Elon Musk’s SpaceX has expanded its Starlink satellite internet service to Bhutan, marking another step in its mission to provide low-orbit, low-latency internet across land, air, and sea.
While Bhutan joins countries like Australia, the USA, Canada, and Mongolia in accessing Starlink, the service is still pending regulatory approval in India and is expected to launch in Bangladesh this year.
Starlink updated its product availability map on February 11, confirming Bhutan’s inclusion. However, in India, satellite beams were reportedly turned off after Starlink equipment was seized in Manipur’s Imphal East district in late 2024. The seizure raised concerns about illegal access by militants, despite the service not being officially available in India. Indian users can still download the Starlink app, but the service remains inaccessible, reports The Hindu.
Starlink’s entry into Bangladesh could revolutionise the country’s digital landscape, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is drafting guidelines to regulate non-geostationary orbit satellite services, paving the way for Starlink’s launch.
Over the past three years, Starlink has been in discussions with the Bangladeshi government. In 2023, it received approval to conduct technical tests through the Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL), achieving impressive download speeds of up to 150 Mbps.
The BTRC in October 2024 said that the commission is working on licencing guidelines. A committee formed last year is focusing on ensuring compliance with local security and surveillance laws, including lawful interception requirements.
Despite its potential, Starlink faces significant challenges in Bangladesh, primarily due to its high costs. The hardware required to access the service costs $599 (approximately Tk 72,588), with a monthly service fee of around $120 (about Tk 14,542). In contrast, local broadband services offer 5 Mbps speeds for as low as Tk 500 per month, and mobile internet packages provide 30 GB of data for Tk 400-500.
These steep prices raise concerns about Starlink’s affordability and long-term viability in the Bangladeshi market. While the service could bridge the digital divide in remote areas, its success will depend on overcoming cost barriers and competing with established local providers.