Starlink Demands Full Ownership to Launch Satellite Internet Services in Nepal

Elon Musk's satellite internet service, Starlink, has repeated its condition that it will only launch its services in Nepal if the government permits the company to have complete ownership of its local license. This stance was shared by Starlink Director Rebecca Hunter during a meeting on Monday with Nepal's Communications Minister, Dr. Bikram Timilsina. Hunter explained that the company is currently hitting a wall when it comes to getting official approval because of Nepal's existing legal rules and policies.

The main disagreement stems from Nepal's current telecom policy, which caps foreign business ownership. Under these existing rules, international companies are only allowed to own up to 80% of a telecom service provider, meaning they must partner with local Nepali investors who hold the remaining 20% stake. However, Starlink, which is operated by SpaceX, is firmly holding its ground, stating it wants to run its high speed satellite internet services with 100% ownership and completely without any local business partners.