Can Australians trust Starlink to stay switched on? Analysts think our new reliance is dangerous

Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service has become an indispensable part of the national telecoms network.

More than 200,000 Australians in remote and regional areas rely on the company for their internet.

State and federal departments and agencies have spent more than $50 million on Starlink hardware and services in the past three years .

Some defence strategists and communications analysts worry this reliance presents a growing security threat and Mr Musk could abruptly deny access in a crisis.

Australian law requires operators of critical infrastructure to identify risks, including potentially the risk of an internet provider abruptly withdrawing its services.

There are differing opinions about which company is responsible for ensuring Starlink stays turned on.

The Department of Home Affairs said it "acknowledges Starlink 's role" in providing satellite-based internet services.

SpaceX dominates the global space launch industry, launching 525 of the 626 spacecraft sent up during the first quarter of 2024 .

There is currently no Australian -based company that has launched a rocket into orbit.

Other rocket companies may charge two to 10 times more to launch on an Australian rocket.