Elon Musk’s Starlink in Malaysia: What Is It, How Do You Subscribe, and How It Helps To Fund His Mars Dream?

If you’re on Twitter, or rather X, you're already using a service owned by Elon Musk. If you aren’t happy with the internet providers in our country, you can also try out Starlink, his satellite-based broadband service now available in Malaysia.

Although our country has already introduced 5G technology, this writer still struggles with internet access frequently (although this may just be an issue by the provider I’m using). For instance, the internet stability is much stronger in my living room compared to my master bedroom.

What is Starlink?

You’ve probably heard about Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, American spacecraft manufacturer, launch service provider, and satellite communications company. Although it is better known for launching rockets into outer space, SpaceX also develops Starlink, ‘the world’s most advanced broadband satellite internet’ according to its website.

It is also the ‘world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet’ and aims to provide low-cost internet to remote locations. As of July 2023, there are 4,487 operational Starlink satellites in orbit. According to Space, Starlink internet speeds are said to be much faster for users in rural regions compared to local options, although again, this varies by region.

This is because Starlink is not bounded by traditional ground infrastructure and "can even be deployed in a matter of minutes to support emergency responders in disaster scenarios".

However, one thing to keep in mind is that Starlink requires access to the open sky to deliver optimal internet speed although the company offers multiple mounting options for the small satellite dish that needs to be mounted outdoors. However, if there are obstacles between your dish and the open sky such as concrete and glass, your internet speed will suffer or diminish completely. So it doesn’t sound to us like this is optimum for someone in an apartment with limited space and is still best suited for those in rural areas.

FYI, Malaysia also has several local satellite broadband providers such as MEASAT’s ConnectMe Now which is currently focused on serving unconnected communities that are not covered by 4G and fibre.

Starlink arrives in Malaysia

Starlink’s availability in Malaysia was first teased over a year ago, and on 17 July, they officially received their network facility and service provider license. They have been in talks with our country under previous administrations for the past few years and received the green light after Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim had a teleconference meeting with Elon Musk. The Malaysian government also placed orders for 40 Starlink broadband kits for schools and universities including UiTM.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) revealed that Starlink is allowed to operate in Malaysia as a 100 per cent foreign-owned entity as the 49 per cent threshold for foreign equity imposed on NFP(I) and NSP(I) licence holders has been waived after considering the value and benefits provided. Malaysia is the 60th country to enjoy this service.

How do you subscribe to the service?

Their website is really straightforward to use, and I checked on the website to check if it was available in my area. After keying in my apartment’s name, it informed me that ‘Starlink is currently available in your area’ and this led me to a page to order the hardware (with shipping times estimated to be 2-3 weeks) and subscribe to the service.

Be warned though, the prices are pretty steep:

• The service is RM220 a month without a contract.

• Shipping & Handling RM100 (one-time fee)

There are two hardware options with a one-time fee:

1. RM2,300 – Standard. This consists of the Starlink dish, a base, a Wi-Fi router, as well as cables.

2. RM11,613 –High Performance. Its size is larger and this one also comes with an additional power supply. From the description, it sounds to us like you wouldn’t need this unless you’re using it for a business or if you live on top of a mountain.

It seems fairly easy to install according to their tutorial video:

Download speeds are around 100 Mbps and you can try it out for 30 days. If you are not satisfied, you can return the hardware for a full refund.

As to how it works in bad weather, BlinqBlinq reports that Starlink offers reliable connectivity in light rains, remaining unaffected during such conditions. However, during heavy storms, temporary dropouts may occur, and users may experience a slight decrease in speeds, typically around 30-40% slower than usual.

Funding for Musk’s Mars Plan?

Back in 2018, Musk said that Starlink would help provide SpaceX with the revenue they need to fund their ambition to establish a base on Mars. Wait…what?

Yes, you read that right. In fact, CNET reports that there is even a mention of it in the terms of service, at least for people in the USA (we can’t confirm if this are the same terms in Malaysia).

"For services provided on Mars, or in transit to Mars via Starship or other colonization spacecraft, the parties recognize Mars as a free planet and that no Earth-based government has authority or sovereignty over Martian activities."

Conclusion

Overall, it seems like a really pricey service and it’s probably only worth checking out if you’re in a rural area of Malaysia, have been struggling with internet connectivity, and the other local options don’t work for you. And of course, if you want to help the world’s richest man achieve his dream of establishing a colony on Mars.

Image credit: starlink.com, @starlink