Starlink to Provide Internet Service for Mongolia

Starlink, the satellite internet project of SpaceX, has announced that it will provide internet service for Mongolia, a landlocked country in East Asia. According to a press release, Starlink has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Information and Communications of Mongolia to launch its service in the country by the end of 2023.

Mongolia, which has a population of about 3.3 million people, has one of the lowest internet penetration rates in the world, with only 40% of its citizens having access to the internet as of 2019. The country also faces challenges such as harsh weather conditions, rugged terrain and sparse population density, which make it difficult to build and maintain terrestrial infrastructure.

Image Credit: Pete Linforth

The partnership between Starlink and Mongolia is expected to be mutually beneficial, as it can help Starlink expand its global coverage and customer base, while also improving Mongolia's digital connectivity and economic development. According to a press release, Starlink will collaborate closely with the Mongolian government and local partners to ensure compliance with regulations and technical standards, as well as address any potential environmental or social impacts.

Starlink aims to eventually have as many as 42,000 satellites in orbit. There have been 3200 satellites working in orbit by the end of 2022. Starlink has been helping Ukraine during the war by providing reliable communication and data transmission to the Ukrainian military and civilians.