Today/Reuters-July 20
Malaysia has issued a license to Starlink, the satellite communications service started by Mr Elon Musk, to provide internet services in the country, particularly in remote areas, its communications minister said on Thursday (July 20). Minister Fahmi Fadzil said in a Facebook post that Starlink, which is operated by Mr Musk’s SpaceX, would begin by providing its services to schools and higher education institutions. The government was also prepared to work with satellite communications firms, including Starlink, to ensure 100 per cent internet coverage in populated areas, Mr Fahmi said. Around 3 per cent of populated areas in Malaysia face issues with internet access, due to geographical and infrastructure challenges, he added. The announcement comes a week after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a call with Mr Musk to discuss his companies investing in Malaysia. The government earlier this year announced that his electric vehicle (EV) maker Tesla would open an office in Malaysia. It also approved the company’s application to import battery-run EVs into the country, as part of a wider government effort to promote sustainable mobility. Separately on Thursday, Tesla unveiled its sport utility electric vehicle — Model Y — at an event in Kuala Lumpur, with deliveries to Malaysia to begin next year. Read more at: https://www.todayonline.com/world/malaysia-issues-licence-elon-musks-starlink-bring-internet-services-remote-areas-2215771
