The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is joining forces with SpaceX’s Starlink to provide high-speed satellite internet and digital learning opportunities to remote and underserved communities around the world. This groundbreaking initiative will combine Starlink’s satellite connectivity with The Digital School’s accredited online education platform, targeting 100 remote sites globally in its initial phase. The partnership, which was formalized at the World Governments Summit 2026, underscores the UAE’s commitment to expanding access to education through impactful collaborations.
Starlink will deliver reliable, high-quality satellite internet to these communities, while The Digital School will implement a comprehensive digital education ecosystem, including tailored programs, digitized curricula, teacher training, and learning platforms. The goal is not just to connect schools, but to leverage connectivity to drive tangible academic outcomes.
Ryan Goodnight, senior director of market access and development at SpaceX, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We’re excited to provide high-speed connectivity to The Digital School and its students. With Starlink, students in remote or underserved areas can access online learning, collaboration tools, scholarships, and career resources, fostering curiosity and growth.”
The Kingdom of Lesotho has already seen the benefits of this partnership, with three schools equipped with Starlink connectivity and integrated digital education systems. The Digital School has positively impacted over 800,000 learners and trained more than 30,000 educators, offering content in seven languages.
This initiative aligns with Starlink’s global expansion strategy, as the satellite internet provider has doubled its user base to 9.2 million in 2025 and now dominates 97% of global satellite internet traffic. Additionally, Starlink has committed $28 million to providing free Wi-Fi and network equipment to 5,000 schools in South Africa, highlighting its growing role in public infrastructure and education initiatives.
By forging partnerships in emerging markets and the public sector, Starlink is positioning satellite internet as more than just a consumer broadband service but as a vital component of global digital education. The collaboration with the UAE exemplifies this shift, showcasing how satellite internet can serve as a foundational layer for advancing education on a global scale.