Armenia Takes a Giant Leap: Enhancing Digital Infrastructure and Economic Growth with Starlink

Elon Musk’s Stars Over Armenia: How Starlink Can Enhance Armenia’s Digital Independence and Economic Growth

In a historic moment, SpaceX has officially launched its satellite internet service, Starlink, in Armenia. The development marks a significant milestone for the country, as it looks to enhance its digital infrastructure and secure its economic future.

Starlink’s arrival is particularly crucial for Armenia, given its current reliance on Azerbaijani-controlled fiber optic cables. The 1,200-kilometer Caucasus Cable System running along the bottom of the Black Sea connects Armenia to Europe but has raised concerns about Azerbaijan’s influence over Armenia’s digital infrastructure. With Starlink, Armenia can now choose an alternative route for its online communications, fostering a sense of independence and security in the face of potential cyber threats.

Starlink’s CEO, Gwynne Shotwell, emphasized the importance of this development during her recent visit to Yerevan: “We believe that Starlink will play a critical role in bridging the digital divide and connecting the unconnected. Armenia is a key market for us, and we’re excited to work with the government and private sector to bring high-quality internet access to the people of Armenia.”

The potential benefits of Starlink extend far beyond just improving connectivity; it also has significant implications for Armenia’s economy. By bypassing Azerbaijani-controlled infrastructure, Armenia can now focus on its digital development without external interference.

“This will disable Azerbaijan’s capacity to shut down or slow down Armenia’s internet access during a time of conflict,” said Eric Hacopian, a prominent political analyst in Armenia. “Given the importance of the IT sector in Armenia, this kind of access is far more relevant to our economy than to our neighbors.”

As Armenia embarks on this new chapter in its digital journey, it must balance the benefits of Starlink with the complexities of international competition. The European Union has recently signed an €10.6 billion ($11.1B) deal to build a sovereign satellite constellation called Iris² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite). This ambitious project aims to rival Starlink and boost the EU’s digital sovereignty by providing secure communications to governments.

As Armenia navigates this evolving landscape, it must be vigilant about the long-term implications of these developments. With recent regulatory approvals and the commencement of testing, the timeline for Starlink’s operational launch in Armenia is accelerating.

Source: http://www.forbes.com