Sri Lanka’s parliament approved changes to a longstanding telecommunications law on Tuesday, paving the way for Elon Musk’s Starlink, the satellite internet division of SpaceX, to commence operations in the country.
Key Developments:
- Legislative Change: The telecommunications bill, amended for the first time in 28 years, was passed without a vote.
- New Licences: The amendments introduce three new types of licenses, permitting Starlink to enter Sri Lanka’s telecom market as a licensed provider, pending regulatory approval.
- Satellite Internet Providers: The original law lacked provisions for satellite internet services, necessitating these amendments.
Government Statements:
- Technology Minister Kanaka Herath: Highlighted that this opportunity is not exclusive to Starlink but open to any company willing to invest in Sri Lanka’s telecom sector.
- IT Sector Growth: Emphasized the goal of expanding the IT industry to a $15 billion sector by 2030, with a focus on enhancing internet access, especially in rural areas.
Starlink’s Proposal and Approval:
- Initial Proposal: Starlink approached Sri Lanka in March to propose setting up operations.
- Preliminary Approval: Sri Lanka granted preliminary approval to Starlink in June, expediting the process.
Licensing and Tariffs:
- Licence Tariff: Starlink will be required to pay a tariff for the license, though specific details were not disclosed.
This legislative change marks a significant step towards enhancing internet connectivity in Sri Lanka, aiming to boost the IT sector and attract international tech companies to the region.
