Taiwan Clears Path for Starlink Satellite Internet Service

TAIPEI: (News Desk) Taiwan’s parliament has approved amendments to the Telecommunications Management Act, removing key legal barriers that had prevented Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service from entering the island’s market.

The legislative changes introduce a case-by-case review mechanism that allows authorities to exempt foreign satellite operators from previous requirements, including the need for a Taiwanese chairperson and a 49% cap on foreign ownership.

Lawmakers from both the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the opposition backed the amendments in a rare display of bipartisan unity. Officials said future approvals will take into account national security, cybersecurity, market competition and other relevant considerations.

The revised legislation will now be sent to President Lai Ching-te for final approval before it comes into effect.

Taiwan has been seeking to strengthen the resilience of its communications infrastructure amid growing security concerns and the possibility of conflict with China. The island currently relies heavily on undersea telecommunications cables and does not operate its own low-Earth orbit satellite network.

State-owned Chunghwa Telecom has already partnered with several international satellite providers to ensure emergency communications during natural disasters or potential military crises. However, lawmakers argued that allowing Starlink to operate would further enhance Taiwan’s communication capabilities.

Owned by US entrepreneur Elon Musk, Starlink is the world’s largest low-Earth orbit satellite internet network, operating thousands of satellites and providing broadband services in dozens of countries.