Musk Calls Lebanese President as Starlink Seeks License
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind SpaceX and Starlink, held a phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to explore potential opportunities for his companies in Lebanon’s telecommunications and internet sectors.
According to a statement from President Aoun’s office on Thursday, Musk expressed keen interest in Lebanon’s connectivity challenges, particularly in expanding satellite-based internet services. In response, President Aoun welcomed the interest and invited Musk to visit Lebanon, affirming his openness to having Musk’s businesses operate in the country.
The conversation follows a recent visit to Beirut by Sam Turner, Starlink’s Global Director of Licensing and Development, who met with top Lebanese officials, including President Aoun. The discussions focused on introducing Starlink’s satellite internet services in a country known for some of the lowest internet speeds globally. U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson was also present during those meetings.
Despite enthusiasm from some officials, the proposal has faced resistance from Lebanon’s existing internet operators. State-owned companies, which currently control the market, are lobbying against granting a license to Starlink, citing concerns over competition and regulatory disruption.
Starlink, a satellite internet venture operated by SpaceX, has recently secured licenses in India and Lesotho, and is now targeting further global expansion, with Lebanon emerging as a potential new market.
