Australian Government Concerned About Relying on Elon Musk's SpaceX and Starlink

The topic is technology.

It is Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 5:39 am.

Starlink and Elon Musk have had problems with Australian regulators before.

To summarize:

About 200,000 Australians use Starlink, and big phone companies are working with SpaceX to expand satellite phone coverage.

Government officials are worried about relying on a foreign company for important services.

What happens next?

Australians are buying shares in SpaceX, which will help the company grow and improve Starlink.

As many Australians prepare to buy shares in SpaceX, the government is worried about the country's growing reliance on Starlink.

A government notice said that satellite internet providers like Starlink are a challenge to Australia's ability to enforce its laws.

SpaceX wants to build a global network for phones and the internet.

About 200,000 Australians were using Starlink in 2025.

Elon Musk's company has launched a new rocket design to send more Starlink satellites into space.

Big phone companies like Telstra and Optus are working with SpaceX to offer satellite phone services.

Government documents show that officials are assessing the risks of relying on a foreign satellite network controlled by Elon Musk.

A space law expert said Australia has laws to regulate Starlink, but it's hard to control something in space.

The expert said it's hard to stop someone from doing something in space.

SpaceX did not respond to questions.

Satellite operators like SpaceX have a lot of control.

A government presentation said that satellite communications services like Starlink are important in Australia.

The presentation also said that the government does not have direct control over Starlink because it's not based in Australia.

One slide said there are risks because Starlink is based outside of Australia.

The Home Affairs department did not respond to a request for comment.

The government has given SpaceX many contracts worth millions of dollars.

The total amount of money is over $50 million when including state government contracts.

A government document said that satellite internet providers like Starlink are a risk to Australia's security.

Starlink and SpaceX are covered by Australian regulations, but it's complicated.

The document said that private operators of satellite services have a lot of control over the networks.

This control can be a problem for countries like Australia.

Who regulates SpaceX?

Starlink and SpaceX are covered by Australian regulations.

The government considers Starlink a critical asset that needs to be protected.

This means that Starlink has to follow some rules and report its ownership details.

Starlink is also a licensed phone company that has to follow rules.

But the expert said that the different regulatory systems are hard to navigate.

The issue is not unique to Australia.

The regulation of satellite systems is a global problem.

It's hard to control something in space.

Telstra and SpaceX are trying to get approval for their agreement, but it's complicated.

SpaceX needs proof that it's allowed to use Telstra's spectrum from space.

But Telstra said that its license doesn't extend into space.

Telstra said that its license covers the Australian continent and coastline, but not space.

The spectrum in space is governed by international treaties.

Telstra said that it has protected its customers' interests and followed the rules.

ACMA could not give SpaceX official approval to use Telstra's spectrum.

Telstra said that its partnership with SpaceX is operating within the law.

But Starlink operates outside of the normal controls of a national phone network.

Telstra said that it can direct SpaceX to stop or limit satellite transmissions if there's a problem.

Elon Musk and Starlink have had problems with Australian regulators before.

Starlink has failed to meet its obligations as a phone company in the past.

Starlink was issued a direction to comply with advertising rules in 2023.

In both cases, Starlink cooperated with the regulator.

Elon Musk has shown that he is willing to fight with Australian regulators.

Starlink has been accused of limiting access to its services in the past.

There was a report that Elon Musk ordered Starlink to be shut down in part of Ukraine.

The blackout disrupted Ukrainian communications and military operations.

Elon Musk denied that he turned off Starlink for Ukraine.

The risk that Elon Musk could do the same to Australia is real.

SpaceX threatened to pull its service from Australia if it was forced to bid for spectrum rights.

SpaceX is going to be publicly floated on the stock market, and Australians will be able to buy shares.

The float is expected to make Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire.

The chance that Elon Musk could withhold Starlink from Australia is a concern for politicians.

All countries have to deal with the issue of regulating SpaceX and Starlink.

The question is whether to authorize SpaceX to broadcast into the country, and what the consequences would be if they say no.

It is Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 5:39 am.

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