Australia relies on Starlink for telecom network amid security concerns

Australia is increasingly dependent on Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, which has become vital for remote areas and emergency services since its launch in 2021. Over 200,000 Australians rely on Starlink, with significant government contracts totaling over $50 million in the past three years. Analysts express concerns about the security risks of relying on a single provider. They worry that Musk could cut off access during a crisis, as seen in Ukraine. Current Australian laws require critical infrastructure operators to manage risks, but the responsibility for Starlink's service continuity remains unclear. While Starlink dominates the low-Earth orbit satellite market, alternatives like Eutelsat OneWeb and Amazon's Project Kuiper are emerging. Experts suggest that developing an Australian satellite network could mitigate risks, but significant technical and financial challenges remain.