Elon Musk is likely to arrive in Sri Lanka next month to launch his Starlink satellite-based internet service, an official said yesterday.
The government had previously granted preliminary approval to Starlink, the satellite unit of SpaceX, to provide internet services in the country. The process was fast-tracked by amending the Telecommunications Regulatory Act for the first time in 28 years.
Director General of the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, Madushanka Dissanayake, told the Daily Mirror that the basic template for licensing Starlink’s operation is currently being prepared. He stated that new rules and regulations for this purpose will be established in accordance with the amended Act.
“We have given time till the end of July to complete the task. However, we are confident that we can complete it well ahead of time,” Dissanayake said.
Regarding Musk’s arrival, Dissanayake confirmed that the visit is scheduled for August.
Following the launch, it will take approximately three weeks to operationalize the service. “They need this time to lay the infrastructure and install the necessary equipment,” he explained.
Under the new Act, Starlink will be offered a service provider’s license.
