Starlink wins 10-year broadband satellite licence in the UAE

TL;DR: The UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority granted Starlink a 10-year licence to establish, operate, and manage broadband satellite internet services in the United Arab Emirates. The licence covers consumers, businesses, government entities, and satellite connectivity for maritime and aviation users.

The UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) granted Starlink a 10-year licence on Friday to establish, operate, and manage broadband satellite internet services in the United Arab Emirates.

TDRA said authorising Starlink adds a space-based layer to the UAE’s national digital infrastructure and expands internet access options beyond fibre-optic and 5G networks.

The General Space Services licence covers individual consumers, businesses, government entities, and satellite connectivity services for the maritime and aviation sectors in the UAE.

TDRA said Starlink’s services in the UAE remain subject to the country’s regulatory and technical frameworks, including rules on security, protection of information infrastructure, service quality, reliability and continuity, consumer rights, data privacy, spectrum use, and technical coordination with relevant authorities.