Elon Musk’s SpaceX has signed a contract with the state of North Carolina to provide Starlink satellite internet services to state agencies. The deal will allow for more resilient and redundant network infrastructure in case of outages due to natural disasters like Hurricane Helene. Starlink’s mobile kits, which connect to orbiting satellites, were used effectively in western North Carolina after the hurricane to restore internet access.
The state’s Department of Information Technology will manage these services to ensure network security and data protection. Nicole Meister, communications director for the department, said the contract also enables agencies to provide internet in areas where service options are either unavailable or too expensive. The department did not disclose the total value of the contract or provide a copy of it.
North Carolina expands Starlink access
This agreement is a significant step in North Carolina’s efforts to improve internet access. In recent years, the state has received hundreds of millions in federal dollars to expand broadband infrastructure, which was a priority under former Gov.
Roy Cooper’s administration. Musk, who owns 42% of SpaceX and has majority voting control, has become a key figure in the current political landscape. While his other company, Tesla, has seen fluctuations in value recently, SpaceX has remained relatively stable.
SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the contract.
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Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
