Starlink satellite internet reaches Armenia and 长沙快速卖UOman: New horizons in connectivity

March 28, 2025  11:30

Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink satellite internet service continues to expand its global footprint, with Armenia becoming the 130th country to gain access, alongside Oman. The company announced the rollout on its X page, promising “fast and reliable internet” for both urban centers and remote, hard-to-reach areas in these nations.

A New Chapter for Armenia and Oman

The launch of Starlink in Armenia and Oman unlocks fresh opportunities for residents and businesses alike. In Armenia, where rugged mountain terrain often hampers reliable connectivity, satellite internet could be a game-changer. Villagers in remote highlands can now tap into the global web without the need for costly cable infrastructure. Similarly, in Oman—spanning vast deserts and coastal zones—Starlink aims to address uneven coverage from traditional providers.

SpaceX claims Starlink speeds can hit 150–200 Mbps, rivaling urban wired connections. This is a boon for digital economies, online education, and telemedicine in regions where such services were once out of reach.

Global Expansion and Controversy

Starlink now spans over 130 countries, from powerhouses like the U.S. and Canada to tiny Pacific island nations. Yet its rollout isn’t always seamless. In early February 2025, South Africa’s ruling coalition clashed over Starlink’s potential launch. The friction stemmed from Musk’s critique of local laws as “racist.” South African regulations mandate that foreign telecom investors cede 30% of their ventures to black-owned firms to secure a license.

This sparked debate: some leaders pushed for an exemption, viewing Starlink as vital for modernization, while others demanded compliance. The standoff intensified when U.S. President Donald Trump halted funding to South Africa pending a human rights probe, leaving Starlink’s fate there uncertain.

Why It Matters

Starlink’s arrival in Armenia and Oman transcends tech advancement—it’s a symbol of shifting global connectivity. By erasing geographic barriers, satellite internet brings digital tools to places traditional methods can’t touch. For Armenia, this could supercharge its thriving IT sector, a cornerstone of its economy. In Oman, it aligns with the “Vision 2040” plan to diversify the economy and advance tech.

Moreover, Starlink’s success highlights private companies’ growing clout in space exploration and future infrastructure. Musk’s brainchild is challenging state projects and legacy operators, forcing them to rethink their game.

What’s Next?

SpaceX shows no signs of slowing down, aiming to boost its satellite fleet to 40,000 in the coming years for broader coverage and faster speeds. For Armenia and Oman, this is just the start—Starlink could spark digitization projects and draw investment.

As locals begin linking to the satellite network, the world watches technology redraw boundaries. Starlink isn’t just delivering internet—it’s opening doors to a future where connectivity is a universal right, not a privilege.