Starlink terminal sent by SpaceX to Ukraine paid by US government: Report

Earlier this year, Musk announced that SpaceX would send some Starlink terminals to Ukraine, and according to a report in the Washington Post, the US government paid the money to provide the Millions of dollars were paid for equipment and transportation.

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Although SpaceX hinted that the U.S. did not provide funding to send Starlink terminals to Ukraine in March, the report found that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) paid a total of about $2 million for 1,333 Starlink terminals. 

Moreover, USAID disclosed the number of terminals it had purchased from the company in an early April press release, which has since been revised to remove references to purchases.

According to reporter Joey Roulette, SpaceX donated 3,667 Starlink terminals to Ukraine worth about $10 million, which also included three months of data provided with the terminals. However, it is possible that this donation was partially subsidized by USAID’s $1,500 per purchase.

The Washington Post said it was unclear whether Ukraine received the standard terminal, which currently charges $600, or the $2,500 premium terminal announced in February. It is worth noting that a recent report stated that these terminals will cost around $1,000 to manufacture.

In addition, USAID may also be paying for the internet service, with Starlink’s standard plan costing $110 per month, while more expensive terminals offer premium plans for $500 per month.

Furthermore, the Washington Post also reported that USAID agreed to pay more than $800,000 for shipping to 5,000 terminals in Ukraine through a “public-private partnership.”

USAID responded to the Washington Post in a statement saying: “The delivery of the Starlink terminal was facilitated by a range of stakeholders whose combined donations were worth more than $15 million.”

(via)