Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has granted Starlink a 10-year General Satellite Services Licence to establish, operate and manage a public satellite telecommunications network and provide satellite broadband internet services in the UAE.
The licence authorises Starlink to provide satellite internet services in accordance with the UAE's approved regulatory and technical frameworks and subject to fulfilment of the necessary requirements.
The move adds a satellite connectivity layer to the UAE's national digital infrastructure ecosystem, complementing existing terrestrial fibre-optic and 5G networks.
This will diversify internet access options, enhance the resilience, readiness, and continuity of the national network under various conditions, and support critical sectors including maritime and aviation transport, energy, logistics, and emergency response.
Coverage for individuals, businesses and government
Under the licence, Starlink's services will cover individuals, businesses and government entities, while also providing satellite connectivity for the maritime and aviation sectors.
The satellite network is expected to broaden the range of connectivity solutions available in the UAE, providing an additional option alongside the country's established terrestrial communications infrastructure.
Strengthening digital resilience
According to a statement issued by the UAE Government Media Office on Friday, the licence will enhance the diversity and resilience of the country's digital infrastructure and support service continuity.
From a regulatory perspective, the license reflects TDRA’s approach to adopting a flexible and forward-looking regulatory framework that embraces emerging technologies, expands user choice and connectivity solutions, and promotes competition.
This is expected to contribute to service quality, customer experience, and continuity of telecommunications services, while reinforcing the UAE’s position as an attractive destination for global satellite system operators, in support of the objectives of the UAE Digital Agenda and “We the UAE 2031” vision.
Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director-General of TDRA, said, "This license represents a significant addition to the UAE’s telecommunications sector and reflects the country’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies and fostering a flexible regulatory environment that supports innovation and investment.
"The introduction of advanced satellite internet services will expand connectivity options, enhance network resilience and business continuity, and support the UAE’s ambition to strengthen its position as a regional and global hub for telecommunications and the digital economy.”
He added, "TDRA is committed to ensuring that the introduction of emerging and new technologies delivers tangible benefits to customers, service quality, and sector competitiveness, while maintaining the highest standards of security, reliability, and consumer protection."
The services covered by the license are subject to the UAE’s approved regulatory and technical frameworks, including requirements related to security and the protection of information infrastructure, service quality, reliability and continuity, consumer rights and data privacy, as well as compliance with spectrum-use regulations and technical coordination with relevant authorities.
These requirements form an essential part of licensing decisions of this nature. TDRA’s regulatory approach seeks to balance enabling access to advanced technologies with ensuring that their deployment takes place within a robust framework that safeguards network security and consumer rights.
