SpaceX, the aerospace company owned by Elon Musk, has expressed its willingness to supply Starlink kits to support communication efforts in the wake of the recent M7.7 earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand.

However, the company stated that its ability to provide assistance remains subject to obtaining the necessary government approvals in a post on X.

“Devastating to hear of the earthquake’s toll on Thailand and Myanmar. The SpaceX team is prepared to provide Starlink kits to assist with communications needs and relief efforts, pending any necessary governmental approvals” the post read.

In the meantime, relief operations continue as authorities assess the full impact of the disaster although it is known that US authorities are keen to be seen to be reacting with rescue teams from China and Russia already active in the region.

To this end, with the daily interactions of US President Donald Trump and SpaceX owner Elon Musk making headlines around the world, and President Trump having all but shut down USAID in recent weeks, anti-Trump and anti-Musk cynics are already pointing at the Starlink offer as more politically motivated than a genuine desire to help millions in need.

Internet connectivity in Myanmar in particular is, however, still a concern, as reports from sources inside the country immediately after the earthquake and before the Starlink offer suggested that up to 90% of existing Internet and telephone access was lost as a result of the tremors.

Prior to the earthquake censorship was also a significant long-term factor.

Since the ruling military junta in Myanmar seized power in February 2021, the country has faced widespread Internet disruptions. Mobile data services have frequently been suspended across several networks, and access to certain websites remains restricted as censorship is rife.

Social media platforms, including Facebook, have been heavily censored, with users required to use VPN services to access them. Additionally, local social media influencers who have voiced opposition to the coup have been detained.

Reports have even suggested that telecommunications firms and internet service providers have in the past been ordered to install surveillance software, and since the coup, the junta has taken control of major telecom providers, including MPT and Mytel, Frontier Myanmar reported in July of 2021.

At the time, Telenor, a Norwegian state-owned telecommunications company and one of Myanmar’s largest operators, opted to exit the market following the military takeover, selling its operations to the M1 Group. According to Access Now in early 2022, M1 announced plans to transfer an 80% stake to Shwe Byain Phyu, a company with close ties to the military junta.