Elon Musk just activated his Starlink internet service to keep Ukrainians connected to the world.
Ukraine (27 February 2022) – The Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine tweeted Elon Musk asking him to get Starlink internet into the country, and the South African-born American entrepreneur activated it immediately… reconnecting Ukrainians with the world.
The Russian invasion has impacted internet connectivity in Ukraine, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the country but Mykhailo Fedorov, the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, tweeted Musk asking him to help.
“Elon Musk, while you try to colonize Mars — Russia try to occupy Ukraine! While your rockets successfully land from space — Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people! We ask you to provide Ukraine with Starlink stations and to address sane Russians to stand.”
And Musk made it happen!
“Starlink service is now active in Ukraine,” Musk responded. “More terminals en route.”
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, providing satellite Internet access coverage to most of the Earth. The constellation has grown to over 1,700 and will eventually consist of many thousands of mass-produced small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), which communicate with designated ground transceivers. While the technical possibility of satellite internet service covers most of the global population, actual service can be delivered only in countries that have licensed SpaceX to provide service within any specific national jurisdiction.
As of February 2022, the beta internet service offering is available in 29 countries, with Ukraine being one of them.
Well done Elon!! God Bless you and Ukraine!! South African here.