Internet must be democratised. Elon Musk’s Starlink must not

The push to democratize internet access, ensuring its availability to underserved populations, is a significant global objective. Various initiatives, from government-funded broadband expansion to satellite internet constellations, aim to bridge the digital divide. This effort is driven by the understanding that internet connectivity is increasingly essential for education, economic opportunity, and civic participation.

Elon Musk's Starlink, a project by SpaceX, represents a prominent example of private sector involvement in satellite internet. It aims to provide high-speed internet globally by deploying thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit. Concerns have been raised about the potential for such private ventures to dominate critical infrastructure, impacting affordability, net neutrality, and equitable access for all users.