire Elon Musk.

South24 Center had previously discussed this issue, and the prospects of Starlink satellite internet service in Yemen, in a past report.

This service represents a significant advancement in internet technology, potentially alleviating Yemen’s digital isolation, suffered by millions as a result of poor and expensive internet and communications services, exacerbated by nearly a decade of war.

Moreover, Starlink can provide a secure and unrestricted internet source for Yemenis, instead of the landline internet services provided by Houthi-controlled companies in Sanaa since 2015.

However, the high prices of the Starlink service and concerns over potential government mismanagement and corruption remain issues for many Yemenis.