Starlink Nears India Launch, Expands Access Philippines, Faces Russia Ban

Elon Musk's satellite internet company Starlink is advancing regulatory approvals to begin commercial operations in India, pending security clearances and infrastructure setup, placing it alongside competitors like OneWeb and Jio Satellite. In the Philippines, Starlink has been deployed to conflict-affected areas in Marawi City under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration, with Musk publicly endorsing the initiative by reposting government updates highlighting the installation of Starlink units in schools to improve digital access and education. Meanwhile, Musk has expressed interest in expanding Starlink services into Lebanon, where negotiations are underway despite resistance from state-owned internet providers, and the company is actively growing its presence in the Middle East, including approved use in Saudi Arabia and talks with Iraq. Conversely, in eastern Ukraine's Lugansk People’s Republic, local authorities have banned Starlink equipment citing security threats, concerned that the system could be used for military coordination against Russian-aligned forces. These developments illustrate Starlink's growing global footprint amid geopolitical tensions and efforts to bridge digital divides in underserved regions.