Taiwan wants to build its own satellite system

@ 2023/03/27
Don't want to rely on Musk

An ongoing internet disruption on one of Taiwan's islands is accelerating the self-governed region's plans to launch an independent satellite network to ensure it remains connected in a potential Chinese invasion.

Taiwan's National Communication Commission blamed Chinese vessels last month for cutting two undersea cables providing high-speed internet to Matsu, a Taiwanese island located only a few nautical miles off the coast of China's Fujian province. The cables have yet to be repaired and Matsu residents are relying on a microwave backup system and other fixes, such as using SIM cards from China.

However, the “accident” rang a few alarm bells with Taiwan’s government who are getting worried that China might be preparing to follow that nice Mr Putin and invade.

Taiwan's Digital Minister Audrey Tang said last week that the territory would prioritise testing its satellite internet capabilities in outlying islands such as Matsu. She first announced in September that Taiwan wanted a satellite system similar to the Starlink network run by Elon Musk's SpaceX, which has become instrumental to Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Of course, they don’t want to use Starlink and Musk might decide to switch it off if Taiwan does not listen to his advice and surrender to China.

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