Türkiye discusses licensing Starlink as discussions still in progress

Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu stated that discussions with SpaceX’s Starlink are ongoing and that a license could be issued once necessary conditions are met.

Speaking at the GSMA Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Spain, Uraloglu emphasized the importance of secure and reliable communication channels.

Türkiye’s discussions with Starlink continue

During an interview with journalists, Uraloglu addressed Türkiye’s strategy for satellite communications and its approach to integrating foreign technologies like Starlink.

“We must meet our needs through the right channels. However, we will not use any system where we do not feel secure,” Uraloglu said.

He acknowledged the role of low-Earth orbit satellites in modern communication but stressed that Türkiye would only grant Starlink a license if the country’s security concerns were fully addressed.

“We will license and authorize Starlink only when we truly feel secure. However, we are not at that stage yet,” he added.

Türkiye’s approach to satellite communication

Uraloglu underscored Türkiye’s long-standing emphasis on domestic and national production in communication technologies.

He highlighted that while integrating international solutions remains an option, ensuring national security and technological independence is a priority.

“We must use low-Earth orbit satellites to a certain extent, but we will proceed cautiously,” he said. The minister did not specify a timeline for when a final decision on Starlink’s licensing could be expected.

The potential licensing of Starlink in Türkiye could provide satellite-based internet access to rural and remote areas, improving connectivity especially during disasters. Given the connectivity problems experienced during earthquakes in the past, Türkiye may have a chance to solve this problem. However, government approval remains a prerequisite for the service’s entry into the Turkish market.

While SpaceX has expanded Starlink’s reach globally, Türkiye has been deliberate in evaluating its compatibility with national security and infrastructure policies.

Minister Uraloglu reiterated that discussions with Starlink are still in progress and that a decision would be made based on national security assessments and technical evaluations.