Satellite Internet provider Starlink will soon provide Armenians with global access

The closing ceremony of Armenia’s World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT) in October this year was charged with anticipation. Attendees expected to hear directly from SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a man whose exploits in space exploration and electric vehicles are matched only by his penchant for redefining digital connectivity.

But instead of Musk’s face lighting up the screen, Armenian-American entrepreneur Razmig Hovaghimian took the stage, using Musk’s words in a statement. “Hey everyone,” Musk’s message began, “I’m sorry I can’t make it to Yerevan this time, but hopefully next time in person.” He followed this with a dose of enthusiasm tailored to his audience: “Excited to take Starlink to Armenia and work with the local tech community on some exciting projects – from space exploration to developing open and transparent AI that pushes the boundaries of human understanding.”

With these words, Musk reaffirmed his commitment to connecting Armenia to the wider world, not only in terms of internet access, but as part of a bold vision that spans space and artificial intelligence. For a country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, this was no small promise.

A New Era of Connectivity: Armenia’s Next Leap

The Armenian government, eager to capitalize on Musk’s ambitions, has set in motion a comprehensive plan for Starlink’s integration. The Ministry of High-Tech Industry has been working closely with SpaceX to navigate regulatory requirements, coordinate frequency allocations and lay the groundwork for the infrastructure needed. This month, the Armenian Public Services Regulatory Commission approved applications by STARLINK AM LLC for an exploitation license to operate a public electronic communications network and a license to use radio frequencies. This regulatory milestone has paved the way for the next crucial phase.

Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan announced that Starlink is now entering the testing phase, and expressed optimism that this step would be completed in the coming months, allowing the service to become fully operational. This accelerated timeline suggests that Starlink may be available to Armenian users earlier than the initially estimated 2025 launch.

The government’s focus on Starlink is part of Armenia’s broader digital transformation agenda, an ambitious effort to position the country as a technology-driven economy.

Reaching the Unreached: Starlink’s Potential in Rural Armenia

One of the most important aspects of Starlink’s arrival is its potential impact on rural and underserved areas. Armenia’s mountainous geography has long been an obstacle to consistent internet connectivity. In regions where high-speed broadband remains a distant dream, Starlink’s satellite-based service can be a transformative force. With high-speed and reliable Internet, rural communities will have unprecedented access to online education, telemedicine, and digital commerce—opportunities once limited to urban centers.

For example, a farmer in the remote region of Syunik could now explore market prices and agricultural innovations online. Students in isolated villages would finally be able to participate in global digital learning platforms and level the playing field in education. This democratization of information has the power to ignite a new wave of progress in Armenia, reshaping its economy and societal fabric.

Regional dynamics and geopolitical consequences

Starlink would ensure Armenia’s internet connectivity during conflicts with its neighbors, particularly Azerbaijan, with whom the country has ongoing territorial disputes and periodic military tensions, particularly over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Five years ago, Azerbaijani businessman Nasib Hasanov’s NEQSOL Holding bought Caucasus Online, which owns the 1,200-kilometer Caucasian cable system that runs along the bottom of the Black Sea and connects the region to Europe. This has fueled concerns about Azerbaijan’s influence over Armenia’s digital infrastructure. Starlink can disrupt this dynamic.

“This will disable Azerbaijan’s ability to shut down or slow Armenia’s internet access during a time of conflict,” said Eric Hacopian, a prominent political analyst in Armenia. “Given the importance of the IT sector in Armenia, this type of access is much more relevant to our economy than to our neighbors.”

Balancing geopolitics and opportunity

The arrival of Starlink, while a technological leap, does not resolve this entrenched geopolitical dynamic. Instead, it offers Armenia a tool to increase its independence, both digitally and economically. Starlink’s resilience during conflict makes it a strategic asset, as demonstrated in Ukraine where it maintained critical communications infrastructure amid Russian attacks.

Learn from Starlink’s Global Impact

The lessons learned from Starlink’s use in Ukraine – including the need for reliable service continuity and anti-abuse protection – are not lost on Armenian officials. The government is committed to ensuring that Starlink’s advantages are leveraged for progress while remaining vigilant on its potential vulnerabilities.

Musk’s message, read by Hovaghimian, wasn’t just a set of grandiose statements. For Armenians, it was confirmation that their country has captured one of the world’s most influential innovators. The success of Starlink in Armenia could set a precedent for the wider region, potentially reshaping digital landscapes and geopolitical dynamics across the Caucasus.

Global competition in satellite internet

While Armenia is moving forward with Starlink, it is worth noting that the global satellite internet landscape is becoming increasingly competitive. The European Union recently signed a €10.6 billion ($11.1 billion) deal to build a sovereign satellite constellation called Iris² (infrastructure for resilience, connectivity and security via satellite). This ambitious project aims to compete with Starlink and strengthen the EU’s digital sovereignty by providing secure communications to governments.

With plans for nearly 300 satellites in low and medium orbits by 2030, Iris² represents a significant investment in Europe’s digital future and could potentially offer alternative options for countries like Armenia in the coming years.

Will Armenia fully embrace this opportunity and navigate the complexities that come with it? The journey is underway, and with recent regulatory approvals and the start of testing, the timeline for Starlink’s operational launch in Armenia is accelerating. The skies above Yerevan may soon host more than just stars; they can be the new connecting links that link a nation – from its remotest villages to the bustling streets of its capital – to the limitless expanse of the digital world.