PETALING JAYA: Starlink’s satellite-based broadband service is now available in Malaysia, following the Prime Minister’s virtual meeting with Elon Musk on July 14.
This makes Malaysia the 60th country to be served by the Musk-owned satellite constellation.
The service, which doesn’t come with a contract, requires users to self-install the hardware and purchase the starter kit.
Customers can try out its service for 30 days and return the hardware for a full refund if they are not satisfied with it.
In an announcement on July 20, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that Malaysia issued the licence to allow Starlink to provide Internet services locally.
He added that the government is prepared to cooperate with satellite communication firms such as Starlink to achieve 100% Internet coverage in populated areas.
However, Dr Sean Seah, Malaysian Space Industry Corporation (Masic) pro tem deputy president, is concerned that Starlink’s entry could put local companies at a disadvantage.
"Furthermore, currently Malaysia has achieved more than 96% nationwide Internet connectivity coverage (Malaysia Stats Dept 2022) with services from Malaysian companies without Starlink."
"Chances must be given to local companies that have invested billions, before bringing in Starlink to compete with them," he said.
He also claimed that Malaysia may be exposed and risks being under "surveillance" or "profiling" by Starlink satellites, adding that they are also "not owned, controlled, or regulated" by Malaysian regulators and law enforcement, and Starlink has been given a "special exemption" to operate in Malaysia as a 100% foreign-owned entity.
"This may lead to national sovereignty issues," Seah said in a statement.
Starlink’s Starlink Kit comes with an electronic phased array antenna with a base suited for ground installation, a WiFi router and cables.
The standard version, which Starlink recommends for “residential users and everyday Internet applications” costs RM2,300.
The high-performance kit, which is priced at RM11,613, is recommended for “power users and enterprise applications”.
Starlink claimed that the high-performance kit offers improved weather resistance, three times better speeds at temperatures above 35°C and better visibility, especially in areas with unavoidable obstructions.
Starlink’s Internet plan offers up to 100Mbps (megabits per second) download speed and costs RM220 monthly.
Customers will also have to pay an additional RM100 for shipping and handling fees, with delivery times expected to be between one and two weeks.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a discussion with Musk on July 14, welcoming the company’s decision to invest in Malaysia, which includes launching Tesla EVs and Starlink.
In an online report, Anwar said that he has ordered 40 Starlink sets for schools, colleges and universities.
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