SpaceX - an aerospace company founded by Elon Musk in 2002 - and its satellite internet access service, Starlink Services, are said to be particularly interested in investing in Cambodia.
Several specific areas of interest were discussed during the visit to Cambodia by a Space X delegation led by Rebecca Hunter, Director of Marketing and Development.
Currently, no detailed information is available on the specific modernization projects SpaceX plans to undertake in Cambodia. However, discussions between SpaceX-Starlink and Cambodian officials focused on the following:
Modernising telecommunications
Improving Cambodia's telecommunications services using Starlink's satellite Internet technology is a major area of focus. This could mean improving internet connectivity throughout the country, particularly in rural areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking.
Improving the e-commerce platform
Meetings with the Ministry of Commerce have discussed potential investments to improve the Ministry's e-commerce platform, which could support the digital commerce infrastructure and thus promote economic growth.
Agricultural technology (Agritech)
Although not directly mentioned in the investment discussions, Starlink's high-speed internet has already been used in Cambodia to support smart farming initiatives. This includes enabling the use of IoT devices, robotics and precision farming tools, which could be an area for investment.
Technological advances
Through the Prime Minister, the Cambodian government has expressed its desire to develop its technology sector, and ‘SpaceX-Starlink's investment plans are aligned with this objective. This includes maintaining close relations and facilitating technological upgrades’.
Although detailed projects have yet to be announced, these meetings and discussions suggest that SpaceX-Starlink is keen to invest in contributing to Cambodia's digital transformation and modernisation efforts.
Space X
SpaceX is a leading aerospace company founded by Elon Musk in 2002.It is renowned for its innovative approaches to space technology, including reusable rockets and satellite broadband internet services.
Starlink
Starlink is operated by Starlink Services, LLC, a subsidiary of SpaceX. It aims to provide high-speed Internet access to remote and underserved regions of the world via a satellite package in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Starlink offers download speeds of between 100 and 200 Mbps and covers more than 100 countries and territories. The system uses flat user terminals, often referred to as ‘Dishy McFlatface’, which are equipped with phased array antennas to track the satellites. These terminals can be mounted on a variety of surfaces, including fast-moving vehicles.
Starlink has helped provide internet access in emergencies, such as in Ukraine and Tonga, by rapidly deploying terminals to disaster zones.
By September 2024, Starlink had over 4 million subscribers, a significant increase on the one million subscribers in December 2022.
Starlink's turnover was $1.4 billion in 2022, with a net loss. However, it started to make a profit in 2023. Revenues are expected to reach $7.7 billion in 2024 and $11.8 billion in 2025.
Challenges and impact
Despite its success, Starlink faces challenges such as concerns about satellite visibility interfering with astronomical observations and the potential environmental impacts of de-orbiting satellites. Nevertheless, Starlink remains an essential part of SpaceX's strategy to extend very high-speed internet worldwide.
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