Thursday, December 01, 2022

WAR PROFITEERING
Elon Musk's Starlink ups prices in Ukraine as its networks are faltering: Report

World News
Published on Nov 30, 2022 

Russia-Ukraine War: There is an increase in demand for the SpaceX-manufactured satellite communication device, the report said.

Russia-Ukraine War: The Starlink satellite-based broadband system at the Kherson border region.(AFP)

By Mallika Soni

The list prices of Starlink communications devices have nearly doubled in Ukraine, a report said. This comes as Starlink's mobile networks have started failing under Russia’s assault on the country’s electricity grid. Financial Times reported.

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There is also an increase in demand for the SpaceX-manufactured satellite communication device. Starlink terminals, made by Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, will increase price to $700 for new Ukrainian consumers, according to the company’s website which represents a rise from about $385 earlier this year.

The consumer cost of the monthly subscription to Starlink will now rise to $75 from $60, the report said adding that prices have also soared in neighbouring Poland, where many Ukrainians source Starlink to avoid problems with domestic mail delivery.

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Earlier, it was reported that negotiations between SpaxeX and the US department of Defence have been ongoing as the company asked Washington to pay $4,500 a month for each terminal intended for Ukraine.

Elon Musk turned on connectivity for the satellite-based service within Ukraine days after Russia launched its invasion on February 24, responding on Twitter to a request by a Ukrainian minister.

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