Starlink to offer satellite internet in UAE under 10-year licence

The United Arab Emirates has awarded Elon Musk's Starlink a 10-year licence to deliver satellite internet services to residents, businesses, government entities, as well as the maritime and aviation sectors. Starlink will offer connectivity to individuals, companies, and authorities within the UAE. The service aims to dramatically enhance internet speeds, and advertisements on the Starlink website indicate rates starting at Dh300 per month.

While currently unavailable in certain areas, interested parties can join a waiting list by making a deposit of Dh285.71. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) granted the licence, which permits Starlink to establish and manage a public satellite telecommunications network and provide broadband internet services throughout the UAE.

The move aims to broaden connectivity choices, bolster the nation's digital infrastructure, and enhance emergency response capabilities. Starlink will function within the UAE's established regulatory and technical guidelines, according to the deputy director general of TDRA, Eng Mohammed Yousif Al Ramsi. The licence confirms Starlink's status as a managed telecommunications provider, subject to the same oversight as established operators like Etisalat by e& and du.

Starlink operates on a different frequency than traditional communications satellites, which orbit at 20,000km to 35,000km. Instead, Starlink's thousands of satellites orbit at approximately 550km above the Earth, leading to significantly faster internet speeds. Unlike conventional 5G or broadband internet, satellite internet does not depend on mobile towers or high-speed data lines for connectivity, enabling service in remote regions.

Emirates Airline announced in November that it would install Starlink on its fleet starting that month. In the Middle East, Starlink is also accessible in Qatar, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, and Israel.