Starlink services are unavailable in certain countries due to licensing agreements or US sanctions, leading to a growing presence of Starlink kits in illegal black markets worldwide. Despite these obstacles, the high-speed internet system has gained popularity through a network of underground distribution. This widespread issue raises concerns about the implications for the company and the geopolitical consequences of allowing or halting the illicit market.
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite program touts itself as a source of reliable internet in hard-to-reach places. But there are some countries where Starlink’s services aren’t licensed, or where the company can’t do business because of US sanctions. And a Bloomberg investigation has found that Starlink kits are appearing in many of those markets anyway – with geopolitical consequences.
On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg senior editor Alan Crawford traces the burgeoning black market for Starlink terminals, from Sudan to Venezuela. And national security reporter Dan Flatley breaks down why US government officials are taking notice – and the hurdles to shutting the black market down.
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