The (Real) Price of Satellite Connectivity: A Global Analysis of Starlink’s affordability

Since its launch in 2021, Starlink has quickly gained global traction, expanding rapidly and attracting a growing user base across 105 countries. Many countries have welcomed Starlink as a promising solution to bridge the digital divide, bringing high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas. Yet not all governments have embraced it; some have indeed resisted its deployment, unsure of its impact on local telecom markets, spectrum usage and digital sovereignty. Despite these mixed reactions, Starlink’s ability to provide connectivity to even the most isolated communities position it as a potential game-changer in global internet access. A critical question remains though: can Starlink truly make digital inclusion affordable on a global scale?

To answer this question, we collected and analysed data on Starlink’s pricing examining its economic accessibility across different countries. This paper presents our findings, offering insights that aim to guide policy and strategic decisions on digital infrastructure and connectivity worldwide.