Starlink’s South Asian Push: Sri Lanka’s balancing act between connectivity and security

Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, has begun making definitive strides into South Asia, with Sri Lanka becoming the first country in the region to grant it official operating status. The approval marks a watershed moment in both technological advancement and geopolitical negotiation, as countries like Sri Lanka grapple with the challenge of welcoming global tech giants while safeguarding national security and data sovereignty.

Starlink, developed by Musk’s SpaceX, currently operates the world’s largest constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, controlling about 60% of the roughly 7,500 satellites orbiting Earth. Designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet even in the most remote locations, the Starlink system offers packages capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, and secure video communications.

The service is already active across much of North and South America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and parts of Africa. In 2024, Starlink expanded further by launching services in Indonesia to help bridge digital divides in remote islands — a model now being pursued in Sri Lanka. Bangladesh has also approved Starlink's services, and trials were scheduled for April 9. Starlink is awaiting approval in India and Pakistan.

Further expanding its global reach despite some Elon Musk backlash, this week Starlink launched in Somalia with government approval.

Over the weekend, Elon Musk announced that SpaceX’s Starlink internet service went live in Somalia after a Somalian government official confirmed the company secured an operating license. The rollout marks a milestone for internet access in a nation hungry for better service.

Sri Lanka becomes Starlink’s South Asian foothold

In early 2024, under the previous administration, Sri Lanka’s Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRCSL) issued Starlink a license to operate in the country. This was made possible through a landmark amendment to the telecommunications law — the first of its kind in 28 years — passed by Parliament. It created the legislative framework necessary for advanced satellite internet technologies to enter the local market.

By March 2024, SpaceX formally proposed launching services in Sri Lanka, leading to further regulatory approvals, including the clearance of five Starlink broadband packages ranging from Rs. 9,200 to Rs. 1.8 million per month. Services were expected to begin by April 2025 through Starlink Lanka (Private) Ltd.

Despite the technological leap, Sri Lanka’s embrace of Starlink has not been without scrutiny. With satellite communications operating independently of terrestrial infrastructure, governments face unique challenges in monitoring digital communications — a task typically easier through traditional telecom channels.

Sri Lanka’s current administration has voiced these concerns clearly. IT Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne recently said that services would not commence until Starlink guaranteed provisions for legal interception and governmental access to data in cases involving national security.

“There may be instances in which Starlink satellite communication services are used for unlawful acts. Then, the Sri Lankan security apparatus should have the right to obtain data related to such communication for legal action,” Weeraratne emphasized.

Starlink has been implicated in several unlawful activities globally, raising concerns about its potential misuse.

In November 2024, Indian authorities discovered that Myanmarese smugglers used a Starlink Mini device to navigate a fishing trawler carrying over 6,000 kg of methamphetamine worth approximately $4.25 billion. The device was found during a significant drug bust in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Indian police have since requested information from SpaceX regarding the device's purchase and usage details.

In 2023, a U.S. Navy chief aboard the USS Manchester operated an unauthorized Starlink network named "STINKY" to provide Wi-Fi to the crew. She used personal funds to purchase the equipment and concealed its existence from superiors, leading to her demotion after the network was discovered.

Sri Lanka may be the first South Asian country to authorize Starlink, but it’s unlikely to be the last. Musk has long been eyeing India — a digital economy of over 950 million users — as a prime expansion target.

In late 2024, Starlink entered a strategic agreement with Bharti Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom operator. The partnership would allow Starlink to piggyback on Airtel’s vast retail and service infrastructure. However, the deal is subject to regulatory clearance from the Indian government.

India's recent policy shift to allocate satellite spectrum via administrative procedures — rather than auctions — was seen as a positive signal for companies like SpaceX. Still, political resistance remains, especially from telecom magnates such as Mukesh Ambani, who argue that spectrum should be competitively auctioned.

Indian authorities, too, are wary. Reports of smugglers allegedly using Starlink to facilitate drug trafficking in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have added to the scrutiny. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are pressing for stronger oversight before the government grants Starlink operational clearance.

Starlink’s global expansion raises security and geopolitical concerns

The global deployment of Starlink has triggered growing security concerns among governments, military strategists, and cybersecurity experts. While the technology offers groundbreaking connectivity—particularly in underserved and remote regions—its broad reach and dual-use nature, supporting both civilian and military applications, present complex challenges to national security and global strategic stability.

Starlink’s vast constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites enables real-time, high-speed communication that can significantly bolster military operations. However, this capability has also sparked fears over the erosion of traditional deterrence strategies. Analysts caution that the integration of systems like Starlink into military doctrines could facilitate more effective first-strike options, potentially undermining long-standing concepts such as mutual assured destruction.

The fact that Starlink is controlled by a private U.S. company has added a layer of geopolitical sensitivity. Nations like China have voiced concerns, alleging that Starlink interferes with their space operations and could serve as a quasi-military asset for the United States. Taiwan, despite facing persistent cyber threats and tensions with China, has reportedly been reluctant to adopt Starlink due to fears of entanglement in U.S.-China geopolitical dynamics, especially given Elon Musk’s business ties with Beijing.

In Europe, Starlink’s dominance has prompted policymakers to push for satellite sovereignty. The European Union is developing its own satellite networks to reduce reliance on foreign-controlled infrastructure and ensure autonomous control over critical communications in times of crisis.

Starlink’s real-world implications became evident during the Russia-Ukraine war. After Russian attacks disrupted Ukrainian communications in early 2022, Starlink was deployed to restore internet access for civilians and enable secure channels for the military and government. However, beginning in May 2024, Ukraine began reporting outages in Starlink connectivity. Military officials attributed these disruptions to Russia’s electronic warfare operations, suggesting that advanced jamming technologies were being tested to counter Starlink’s signals.

What lies ahead for Sri Lanka and Starlink?

Starlink’s network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites promises to deliver reliable and resilient connectivity, particularly beneficial in disaster-prone or geographically isolated areas. This technology is expected to bridge the digital divide and enable economic development through improved communication infrastructure. However, the introduction of a global satellite internet system also presents significant regulatory and security challenges for the island nation.

To address these concerns, Sri Lanka is working to establish a balance between encouraging technological innovation and safeguarding national security. The approval of Starlink coincides with the introduction of the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, which created the Online Safety Commission tasked with monitoring and regulating online content and digital infrastructure. This legislation is seen as a proactive step in ensuring that digital platforms, including satellite networks, are not exploited for unlawful or subversive activities.

Further, the government emphasizes strict regulatory oversight of Starlink’s operations within the country. The TRCSL will play a central role in monitoring compliance with licensing terms, ensuring that user data is protected and that the satellite service cannot be used to circumvent lawful surveillance or security protocols. Officials have stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue with international partners and technology firms to implement best practices in cybersecurity and digital governance.

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa reassured the public that while the government is committed to expanding internet access — especially in underserved rural and estate regions — it must also ensure the safe deployment of new technologies. “The government intervened to streamline the process by ensuring national security and regulating the services provided to users,” he stated.

If successful, Starlink’s entry could be a game-changer for Sri Lanka. It promises to bridge the long-standing digital divide and position the country as a tech-forward hub in the Indian Ocean region. But the road ahead requires careful navigation, with legal, ethical, and geopolitical questions still hovering like satellites in low Earth orbit.