Starlink is poised to launch in South Korea this year, pending regulatory approvals, as global demand for low-orbit satellite connectivity surges.

On April 27, South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT announced system improvements to facilitate low-orbit satellite communication services like Starlink and the U.K.’s OneWeb. Low-orbit satellites, operating at 300–1,500 km, enable high-speed internet without extensive ground infrastructure, serving remote areas, ships, and airplanes.

“If we start domestic services, high-speed Wi-Fi services will be available on airplanes, and we will be able to provide online video services (OTT) and video calls to crews on long-haul ships,” said Minister of Science and ICT Yoo Sang-im.

According to KMIB, OneWeb is awaiting approvals for cross-border supply agreements and terminal suitability assessments. SpaceX’s Starlink is also waiting for approval. In October 2024, South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT notified the public about amendments to technical standards that would prevent frequent interference. After 60 days of the notice’s publication, the South Korean government is estimated to take 3-4 months to approve Starlink’s cross-board supply agreement with SpaceX.

Kim Nam-cheol, director of the Radio Policy Bureau, noted, “It is certain that (the two companies) will launch services this year, but it is difficult to specify a date as changes may occur during the consultation process.”

Starlink and OneWeb’s pending approvals in S. Korea involve ensuring compliance with local regulations, including terminal assessments for new devices. The push for satellite internet reflects a broader global trend, with S. Korea positioning itself to bridge connectivity gaps in aviation, maritime, and remote regions.

Starlink’s global reach is evident, and its usefulness increases as it expands. In January, T-Mobile used Starlink Cellular to transmit emergency alerts during LA wildfires. Meanwhile, Hawaiian and United Airlines offer Starlink Aviation for in-flight video streaming and gaming.

As Starlink expands, new competitors enter the ever-growing lob-orbit satellite communications industry. For example, Amazon’s Kuiper established a corporation in South Korea last May.

Starlink’s involvement in the Ukriane-Russia war has also led world governments to consider establishing their own satellite communications network. South Korea aims to develop its own independent satellite technology by 2030. The Asian nation plans to invest 320 billion won over six years to launch two communication units via the Nuri rocket.

Ukraine is also exploring Starlink alternatives developed by the European Union. In addition, Germany’s military, Bundeswehr, plans to build its own satellite constellation to reduce dependence on foreign networks amid geopolitical tensions.

As Starlink expands, S Korea’s regulatory and technological efforts could shape its role in the global satellite communication market, balancing foreign services with ambitions for domestic innovation.

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SpaceX’s satellite internet venture Starlink has yet to secure an operating license in India. Starlink is facing regulatory delays in India despite ongoing progress.

India’s Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that the company must meet stringent requirements before launching services in the country.

“The process is ongoing. The minute they meet all conditions — including setting up gateways in India and registering user terminals locally — we are ready to issue the license,” Scindia told local media.

The licensing process involves multiple agencies in India, including the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe). These agencies are evaluating Starlink’s compliance with India’s technical, administrative, and national security standards.

Scindia emphasized Starlink’s need for domestic registration of user terminals and local gateways to address data sovereignty and internal security concerns.

“It’s not only related to DoT but also to internal security — gateways have to be in India, any user terminal has to be registered in India…the minute they check all the boxes, which I also hope will be soon, the license should be given,” he added.

The requirements reflect India’s cautious approach to integrating foreign satellite providers into its telecom ecosystem. The delay comes amid broader industry calls for enhanced connectivity. At Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal urged regulators to support telecom operators in closing the global connectivity gap for 400 million people, particularly in rural India. He advocated for resource sharing between terrestrial and satellite operators to avoid duplicative investments.

Bharti Airtel and Jio Platforms signed agreements with SpaceX to help expand Starlink services in India. The agreements are contingent on the Indian government approving Starlink’s license.

Starlink’s potential entry into India could bolster rural connectivity, but regulatory hurdles remain a significant barrier. As the company works to meet India’s conditions, its progress is closely watched by telecom operators and regulators alike. The outcome could shape the role of satellite internet in addressing India’s digital divide, aligning with global efforts to expand access through collaborative infrastructure investments.

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T-Mobile cut the price of its Starlink cellular service to $10 per month as it gears up for a July launch and aims to broaden access. The carrier also seeks FCC approval to extend Starlink cellular service to legacy devices, citing life-saving potential.

“After gauging the incredible response from customers—including broader than expected interest from competitor’s customers—we’ve set our final launch pricing for T-Satellite at just $10 a month,” T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert said during a Thursday earnings call.

The $10 price applies to T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon customers. Non-T-Mobile users can access the service via a downloadable eSIM. “This gen one pricing will be good for at least a year,” Sievert added.

Initially, T-Mobile announced during a Super Bowl ad that the Starlink beta service would be free for its highest-tier plan until year-end. Other T-Mobile users would pay $15 monthly, while customers from other carriers would be charged $20.

An early adopter discount briefly offered T-Mobile users a $10 rate. The new universal $10 pricing reflects T-Mobile’s aggressive push to outpace AT&T and Verizon, which are developing satellite services with partners like AST SpaceMobile.

Starlink Cellular service, powered by over 560 satellites, functions as an orbiting cell tower, enabling text-based messaging in rural and remote areas. Data downloads and voice calls may follow later this year.

T-Mobile’s filing with the Federal Communications Commission requests expanded access for legacy devices, arguing that current rules limiting service to newer phones exclude many users. The carrier emphasized that broader access could enhance connectivity in critical situations.

T-Mobile’s price cut and FCC push signal a strategic effort to dominate the satellite connectivity market. By leveraging SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, the carrier aims to deliver affordable, widespread service while addressing regulatory hurdles. The move could reshape how rural users access mobile networks, especially as competitors ramp up their satellite offerings. With the July launch approaching, T-Mobile’s focus on affordability and inclusivity positions it as a key player in the evolving satellite communication landscape.

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Ukraine is exploring EU satellite alternatives to Starlink, driven by concerns over Elon Musk’s unpredictability. Starlink remains vital for Ukraine’s battlefield connectivity and cannot be easily replaced. While the European Union has started developing Starlink alternatives, they have not quite reached SpaceX’s capacity to provide internet connection.

Starlink’s Critical Role and Vulnerabilities

Starlink’s 7,000+ satellite network provides essential connectivity for Ukraine’s military. However, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s influence has raised strategic concerns.

“Elon Musk is, in fact, the guardian of Ukraine’s connectivity on the battlefield. And that’s a strategic vulnerability,” warns Arthur De Liedekerke, Senior Director of European Affairs for Rasmussen Global.

Opinions of Musk have started to influence dealings with any of his companies, including SpaceX and Tesla. Starlink has not escaped criticism due to its relationship with Musk, resulting in a few governments seeking alternatives to SpaceX’s internet services.

For instance, the German military has announced plans to develop a Starlink alternative. Kyiv and the EU are also seeking options to reduce reliance on Starlink.

EU’s Govsatcom as a Near-Term Option

Member of the EU Parliament (MEP) Christophe Grudler pitched the European Union’s Govsatcom system as a viable alternative to Starlink for Ukraine.

“It is clear that if Starlink decides to cut the signal today, we have options, in particular with Govsatcom, which is the European network that we have brought into service and which, from June, will make it possible to supplement Starlink’s missing signal in Ukraine, if necessary,” he said.

Grudler affirmed: “The European Union is very committed to helping Ukraine, so there would certainly be agreement from all the Member States to come to Ukraine’s aid if it no longer had a Starlink signal in the future.”

However, De Liedekerke pointed out that GovSatcom was made for government use. He noted that “GoveSatcom is a governmental secure satellite communications and it’s essentially to provide reliable, secure, strategically autonomous networks for communication services between governments in the EU. It couldn’t replace the kind of battlefield connectivity that we’re discussing for Ukraine. So it’s not a silver bullet at the moment.”

Eutelsat’s Competitive Edge

Eutelsat, a Franco-British operator, offers a low-Earth orbit network with 630 satellites and 35 geostationary ones, though it trails Starlink’s scale. It has 2,000 terminals deployed in Ukraine and 14,000 more planned to deploy. Starlink has 40,000 terminals in Ukraine, used by the military and civilians.

Price is another factor to consider when seeking a Starlink alternative. Eutelsat’s €9,000 terminals are pricier than Starlink’s €500 units.

“Eutelsat is our European champion, one that has convincing functioning solutions. And one that we need to be able to support through funding and political will,” De Liedekerke said, noting its political independence from the U.S.

Iris2 as a Future Solution

The EU’s Iris2 project is another Starlink alternative Ukraine might consider. The Iris2 project is a 290-satellite constellation, promising secure, low-latency connectivity by 2030, with partial operations by 2028.

“From 2028, we will have an operational Iris2 constellation that will be able to provide telecommunications services to all the Member States that so wish. I would add that this will be the first time we have had a constellation secured with post-quantum cryptography, so cyber-attacks will not be possible on this constellation. It will be a world first with an ultra-secure signal, which is not the case with the Starlink signal either,” Grudler said. ‘

Led by the SpaceRISE consortium, Iris2 offers a long-term alternative, though its timeline limits immediate impact.

Strategic Diversification

De Liedekerke has stressed the need for options aside from Starlink.

“It’s about having options. It’s about not having a single point of failure. It’s being able to say no to one and still be online. And today, we’re not in a situation where we can do that. We’ve let Ukraine’s war zone connectivity be in the hands of one man…that’s a strategic vulnerability.

By having options, by having alternatives, by diversifying our partnerships, we avoid that single point of failure.”

Ukraine’s pursuit of EU solutions aims to ensure battlefield resilience. However, the EU has some way to go before it can match Starlink’s reach.

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Starlink is advancing its India entry plans, with senior executives meeting Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

Starlink senior executives and Minister Goyal discussed investments and partnerships in India. The talks are pivotal for Starlink’s entry into the Indian market. Starlink’s delegation, including Vice President Chad Gibbs and Senior Director Ryan Goodnight, met Goyal on Wednesday.

“Discussions covered Starlink’s cutting-edge technology platform, their existing partnerships & future investment plans in India,” Goyal posted on X.

The meeting with Starlink executives marked the first official engagement with an Indian Minister and underscores SpaceX’s commitment to the region, reported ET. As of this writing, Starlink has not announced future meetings with Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

SpaceX has already started preparing to bring its satellite internet service to the Indian market. The aerospace company has secured deals with India’s top wireless carriers, Bharti Airtel and Jio Platforms, to distribute Starlink equipment and services through their outlets.

Bharti Airtel announced its partnership with Starlink first, followed by Jio Platforms. Both wireless carriers aim to leverage Starlink’s technology to expand internet access in India and their customer base. SpaceX is also in discussions with Vodafone Idea Ltd.

“We are in exploratory talks with various Satcom providers, including Starlink,” commented Vodafone.  

These partnerships position Starlink to tap India’s vast telecom market, with potential for further collaboration. Despite these strides, Starlink still awaits regulatory approval to operate in India.

As of November 2024, the company must fully comply with the government’s security regulations, particularly on data storage, to secure its license. The pending approval highlights the complexities of entering India’s tightly regulated telecom sector, where compliance is critical.

Starlink’s push into India aligns with its global expansion strategy, leveraging its satellite constellation to deliver high-speed internet to underserved regions. The partnerships with Bharti Airtel and Jio Platforms, combined with ongoing talks with Vodafone Idea, signal strong local support for SpaceX’s technology.

However, regulatory hurdles remain a key challenge. As Starlink navigates India’s security requirements, its investments and carrier tie-ups could reshape the nation’s internet landscape, offering a new era of connectivity if approval is granted.

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SpaceX’s new Starlink router, model UTR-251, has secured FCC approval for U.S. sales. The new Starlink router hints at upcoming dish upgrades and improvements to SpaceX’s satellite internet service.

Starlink’s new router design and specs suggest ties to an updated high-performance dish or a new Starlink product. The UTR-251 succeeds the Gen 3 router (UTR-231 and UTR-232), launched in 2023.

Unlike its predecessor’s dual Ethernet ports, Starlink’s new router features a single port designed for “Indoor Use only,” with a vertical form resembling the Gen 2 router. FCC filings reveal WiFi 6 support and a higher “watt output” for expanded frequencies, including the 5.9GHz UNII-4 band, enhancing spectrum access.

Tim Belfall, a director at UK-based Starlink installer Westend WiFi, noted the router’s lower power needs. The new Starlink router needs a 9 Volt by 1.6 Amp, 14.4-watt input, compared to the Gen 3’s higher demands. The new router has significantly lower power requirements than the current Gen 3 router, suggesting compatibility with a smaller Starlink dish.

SpaceX is developing three new dish models, including a refreshed flat high-performance dish for enterprise users. Ukrainian engineer Oleg Kutkov noticed recent code changes in Starlink dishes, which he believes means SpaceX is ready to produce its high-performance dish.

In a webinar last month, SpaceX teased a new Starlink dish promising gigabit internet speeds, far surpassing the current average. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell highlighted the upgrade in 2024, stating, “Next generation, we’ll have smaller beams, more capacity per beam, lower latency.” She projected speeds up to 2 gigabits with the next-gen dish, positioning Starlink as a leader in high-speed satellite internet.

The UTR-251’s approval marks a step toward SpaceX’s vision of enhanced connectivity, though its exact role remains unclear. As SpaceX refines its hardware, the router’s advanced specs and efficiency underscore its push for faster, more reliable internet.

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Germany’s military, known as Bundeswehr, plans to build its own satellite constellation as an alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink. Germany aims to secure independent communications capabilities with its own Starlink-like constellation.

The Bundeswehr seeks to reduce reliance on foreign networks amid rising geopolitical tensions. The German armed forces intend to deploy a constellation of hundreds of satellites for communications and potentially remote sensing applications. Handelsblatt confirmed the plans with a German Ministry of Defense spokesperson, though details on cost and design remain classified due to national security.

According to the Ministry of Defense spokesperson, Germany is exploring a few deployment options that may become an alternative to Starlink. The Bundeswehr is considering which service will meet Germany’s growing demand for Starlink-like connectivity. Germany’s timeline for a constellation that could rival Starlink is 2029, though it’s unclear whether this marks the start or completion of construction.

The Bundeswehr’s interest in a Starlink alternative reflects lessons from Ukraine’s use of SpaceX’s internet services during Russia’s invasion since February 2022. Ukraine’s use of Starlink underscores satellites’ critical role in wartime communications.

Recent reports indicate that Russia and China are exploring Starlink alternatives, amplifying concerns about dependency on foreign systems. As global powers increasingly view space as a critical domain, Germany’s move signals a broader trend of nations seeking control over their orbital assets.

The Bundeswehr’s constellation, if realized, could reshape Europe’s defense landscape, offering a counterpoint to Starlink’s dominance while addressing the risks of over-reliance on external providers in an era of heightened global uncertainty.

Other European countries have also sought alternatives to Starlink. The shift away from Starlink has been linked to Elon Musk and the public’s sentiments about the SpaceX CEO. However, Italy’s Defence Minister urged politicians to focus on Starlink’s tech, not Musk’s politics, when considering SpaceX’s internet service.

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Starlink launched in Somalia with government approval, expanding its global reach despite some Elon Musk backlash.

Over the weekend, Elon Musk announced that SpaceX’s Starlink internet service went live in Somalia after a Somalian government official confirmed the company secured an operating license. The rollout marks a milestone for internet access in a nation hungry for better service.

According to Reuters, Mustafa Yasiin, Somalia’s director of communication in the telecommunications ministry, detailed the two-and-a-half-year negotiation process with SpaceX for Starlink connectivity.

“We have been in talks with this company (Starlink) for a period of two and half years. We gave them the license today,” Yasiin said in a video on SONNA’s Facebook page. We hope Starlink will increase the quality of the existing internet in Somalia and will make the internet service reach more remote areas.”

Somalia’s internet landscape is often plagued by spotty coverage and high costs. As such, the country stands to gain from Starlink’s low-latency, high-speed offering. The satellite constellation targets remote regions that traditional providers usually skip. Yasiin’s optimism reflects Somalia’s push to bridge its digital divide, where only a fraction of the population enjoys reliable connectivity.

SpaceX’s entry follows a pattern of global expansion, with recent licenses in Brazil and elsewhere unlocking new markets. Somalia’s approval aligns with its telecom reforms, which aim to lure foreign players while boosting competition. Local providers like Hormuud Telecom may feel pressure as Starlink delivers services that ground infrastructure lag behind.

The license news underscores Musk’s knack for tapping underserved regions. However, challenges with Starlink, like affordability and local logistics, remain. Starlink’s Somalia debut could reshape how rural communities access education, commerce, and communication, mirroring its impact in other frontier markets. As SpaceX scales its constellation, the Somalia launch signals a broader ambition to blanket the globe, even as rivals like Amazon’s Kuiper eye similar orbits.

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T-Mobile is pushing for Starlink satellite messaging on legacy phones.

The carrier filed a request with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to broaden its Starlink-powered satellite messaging service to older smartphones, seeking to sidestep a paperwork snag that limits access. T-Mobile argues the move would bring potentially life-saving connectivity to more users. Current FCC rules exclude “legacy devices” from accessing T-Mobile’s Starlink phone services.

T-Mobile’s filing notes: “Pursuant to the rules, consumers cannot take advantage of the new potentially life-saving service unless the manufacturer of the equipment they already own and operate seeks modified equipment authorization.” It adds, “Worse, consumers have no ability to cause manufacturers to update their equipment authorizations – an inability with potentially severe consequences in the midst of an emergency when they need SCS [supplemental coverage from space] connectivity most.”

The carrier stressed public interest, stating, “Requiring terrestrial operators or their SCS partners to block access to SCS service on a device-by-device basis due not to a technical issue, but to a paperwork requirement, is also contrary to the public interest.”

T-Mobile’s off-the-grid phone services are powered by 555 Starlink satellites and target unmodified smartphones. With Americans swapping phones every three years, per industry trends, the rule change’s reach is uncertain. The future of T-Mobile’s Starlink phone services becomes even more uncertain when considering new devices like the iPhone 16 offer built-in satellite features. Still, T-Mobile’s bid aligns with a buzzing phone-to-satellite sector, where rivals like AT&T are also eyeing space-based solutions.

A T-Mobile rep told Light Reading, “The goal with T-Mobile Starlink has always been to have it work on phones people already own so they don’t have to go out and buy brand new devices.”

Phones eligible for T-Mobile’s Starlink phone services include the following:

• Apple iPhone 14 and later (including Plus, Pro, Pro Max, & e models)
• Google Pixel 9 (including Pro, Pro Fold, & Pro XL models)
• Motorola 2024 and later (including razr, razr+, edge, and the g series)
• Samsung Galaxy A14, A15, A16, A35, A53, A54
• Samsung Galaxy S21 and later (including Plus, Ultra, and Fan Edition models)
• Samsung Galaxy X Cover6 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 and later
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 and later
• T-Mobile REVVL 7 (including the Pro models)

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Details of Bell Canada’s anti-Starlink efforts were shared by the Financial Times (FT).

Bell’s Push to Block Starlink Subsidies

As noted by the FT, Bell Canada and its subsidiary Northwestel are lobbying against potential subsidies that Starlink could receive for providing internet access to the country’s remote northern regions, including the Arctic. In correspondence obtained by the Times, Bell argued that Starlink’s flat pricing proves that it does not require support to operate in Canada’s remote areas. 

A decision about the matter will be announced by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). That being said, the CRTC stated in January that a subsidy would help make “internet services more reliable and affordable for residents of the Far North.”

Starlink’s Defense

SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, has fired back at Bell, stating that blocking subsidies would harm competition and leave isolated communities such as First Nations groups with fewer, more expensive, and less reliable internet options. 

While Canada’s two biggest telecommunications groups, Bell and Rogers, still dominate the country’s internet and phone service market, Starlink has been making progress in its efforts to saturate the country’s remote regions. Starlink received official approval to operate in October 2022, and since then, it has grown its customer base to 400,000 active customers as of last year.

Musk’s Empire Under Fire in Canada

The subsidy clash is part of a broader Canadian backlash against Musk’s ventures, which seems to be fueled by his role in the Trump administration. Apart from Bell’s anti-Starlink efforts, Ontario also axed a $100 million Starlink contract. Quebec has noted that it would not be renewing its Starlink subsidy scheme as well. 

Tesla, on the other hand, lost government EV subsidies, with Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland leading the charge. As per Geoff White of the Public Interest Advocacy Center, “We should not be giving one cent of public money to an unaccountable imperialist like Elon Musk.”

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