PM Anwar: Govt to Buy 40 Starlink Internet Devices For Use in Schools, Universities

Following his virtual meeting with Elon Musk recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the government will purchase 40 units of internet devices from one of the former’s companies, Starlink.

As reported by FMT, the Starlink internet devices will be used in universities, colleges and schools across the country.

In case you’re not familiar, Starlink is a satellite communications device from SpaceX which provides internet links through the SpaceX constellation of satellites in low-earth orbit.

In other words, the device allows for internet connection at places without fibre optic or telco internet reach, as the connection is directly from the device to SpaceX satellites.

Anwar said that the decision to purchase the devices was made after the online meeting with Musk. He added,

“So, after the meeting, I told (Communications and Digital Minister) Fahmi yesterday to purchase the devices immediately, and we’ll install them at universities that need them,

“This (Starlink) is a small device, but it can transform a slow internet connection to a fast one immediately. If there’s no internet access here, it would enable (it), because the device communicates directly with the satellite,”

The Prime Minister added that Starlink can also be used to generally improve internet coverage in rural areas. However, Anwar asserted that the devices would be installed at learning institutions that need them most first before being implemented elsewhere.

So, what do you guys think of the government purchasing Starlink devices? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

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