Officially.. The Yemeni government announces the launch of the Internet service via satellite "Starlink"

The Yemeni government officially announced, on Tuesday, the launch of the “Starlink” satellite internet service in the country after the end of the procedures.

The Yemeni news agency “Saba” reported that a government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, in the temporary capital, Aden, approved the launch of the “Starlink” satellite Internet service in Yemen.

The meeting reviewed the report submitted by the General Telecommunications Corporation, about the details included in the license signed with “Starlink” and the services that will be provided through the Corporation, as an authorized agent to provide the service.

He confirmed the completion of all procedures related to the launch of “Starlink” services in Yemen, which will achieve the provision of satellite Internet service at competitive prices for all categories and at high-quality speeds.

The meeting, with the participation of the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Acting Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Waed Badib, and the Minister of Finance, Salem Ben Brik, indicated that a large operation for all “Starlink” services will soon be launched through the organization’s points of sale distributed and spread in most governorates.

Badib explained that all services will be provided through the points, including selling devices, activating them, paying subscription fees at reasonable prices, and providing other services, including direct technical support.

The meeting also stressed the registration of all “Starlink” devices that are used by current users or any other parties, and the completion of all required data for users that were entered into the territory of the Republic illegally, and requested that the necessary conditions be met to correct their current status before taking legal measures regarding violators and during the registration period. Which will be announced through official channels.

In early May, Bloomberg revealed that the Yemeni government was close to concluding a deal with Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, to provide internet to the country, in a move that represents a major blow to the terrorist Houthi militia.

Later, advisor to the Yemeni Minister of Communications, Raed Al-Thabiti, told the Arab World News Agency ( AWP ) that there are several reasons behind this deal, but the main reason is that the national communications network, or the communications sector in general in Yemen, has been controlled by the Houthis since the beginning of the coup. In the year 2014.

He added, therefore, this control created many problems, whether economic problems, security problems, or military problems, and also enabled the coup d’états to control most of Yemen’s regions through economic support for the war effort or through practical control... and therefore a solution had to be found. One of these alternatives was to contact Starlink and start introducing the service.”

Al-Thabthi did not provide details about the financial aspect of the agreement, but he said that a small percentage of the revenues would go to Yemen, stressing that the benefit for the country would be great, adding: “As for the revenues from these services, most of them will, of course, go to the owner of the company, and the Yemeni government will have a percentage, even if it is small, but in general.” There are great benefits that Yemen will benefit from in introducing the Internet and connecting all Yemeni regions through the network.”

Al-Thabti pointed out that there would be competing companies later, which would be reflected positively in the country. He said, “I believe that the issue of coordination and the issue of distributing this company’s services will improve during the coming period. Also, we are coming to new competitors to Starlink, such as two upcoming companies, which will be reflected in a reduction in the service prices of this company.” As well as service fees.

Source: Yemen Shabab Net+ Agencies