Why is Starlink’s Entry into Nepal Being Delayed?

Rebecca Hunter, Director of Starlink, recently met with Communications Minister Dr. Vikram Timilsina to request permission to operate internet services in Nepal with 100% ownership. Minister Timilsina clarified that as long as Starlink complies with existing legal procedures, there will be no obstacles to operating services in Nepal. However, Starlink’s push for full ownership has been impeded by Nepal’s telecommunications policy, which limits foreign investment to 80%. Kathmandu, 3 June.

Rebecca Hunter, director of Starlink, a company owned by the world’s richest person Elon Musk, has been visiting Nepal for the past few days. During her visit, she engaged in discussions with the Minister of Information and Communications, Dr. Vikram Timilsina. Starlink is an international internet service provider that operates via satellite technology under SpaceX’s umbrella, aiming to deliver global internet coverage.

During her meeting with Minister Timilsina on Monday, Director Hunter expressed Starlink’s intention to obtain permission to provide internet services in Nepal. She also voiced concerns that due to certain policy and legal complications, the company has been unable to secure this approval. Hunter argued that until the existing policy framework—particularly the foreign ownership limitation—is amended, Starlink’s entry into Nepal is unlikely.

Though the telecommunications policy imposes such ownership limits, these policies are not themselves binding. The Telecommunications Act does not contain explicit restrictions on foreign investments. Additionally, Director Hunter revealed that discussions are ongoing with several local service providers in Nepal regarding possible commercial partnerships and collaborations.