Elon Musk arrives in Indonesia’s Bali to launch Starlink satellite internet service
Associated PressMAY 2024
Musk Launches Starlink in Indonesia
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The Spin
Narrative A
SpaceX's Starlink satellite will bring internet service to millions of Indonesians who were previously isolated. It's difficult to overstate the impact of providing connectivity to remote areas, and Elon Musk could end up saving thousands, if not millions, of lives, by giving internet access to hospitals and clinics across Indonesia. Sunday’s launch was a momentous occasion that will help cross the digital divide and catapult Indonesia's economy.
Narrative B
The long-term implications of Starlink's launch remain unknown, but it seems like the immediate impact is just a new internet satellite that costs twice as much as alternatives. Consumer costs of Starlink internet are currently double most providers, and it's hard to envision how such an expensive service can be brought to remote areas that didn't have internet access to begin with. The government is hopeful about Starlink, but let's wait before celebrating its launch in Indonesia.