Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, a mobile operator and telecommunications infrastructure provider in Indonesia, has responded to the potential competition from Amazon's Project Kuiper in the country. This comes after Amazon successfully made its satellites communicate with each other through laser communications, bringing the company closer to competing with SpaceX's Starlink [04b21209]. Indosat remains focused on expanding its integrated network infrastructure and providing the best digital experience for customers in Indonesia. While not explicitly mentioning Project Kuiper, Indosat is open to potential business collaborations that benefit the country. The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, BAKTI Kominfo, has stated that they will consider anything that is deemed beneficial for the country [6ff89fa2]. Indosat is currently prioritizing the development of its fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) business through the brand Indosat HiFi [6ff89fa2].
Elon Musk's SpaceX has gained an advantage in Indonesia's satellite launch market following a Chinese rocket failure in April 2020. The failure resulted in the destruction of Indonesia's $220 million Nusantara-2 satellite and presented an opportunity for SpaceX to become Jakarta's company of choice for satellite launches. SpaceX's success in Indonesia can be attributed to its launch reliability, cheaper reusable rockets, and a personal relationship that Elon Musk nurtured with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Since the failure, SpaceX has successfully launched two Indonesian satellites, while China has not launched any. This success for SpaceX in Indonesia is significant as it marks a rare instance of a Western company making inroads in a market dominated by Chinese companies. The global satellite market is valued at $281 billion, and China launched a record 67 rockets in 2022, second only to the United States. The competition between SpaceX and China in Indonesia reflects the larger battle for dominance in the rapidly expanding space industry. While China currently dominates the internet and 5G market in Indonesia, the 2020 incident has made it difficult for Jakarta to turn to Chinese contractors for satellite launches again. The article also raises concerns about the U.S. government's reliance on SpaceX and Elon Musk's business style. The rivalry between SpaceX and China provides insights into the broader competition between the two countries in the satellite-based communications networks and space technology sectors [e36c9ee8].
Talks between SpaceX and Vietnamese authorities regarding the provision of Starlink satellite services to Vietnam have been put on hold. SpaceX officials had been participating in discussions with Vietnamese authorities since last year, but the talks were interrupted in the last quarter of 2023 when it became clear that lawmakers in Vietnam would not soften foreign ownership limits for SpaceX. The suspension of talks led to the interruption of Starlink's pilot services for Vietnam's coast guard, which used the satellites to guide drones in the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It is unclear whether talks will resume [5256b259].
SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, is under investigation by the US government over Russia's use of the Starlink satellite system against Ukraine. Russian troops in Ukraine allegedly used Starlink terminals to access the Internet. The Ukrainian military reported the use of Starlink technology purchased on the black market, causing concern about possible violations of sanctions and export controls. SpaceX has until March 20th to respond to the Democrats' requests for information on Russia's use of Starlink and the company's measures to ensure compliance. Elon Musk has previously stated that no Starlinks have been sold to Russia [3029d94e].
SpaceX's Starshield business unit is building a network of spy satellites for the US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) under a $1.8 billion contract signed in 2021. The network will consist of hundreds of satellites with Earth-imaging capabilities that can operate in low orbits. The satellites will track targets on the ground and share the data with US intelligence and military officials, significantly enhancing the government's ability to quickly spot potential targets worldwide. The network is separate from SpaceX's commercial broadband constellation, Starlink. The contract signals growing trust in SpaceX by the intelligence establishment, despite controversies surrounding the use of Starlink in the Ukraine war. The network is part of the US government's efforts to expand spy satellite systems in low orbits for persistent and rapid coverage of activities on Earth. The network is also intended to enhance the US government's remote-sensing capabilities and will include large satellites with imaging sensors and relay satellites that pass imaging data and other communications using inter-satellite lasers. The NRO, which manages spy satellites, includes personnel from the US Space Force and CIA [93b0b4b7].
Chinese military and state-run media have accused the United States of threatening global security after a Reuters report revealed that SpaceX is building hundreds of spy satellites for a U.S. intelligence agency. SpaceX's Starshield unit is developing the satellite network under a classified $1.8 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The People's Liberation Army (PLA) criticized the program, stating that it exposed the United States' 'shamelessness and double standards' as Washington accuses Chinese tech companies of threatening U.S. security. Wang Yanan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge, warned that the SpaceX satellite project poses a challenge to global security and stability. The NRO acknowledged its mission to develop space-based surveillance systems but did not comment on the extent of SpaceX's involvement. SpaceX did not respond to requests for comment. The planned Starshield network is separate from Starlink, SpaceX's commercial broadband constellation. Chinese researchers have studied the deployment of Starlink and warned about the risks it poses to China. China also plans to build its own satellite constellations [dbe13418].
The black market trade of SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service is growing worldwide, according to a Bloomberg report. The article highlights the increasing demand for affordable and reliable internet access in remote areas and the challenges faced by SpaceX in meeting this demand. The black market trade involves the unauthorized sale of Starlink kits and services, which are in high demand due to their superior performance compared to traditional satellite internet. The limited availability of Starlink in certain regions and the long waiting list for official subscriptions are driving the black market trade. The article provides examples of countries where the black market trade is thriving, such as India, where the high cost of official subscriptions has led to a significant demand for unauthorized Starlink services. SpaceX is taking measures to combat the black market trade, including cracking down on unauthorized resellers and expanding its official coverage. The growth of the black market trade poses challenges to SpaceX's business model and highlights the need for regulatory measures to address the issue [45b99da3].
Satellite operator Telespazio has signed a deal with SpaceX to integrate Starlink into its global hybrid connectivity network. Telespazio, a joint venture between Italy's Leonardo and France's Thales, will be able to offer Starlink's broadband internet services to its customers. The agreement allows Telespazio to expand its satcom offerings and cater to the needs of the institutional and industrial sectors. Alessandro Caranci, Vice President of Telespazio's Satellite Communications Line of Business, expressed satisfaction with the deal [67d133ba].
Hutchison Telecommunications (HTHK) announced the launch of its direct-to-handset satellite communications value-added service (VAS) by the consumer brand '3' and the premium brand 'SUPREME'. The service allows customers to make and receive satellite calls and texts using compatible smartphones and mobile devices. The satellite communications VAS will be officially launched on July 11, with pre-registration beginning on July 1. HTHK also introduced the 5G Data Roam-like-Home monthly plans, starting from a monthly fee, for data sharing in three destinations without extra charges. The plans offer a seamless network experience even in remote areas. The upgraded 1-Card-2-Number service allows customers to use a mainland mobile number to send SMS and make calls to the mainland even while in Hong Kong. The service also offers a VoLTE HD voice experience and 20 minutes of free voice calls to mainland China every month. HTHK will launch the satellite communications VAS on July 11, with pre-registration starting on July 1. The plans start from a monthly fee, with options for more data entitlement. HTHK also launched the 5G Data Roam-like-Home monthly plans for three destinations, together with the upgraded 1-Card-2-Number service, bringing a new mobile experience to users heading north, without extra roaming charges.