Elon Musk’s SpaceX is reportedly close to finalizing a deal to provide Starlink satellite internet to Yemen, potentially transforming connectivity in the war-torn country where years of civil war and Houthi rebel attacks have disrupted global trade. The Yemeni government is in the process of finalizing a licensing agreement with SpaceX, although the deal could take around a month to complete. If finalized, the agreement could significantly improve internet access in Yemen, which currently ranks poorly in terms of connectivity and censorship.
The deal, if completed, would also be a victory for Yemen’s Saudi-backed government over the Houthi rebels it has been fighting for years. While Starlink is already operating in some Middle Eastern countries like Israel and Jordan, Yemen’s official licensing would make it one of the few countries in the region with access to the satellite network. However, reports have revealed a black market for Starlink technology in countries like Sudan, South Africa, Venezuela, and Yemen, where unauthorized parties have been able to access the internet service without a license.
Starlink’s satellites, based in orbit, would be harder for the Houthi rebels to target compared to other critical telecommunications infrastructure. The growing power of non-state actors like Starlink in traditionally state-dominated areas underscores the challenges faced by governments in regulating technology access. SpaceX has previously vowed to investigate and deactivate terminals being used by unauthorized or sanctioned parties. Starlink’s service, powered by a large constellation of satellites, is commercially available in some countries and Musk aims to eventually offer it globally and expand to include cell phone services.
Houthi rebels have disrupted global trade by attacking trade ships in the Red Sea and are suspected of targeting undersea cables carrying internet and telecoms services. Despite denying responsibility for cutting the fiber optic cables, the militants have continued attacks on ships in solidarity with the people of Gaza. Elon Musk’s wealth is estimated at $199.6 billion, making him the second richest person in the world. His wealth comes from companies like Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company, as well as social media firm X, which he acquired as Twitter in 2022. Musk’s companies are at the forefront of technological innovation and have significant impact on multiple industries.
