Starlink Rolls Out Satellite Internet in Kosovo, Boosting Connectivity and Security
December 22, 2024Starlink provides internet speeds ranging from 120 to 250 megabits per second, which may be slower than some local providers.
According to Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Starlink is vital for maintaining communications during natural disasters and emergencies.
Rrezarta Duraku Rizaj from ARKEP highlighted that Starlink enhances national security, particularly during conflicts, due to its space-based infrastructure.
Users can order Starlink's service online and will receive a portable receiving device to connect to the satellites.
Starlink Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Musk's SpaceX, offers high-speed, low-latency internet to customers in the region.
Pricing for Starlink will vary based on local purchasing power and includes an initial hardware cost along with a monthly service fee.
Starlink gained international attention in February 2022 when it provided essential internet services to Ukraine during the Russian invasion.
The network consists of approximately 6,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, ensuring high-speed internet with reduced communication delays.
While local internet providers in Kosovo offer speeds up to 500 mbps for combined packages, Starlink serves as a reliable backup option.
The Regulatory Authority for Electronic and Postal Communications (ARKEP) authorized Starlink to provide internet access in Kosovo in October 2024.
Prime Minister Kurti emphasized that Starlink's arrival marks a significant advancement for Kosovo's digital infrastructure.
Elon Musk recently announced on the social network 'X' that Starlink's satellite internet service is now operational in Kosovo.
This initiative is part of SpaceX's global effort to provide internet access in underserved areas, with Kosovo being one of the beneficiaries.
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