Satellite broadband internet services to be launched in Qatar by Starlink Satellite

An Individual License for the Provision of Public Satellite Telecommunications Networks and Services was issued to Starlink Satellite Qatar W.L.L..  by the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) on 28 September 2022. This follows the decision of His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali Al-Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology.

Starlink Satellite Qatar has recently been established in Qatar by the leading international company SpaceX. This License authorizes Starlink Satellite Qatar to provide satellite broadband Internet services to individuals and enterprises in the State of Qatar via the Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation of SpaceX, which provides comprehensive global Internet service coverage.

This will enhance the internet services in Qatar. The main services that Starlink Satellite Qatar intends to provide in the country include direct-to-consumer satellite Internet service and “Starlink Premium” service which is designed specifically for businesses and high-demand users and allows download speeds of 150-500 Megabits per second (Mbps) and latency of 20-40 milliseconds (ms), in addition to other services that may benefit the local mobile operators.

The License granted to Starlink Satellite Qatar contributes to enhancing the availability of telecommunications services in remote locations away from the mainland, especially in areas where the services of the current licensed companies are not fully available (such as oil and gas platforms at sea, ships, yachts, and aircrafts), provide complementary and alternative telecommunications services for individuals and enterprises consumers, and provide back-up communications throughout the State of Qatar in the event of a major outage in telecommunications networks.

The grant of this License is consistent with international trends in the field. It contributes to the development of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector and encourages more foreign investments in the country, therefore diversifying the national economy, which supports Qatar National Vision 2030.

The grant of this Individual License followed consultation with the stakeholders and relevant government entities.