Why Starlink is offering free connectivity to Indonesia, Sri Lanka
What's the story
Starlink has announced its decision to provide free satellite internet services to communities in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The move comes as both countries grapple with the aftermath of severe flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The company said that all new and existing customers in the affected regions will receive the complimentary service until December.
Relief efforts
Starlink's collaboration with Indonesian government
Starlink is working closely with the Indonesian government to quickly deploy terminals and restore connectivity in the most affected areas of Sumatra. The region has been badly hit by infrastructure damage. The company is also working with Sri Lankan authorities to provide further assistance as the country continues to face disruptions from Cyclone Ditwah's aftermath.
Service activation
Free service credits for active and paused customers
Starlink has announced that free service credits will be automatically applied to active customers, without any action required on their part. Even suspended or paused customers will get these credits, enabling them to reactivate their connections at once. New users in the affected areas can avail of the free service after activation by submitting a support ticket with "Indonesia Flood Support" or "Sri Lanka Flood Support."
Human cost
Death toll rises in Indonesia and Thailand
The announcement comes as the human cost of the disaster continues to rise. Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency has said that the death toll from floods and landslides in Sumatra has risen to 303, up from an earlier count of 174. The region, along with parts of Malaysia and Thailand, has witnessed a week-long cyclone-induced deluge, including a rare tropical storm over the Malacca Strait.