Starlink for ASEAN: A Changemaker in the Race Toward Sustainable Development?

In 2015, highlighting the fundamental role played by connectivity, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reaffirmed its vision to build a competitive, resilient regional community. Information communications technology (ICT) has been highlighted as an essential component to achieve the multiple dimensions of connectivity across the ASEAN member states (AMS). Currently, however, the development of ICT-related infrastructure in individual AMS is uneven, with gaps in development both between and within countries. It is in this ecosystem that satellite constellations may represent a great opportunity to support connectivity, mostly in those geographical areas where the deployment of terrestrial telecommunication infrastructure would either be physically difficult or financially unsustainable.

The space-related industry is not new to ASEAN. Indeed a few of its members have long histories of engaging with various forms of space development, with investments increasing especially in recent years. Among the currently available satellite constellations, one is attracting particular attention: Starlink. But could this network of low Earth orbit satellites really be a changemaker toward the achievement of full regional connectivity, providing a boost in the race to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals?

To answer this question, we propose a simple two-dimensional framework into which each AMS can be mapped. The two dimensions are the readiness and usefulness of the adoption of Starlink. The score in each dimension is obtained based on three factors against which the AMS are quantitatively evaluated and ranked. The analysis accounts for the heterogeneity of AMS and is supported by secondary data. The proposed approach provides an easy-to-use tool for policymakers and government bodies, to decide whether or not to invest in the adoption of Starlink as a tool for boosting their race toward sustainable development.