Forbes weighs in on impact of Starlink arrival to Armenia

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Starlink's satellite-based service could be a transformative force in rural parts of Armenia, according to an article published by Forbes magazine.

Forbes contributor Craig S. Smith, in a piece titled Elon Musk’s Stars Over Armenia, noted that with recent regulatory approvals and the commencement of testing, the timeline for Starlink's operational launch in Armenia is accelerating. 

“The government's focus on Starlink is part of Armenia's broader digital transformation agenda, an ambitious effort to position the country as a technology-driven economy,” Smith said in the article.

Below are excerpts from the article. 

“One of the most significant aspects of Starlink's arrival is its potential impact on rural and underserved areas. Armenia's mountainous geography has long been an obstacle to consistent internet connectivity. In regions where high-speed broadband remains a distant dream, Starlink's satellite-based service could be a transformative force. With high-speed, reliable internet, rural communities will have unprecedented access to online education, telemedicine, and digital commerce—opportunities that were once limited to urban centers. For instance, a farmer in the remote region of Syunik could now explore market prices and agricultural innovations online. Students in isolated villages could finally participate in global digital learning platforms, leveling the playing field in education. This democratization of information has the power to ignite a new wave of progress in Armenia, reshaping its economy and societal structure,” Smith said in the article. 

Elaborating on the regional dynamics, geopolitical implications and tensions with Azerbaijan, Smith said that Starlink would ensure Armenia’s internet connectivity during conflicts.

“Starlink's arrival, while a technological leap, does not resolve these entrenched geopolitical dynamics. Instead, it offers Armenia a tool to enhance its independence, both digitally and economically. Starlink's resilience during conflicts makes it a strategic asset, as demonstrated in Ukraine where it maintained critical communications infrastructure amidst Russian attacks.”

Smith said that Elon Musk’s message sent to Armenians during WCIT “wasn't just a set of grandiose statements. For Armenians, it was an affirmation that their country has caught the eye of one of the world's most influential innovators. The success of Starlink in Armenia could set a precedent for the broader region, potentially reshaping digital landscapes and geopolitical dynamics across the Caucasus.”