SpaceX plans to apply to the U.S. Government for an exemption from sanctions against Tehran to offer internet connection services in Iran through its Starlink constellation of satellites, founder Elon Musk announced on Monday on his Twitter account.
Musk earlier announced that Starlink was now available on all continents, "including Antarctica," and that the company plans to launch up to 42,000 satellites to provide high-speed connections from space.
Offering the services in Iran could "really be a game-changer for the future" of the country, the scientific journalist of Iranian origin, Erfan Kasraie, commented, prompting the announcement by Musk.
Launched at the end of 2020, the Starlink service provides internet access, particularly in areas poorly served by fixed and mobile networks, for the purchase of an antenna, a modem and a subscription, the prices of which vary depending on the country.
The service has come into the limelight after providing antennas and modems to the Ukrainian army to improve its communication capabilities in the war against Russia.
SpaceX has deployed nearly 3,000 Starlink satellites since 2019 and conducts about one launch per week with its own Falcon 9 rockets to accelerate the deployment of its constellation.
Iran has been under a toughened US sanctions regime since former President Donald Trump terminated the 2015 deal over its nuclear activities.
