Reaching for the Starlink

As Starlink continues its rapid expansion around the globe, governments across the Pacific are responding with a mix of enthusiasm and caution to Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider. While many welcome the service for its ability to bring reliable, high-speed connections to some of the most remote places on Earth, the arrival of the global tech giant is also raising concerns over regulatory oversight, infrastructure investment risks and data security. Traditional providers, particularly those reliant on undersea fibre-optic cables, now face pressing questions about the sustainability of their business models. With Starlink offering faster deployment and competitive pricing, the pressure is mounting on incumbents to adapt or risk losing market share. At the same time, some governments also remain cautious about Starlink’s influence. Cynthia Mehboob, a researcher at Australian National University, said Starlink’s spread was not without risks. “It speaks to how more and more power, when it comes to information technology, is now being concentrated into the hands of Big Tech. Implications for data security and privacy would become a big question, going forward, because you’ve got an entity like Musk with his whims, and you’ve got his very close connection to President Trump,” she said.