Starlink, developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, offers broadband access through low-Earth orbit satellites, making it particularly beneficial for regions lacking traditional internet infrastructure.

The Kurdistan Region currently depends on internet connectivity from neighboring areas, which leaves it susceptible to disruptions during political conflicts.

According to Hiwa Afandi, an IT official from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Starlink internet could provide a solution to bypass internet blockades during such disputes.

Although Starlink services are not yet available in Iraq or the Kurdistan Region, Afandi has procured a subscription and equipment from Sweden to conduct tests on the technology.

The primary goal of these tests was to determine whether adequate bandwidth coverage could be achieved in the Kurdistan Region.

Afandi reported that the testing indicated sufficient coverage from Starlink, with the installation process being straightforward and free of technical issues.

However, the main obstacles to implementing Starlink in the Kurdistan Region are administrative, necessitating an agreement between Starlink and Iraqi authorities for service to become available.

Cost estimates suggest that a residential subscription for Starlink in the Kurdistan Region could be lower than in Sweden, potentially priced between $30 to $40 compared to around $50 in Sweden due to local taxes.