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SpaceX wants to bring satellite internet to Iran: Elon Musk

SpaceX wants to bring satellite internet to Iran: Elon Musk

 Billionaire Elon Musk has said that SpaceX will apply for an exemption from United States (US) sanctions against Iran in a bid to offer its satellite internet service to the Islamic Republic country.

Iranian-born science journalist, Erfan Kasraie, said on Twitter that bringing the satellite internet service to Iran could be a "real game changer for the future" of the country. Musk said in response to a tweet from a science reporter, “Starlink (satellite internet service operated by SpaceX) will apply for an exemption from sanctions against Iran.” 

Earlier, Musk announced that satellite internet service, Starlink, has been made available on all seven continents, including Antarctica.

Starlink reportedly offers high-speed broadband service to customers through a constellation of satellites in low earth orbit. As per SpaceX's website, SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites in 2019. According to the outlet, SpaceX also plans to begin launching Starlink Version 2 satellites next year. Musk’s SpaceX is reportedly aiming to expand Starlink. 

Around 3,000 Starlink satellites have been deployed since 2019. Reportedly, SpaceX is conducting about one launch a week, using its own Falcon 9 rockets, to speed up the deployment process. It already provides satellite internet access coverage to 40 countries.

Last week, Musk's SpaceX tested one of its Starlink internet terminals at McMurdo Station in Antarctica. It was successful. Subsequently, Musk wrote on Twitter, "Starlink is now active on all continents, including Antarctica."

Musk’s statement comes amid the protests in Iran over the death of a 22-year-old woman in police custody. Notably, internet observatory Netblocks reported a "3.5-hour regional internet blackout" in the region during the protests. Netblocks also reported partial disruptions in Tehran, the capital of Iran, and other Iranian cities since Friday.

The US has imposed sanctions against Iran after former US President, Donald Trump, announced his intention to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or the 2015 nuclear deal. 


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