Turkey Declines Elon Musk’s Offer to Activate Starlink following Devastating Earthquake

Despite Elon Musk’s offer to activate SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, in Turkey following a devastating earthquake, the country has reportedly declined the offer.

The earthquake, which struck the southeast region of Turkey near the Syrian border, had a magnitude of 7.8 and resulted in hundreds of fatalities. In response to a Twitter user who reported communication shortages in the affected area, Musk offered to activate Starlink.

However, according to an anonymous senior Turkish official cited by Bloomberg, the country had enough satellite capacity, and its base stations were functioning with battery power.

Musk confirmed the rejection in a tweet, stating that Starlink was not yet approved by the Turkish government, but SpaceX could send it as soon as it was approved.

Despite the setback, Starlink’s ability to provide high-speed internet access in emergency situations has already been demonstrated in the U.S. and other countries. The service is particularly useful in rural and remote areas, where traditional broadband infrastructure is often lacking.

While Turkey has declined Elon Musk’s offer to activate Starlink, the country’s response highlights the increasing importance of satellite internet services in emergency situations. The ability to provide quick and reliable internet access can play a crucial role in facilitating disaster relief and recovery efforts.