Space Prospects for Armenia: Deputy Minister presents progress of negotiations with Elon Musk's Starlink

YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Negotiations with Elon Musk's Starlink company regarding its operations in Armenia are ongoing. This was stated by Gevorg Meliksetyan, the Deputy Minister of the High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia, in response to questions from ARKA Telecom about the prospects arising from successful cooperation.

In December 2024, the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) of Armenia approved two applications from Starlink AM LLC for the use of radio frequencies.

“At this stage, possible legal and regulatory frameworks are being discussed, as coordination is necessary. We are confident that once this is resolved, we will be able to implement this type of communication. I would prefer not to announce a specific deadline for the completion of the negotiations, as various issues arise during discussions, which are resolved as quickly as possible. We are making progress,” Meliksetyan said.

He emphasized that satellite communication serves as an alternative to traditional fiber-optic communication.

“In areas where infrastructure development is difficult or unprofitable for private companies, satellite communication services become very accessible. All that is required is to establish a connection between the user’s device and the satellite in space. This gives us the opportunity to have an alternative communication method,” Meliksetyan explained.

The deputy minister also pointed out that Starlink is not the only satellite communications company with which Armenia is negotiating.

Additionally, he noted that the Ministry of High-Tech Industry, in collaboration with the PSRC, has initiated the process of deploying a 5G network in Armenia.

“The process is ongoing, and results will be available soon. This is a fifth-generation network that will provide new advantages,” Meliksetyan added, refraining from offering further details.