Muscat, Oman: Elon Musk’s Starlink has officially launched its satellite internet services in Oman, marking a significant expansion of its reach across the Middle East. This move, approved by the Omani Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), positions Oman alongside Yemen and Qatar as nations benefiting from Starlink’s broadband technology.
Starlink’s low-orbit satellite network promises to deliver high-speed internet to regions where traditional broadband infrastructure is lacking. In Oman, Starlink Muscat will provide comprehensive coverage across the country’s diverse terrain, offering speeds reaching up to 100 Megabytes per second. Beyond individual consumers, Starlink also aims to provide vital connectivity solutions for telecommunications towers in remote areas and to support key economic sectors like oil and gas, mining, tourism, and agriculture, accelerating Oman’s digital transformation.
This launch signals Starlink’s growing regional footprint. The company has previously announced plans to extend its services to Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan by 2025. Furthermore, Qatar Airways has incorporated Starlink’s Wi-Fi connectivity into over half of its Boeing 777 fleet, demonstrating the technology’s growing adoption in commercial aviation.
While Starlink’s service map indicates pending regulatory approval in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, a recent document from the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) reveals that Starlink has been granted a ten-year satellite internet services license, effective from June 12, 2024. This license authorizes Starlink to install, operate, and manage a public telecommunications network within the UAE.
Globally, Starlink continues to expand its reach. With the launch in Oman and Armenia, Starlink now operates in 130 markets worldwide, connecting over 5 million people with high-speed internet. The company’s presence in Oman, facilitated by a Class 1 license under Royal Decree No. 42/2023, is expected to enhance internet service quality, foster competition among providers, and support critical sectors of the Omani economy.
Starlink’s entry into Oman represents a significant step towards bridging the digital divide, offering reliable and high-speed internet access to individuals and businesses across the country.
