Indonesia rolls out Starlink for health sector internet access
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The news: Indonesia has launched SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, across the country’s health sector, in efforts to improve internet access in the nation.
The numbers: Indonesia’s population of 270 million people is spread across an archipelago comprised of 17,000 islands, spanning three time zones.
The context: Elon Musk arrived in Denpasar Bali to launch the Starlink rollout in three health care centres on Sunday. His launch included a speed test of the internet service with a health worker located on the island of Aru, in one of the country’s most remote provinces.
During the press conference, when Musk was asked about his plans to invest in the country’s electric vehicle sector he responded that Starlink was the primary initial focus.
"We are focusing this event on Starlink and the benefits that connectivity brings to remote islands," he said, "I think it's really to emphasise the importance of internet connectivity, how much of that can be a lifesaver."
Musk is scheduled to meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday, and will participate in the 10th World Water Forum this week.
The sources: Associated Press, Bloomberg
