Elon Musk launches Starlink satellite internet service in Indonesia

Elon Musk traveled to Bali this weekend to officially launch Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, in Indonesia this Sunday.

At a launch event with ministers at a health clinic in Indonesia, Musk stressed the importance of providing Internet access to far-flung corners of the vast archipelago, made up of 17,000 islands across three time zones.

“We’re focusing this event on Starlink and the benefits I’ve discovered productivity can bring to islands and remote communities,” Musk said. “I think it’s really important to emphasize the importance of internet connectivity and how much it can change and save lives.”

Starlink has satellites that remain in low orbit, allowing them to provide faster Internet service to more places than some local Internet providers.

Communications and IT Minister Budi Arie Setiadi said local providers, which rely on base transceiver stations to transmit signals, are unable to reach the outer islands because they have limited coverage, the Associated Press reported.

At the launch event, Musk carried out an internet service speed test with several healthcare professionals in remote areas of the archipelago.

“This could really be a lifesaver for remote medical clinics, and I think it could be a possibility for education as well,” Musk told reporters, the AP reported.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that of the more than 10,000 clinics across the country, there are still about 2,700 without internet access, the AP said.

Musk will find with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday, where Musk will attend the World Water Forum conference.

The Associated Press contributed.

This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story