A few days ago, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli, and Elon Musk were seen having a virtual meeting. During the conversation, Musk expressed his interest in expanding the Starlink service to Nepal, a project operated by Musk’s company SpaceX. In this article, I will explain what Starlink is and explore the potential benefits and challenges of its arrival in Nepal.
Starlink Internet in Nepal
Starlink is a satellite internet service created by SpaceX, and founded by Elon Musk. Its primary goal is to provide high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas through a network of small satellites orbiting Earth. Launched in 2019, Starlink aims to improve global connectivity while supporting SpaceX’s broader space exploration goals.
When is it coming?
For the past two years, Starlink has been trying to enter Nepal, but the government has posed a significant hurdle. However, Musk seems determined to push forward. He recently held a video call with Prime Minister Oli, during which Musk expressed his desire to expand Starlink’s services to Nepal. Prime Minister Oli responded by stating that Nepal would welcome Starlink “with a red carpet,” but that a decision would first require an internal study.
A short while ago, during my conversation with Mr. Elon Musk, I extended an invitation for him to visit Nepal. @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/dGYx9YpwjU
— K P Sharma Oli (@kpsharmaoli) November 22, 2024
Additionally, the government spokesperson, Prithvi Subba Gurung, mentioned that Starlink would need to comply with Nepal’s laws in order to expand its services in the country.
What’s Musk cooking?
Starlink has already reached 113 countries, and Nepal could simply be another country in its expansion plan. But is it really about business, or is there a broader strategy at play? Given our relatively small population, Starlink may not gain significant financial benefits from the country alone. Could Musk be seeking a gateway to nearby markets like India and China through Nepal? Or is this expansion more about establishing a global presence and enhancing Starlink’s international image?
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Pros and Cons of Starlink for Nepal
If Starlink successfully enters Nepal, it could bring high-speed internet to even the country’s most remote corners. Additionally, reliable internet service would help modernize and digitalize Nepal’s businesses. That being said, whatever greed Musk holds behind the start of StarLink in Nepal, I think this initiative is worth the try.
Not to mention there are a few challenges to consider. The base price of Starlink service is reportedly NPR 15,000 per month. This price is far beyond the reach of many Nepali citizens, although it may decrease over time. Moreover, local internet providers like Worldlink, Nepal Telecom FTTH, and Classic Tech could lose a significant number of customers, which might negatively impact Nepalese businesses.
Starlink in Nepal: Conclusion
Let’s hope that the government makes a decision that benefits both the people of Nepal and Starlink. With the right approach, this partnership could greatly enhance internet access and contribute to the country’s development.
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