U.S. government officials have reportedly urged countries, including some facing tariffs, to approve the Starlink satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX company.
News outlets reported Wednesday that American embassies and the State Department have pressed governments overseas to remove regulatory hurdles for American satellite providers, often naming Starlink. The efforts could benefit SpaceX as it seeks to expand its global reach.
The push comes as some countries are engaged in trade negotiations with the United States, or facing potential tariffs on their goods. For example, after President Donald Trump announced fifty percent tariffs on goods from Lesotho, a small African nation, the country's communications regulator met with Starlink representatives.
Shortly after the tariffs were announced, Lesotho awarded Starlink the nation’s first satellite internet service license, slated to last for ten years. Lesotho officials reportedly viewed granting the license as demonstrating goodwill and an intent to welcome U.S. businesses as they negotiated a trade deal.
Beyond Lesotho, Musk's company has also finalized distribution agreements in India. Starlink has also seen accommodations or gained access in countries including Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Vietnam.
Although the reports do not show explicit demands linking tariff relief directly to Starlink approval, the timing in some cases suggests countries may believe fast-tracking regulatory processes could improve trade relations with the United States. For example, officials in India reportedly expedited Starlink approvals, seeing it as a way to help trade deals with the U.S.
The Biden administration has also reportedly encouraged embassies to support the adoption of Starlink and other satellite internet services abroad.
A State Department statement called Starlink an "American-made product" that helps remote areas gain internet connectivity. The statement added that any patriotic American should want an American company to succeed globally, especially when competing with Chinese companies.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai stated that the only consideration in U.S. trade negotiations is what benefits the American people, which includes American companies succeeding domestically and internationally. Desai added that President Trump will not tolerate conflicts of interest and administration officials follow ethical guidelines.
Evan Swarztrauber, a senior fellow at the Foundation for American Innovation, said the actions make sense in the context of U.S. competition with China in global telecommunications. "We want American satellite companies to do well abroad, especially as our main competition is China," Swarztrauber said. "The U.S. has a lead in space, and we should double down on getting other countries to grant regulatory approvals for our companies. Otherwise, it will be Chinese companies that benefit from market access.”
