Yemen Launches Starlink Internet Service

Starlink has announced the launch of its satellite internet service in Yemen, a decision aimed at improving internet connectivity for a population devastated by years of civil war.

The decision is intended to provide affordable, high-speed internet access to all citizens. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk confirmed the development in a social media post, stating, "Starlink available in Yemen!"

The move could improve internet access in the country, which currently ranks among the worst in the world in terms of connectivity. Yemen has been ravaged by civil war since 2014, with the Saudi-backed government fighting Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. Infrastructure, including telecommunications, has suffered extensively, leaving millions without reliable internet access.

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, provides internet via a network of satellites in low Earth orbit, delivering high-speed service to even the most remote areas. For Yemen, where ground-based infrastructure is often a target in the conflict, the satellite-based system could offer a more resilient alternative.

The country’s recognized government sees the Starlink deal as a potential strategic victory in its ongoing struggle against the Houthis. The rebel group, which controls large parts of northern Yemen, has historically used its grip over telecommunications infrastructure to suppress opposition and consolidate power. Starlink’s orbital infrastructure would be much harder for the Houthis to disrupt compared to traditional networks on the ground.

The conflict has also extended to global trade. In recent months, Houthi forces have attacked commercial ships in the Red Sea, disrupting maritime trade and allegedly targeting undersea internet cables. Though the rebels have denied cutting these cables, tensions in the region have continued to escalate. The introduction of Starlink, with its reliance on satellite networks, could offer a way to bypass such vulnerabilities.

Yemen joins a small group of Middle Eastern countries officially licensed to use Starlink, including Israel and Jordan.

However, concerns have been raised about the illicit use of Starlink’s technology. Reports from the U.S. and other countries have detailed a black market for Starlink terminals, with unauthorized parties in conflict zones like Sudan, Venezuela, and Russian-occupied Ukraine reportedly accessing the network. In Yemen, both criminal groups and militant factions have allegedly utilized the service without government approval. SpaceX has stated that it is working to investigate and deactivate unauthorized use.