Elon Musk, boss of SpaceX and Tesla, on February 10, 2022, near Boca Chica in the United States (AFP/Archives/JIM WATSON)
SpaceX intends to request an exemption from sanctions against Iran from the American administration in order to offer internet connection services there via its constellation of Starlink satellites, the founder of the aerospace company Elon Musk announced on Monday on his account. Twitter.
Responding to a question from a reporter, Musk said “Starlink will apply for sanctions exemptions against Iran” so it can offer its service there.
Elon Musk initially announced that Starlink was now available on all continents, “including Antarctica”, as the company plans to launch up to 42,000 satellites to provide high-speed connection from space.
Offering the services in Iran could “really be a game-changer for the future” of the country, reacted the scientific journalist of Iranian origin Erfan Kasraie, leading to the response of Mr. Musk.
Launched at the end of 2020, the Starlink service provides internet access, particularly in areas poorly served by landline fixed and mobile networks, for the purchase of an antenna and a modem and a subscription, the prices of which vary depending on the country. .
The service has enjoyed a spotlight after providing antennas and modems to the Ukrainian army to improve its communication capabilities in the war against Russia.
Undated photo posted on Elon Musk’s Twitter account, showing one of 60 Starlink satellites before their launch in May 2019 (@elonmusk/AFP/Archives/HO)
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 tougher US sanctions regime since former President Donald Trump terminated the 2015 deal over its nuclear activities.
If current President Joe Biden has shown himself in favor of a renegotiation of the agreement, the Iranian insistence on obtaining guarantees from the American administration is blocking the discussions.
New rounds of sanctions were taken against Iran in early September, after the delivery of drones to Russia on the one hand as well as for the alleged involvement of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security in the massive cyberattack which targeted Albania in July.
© 2022 AFP
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