Mongolia has approved two licenses for Elon Musk’s SpaceX to operate as an internet service provider utilizing low-orbit satellites. According to a government statement, millions of internet users in Mongolia will soon have access to high-speed connectivity through Starlink, the satellite communications service operated by SpaceX. Starlink has already established a rapidly expanding network of over 3,500 satellites in low-Earth orbit, enabling connectivity even in remote regions.

Minister for Digital Development and Communications, Uchral Nyam-Osor, stated, “While Mongolia already benefits from an extensive network of fiber optic cables that provide widespread access to high-speed internet, this technology will greatly enhance connectivity in hard-to-reach areas. Herders, farmers, businesses, and miners across our vast country will now have the ability to access and utilize information from around the world, significantly improving their lives.”

The collaboration between the Mongolian government and SpaceX was officially initiated in February at the 2023 Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona. Furthermore, Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai recently conducted a virtual meeting with Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, where they explored potential investments and cooperation in the electric vehicle sector.