Mongolia has officially granted two licenses to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, allowing the company to operate as an internet service provider using low-orbit satellites, announced the government on Friday.
Through Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite communications service, millions of internet users in Mongolia will gain access to high-speed connectivity, as stated in the government’s announcement.
Starlink has rapidly expanded its network, deploying over 3,500 satellites in low-Earth orbit, enabling it to provide internet connectivity even in remote areas.
Uchral Nyam-Osor, the Minister for Digital Development and Communications, highlighted that Mongolia already has an extensive network of fiber optic cables that provide widespread access to high-speed internet. However, the addition of SpaceX’s technology will greatly enhance access to hard-to-reach regions.
The minister emphasized the positive impact this development would have on various communities, including herders, farmers, businesses, and miners across Mongolia. They will now have the ability to access and utilize information from around the world to improve their livelihoods.
The formal collaboration between the Mongolian government and SpaceX was initiated in February during the 2023 Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona. The positive momentum continued last month when Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene engaged in a virtual meeting with Elon Musk to explore potential investment and cooperation opportunities in the electric vehicle sector.
Mongolia, known for its abundant reserves of rare earth minerals and copper, plays a crucial role in the electric vehicle supply chain. The country’s resources make it a strategic partner for collaboration in the electric vehicle industry.