Technology experts believe that non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) networks, like Starlink, could revolutionize Bangladesh’s internet infrastructure. They argue that high-speed and low-latency internet will increase opportunities in education, the economy, social inclusion.
They mention that Starlink’s internet download speeds could range from 25 to 220 Mbps, with most users experiencing speeds above 100 Mbps. Upload speeds generally range from 5 to 20 Mbps.
On Thursday, Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus participated in a video discussion with Elon Musk, the owner of SpaceX, Tesla, and X. They discussed the future prospects of Starlink satellite internet for Bangladesh.
In an interview with BSS, telecom and technology analyst Mustafa Mahmud Hossain stated that Bangladesh is on the verge of adopting NGSO satellite services to modernize its digital infrastructure.
He stated that flexible policies designed to encourage competition and innovation will create opportunities for increasing connectivity across the country, opening new doors in healthcare, education, business, social development.
He added that Starlink could be a good alternative for increasing internet connectivity in the country, especially in remote and isolated areas where conventional market operators have limitations.
Meanwhile, Banglalink’s parent company, Veon Limited, along with a Dubai-based telecommunications company, is exploring the possibility of bringing satellite-based mobile services to Bangladesh in partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink. The goal is to expand connectivity in areas where establishing traditional terrestrial networks is not feasible.
To this end, industry insiders have mentioned that Banglalink is likely to sign an agreement with SpaceX at the upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
Welcoming the potential arrival of Starlink, telecom expert Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Mohammad Zulfiqar said, “A large number of people worldwide are already using this technology, so it could bring something positive.”
However, like many others, he too has curiosity regarding the cost of satellite-based internet. He said, “The question now is, how much will it cost to access this service?”
Secretary General of AMTOB Mohammad Zulfiqar stated that SpaceX sets different pricing for Southeast Asia and African countries, aiming to make the network accessible to a larger number of people. He said, “Now we have to wait and see what price they set for us.”
According to the information on Starlink’s website, some equipment must be purchased to use the service. The Starlink kit includes a receiver or antenna, kickstand, router, cables, power supply. The price for this kit ranges from $349 to $599.
The minimum monthly fee for residential customers is $120. For corporate customers, the Starlink kit and monthly fee are more than double that amount. However, prices may vary based on the country.
Mustafa Mahmud Hossain mentioned that Starlink provides very low-cost service in some African villages, with prices ranging from $10 to $30. Users in Bangladesh’s remote and isolated areas will also benefit from the arrival of Starlink.
According to industry experts, currently, mobile network operators, Internet service providers (ISPs) collect bandwidth to provide internet services to users, which is mainly dependent on submarine cables and international terrestrial cables (ITCs).
Starlink provides internet services through satellites. According to SpaceX, unlike ordinary geostationary satellites that are located at an altitude of 35,786 km, Starlink is a constellation of thousands of satellites that are located below the Earth’s atmosphere or 550 km above and provide high-speed internet services worldwide.
As of January 30, 2025, a total of 6,994 Starlink satellites have been launched.
SpaceX started the Starlink project in 2015 and officially launched it in 2019. It currently operates in more than 100 countries around the world. Starlink’s first operations in South Asia began in Bhutan.
To get Starlink service, the customer needs to install a device similar to a television antenna, which will be connected to a satellite orbiting the Earth. Internet connection can be obtained only by connecting a Starlink router to this antenna.
Starlink brought their technology to Bangladesh on a trial basis in July 2023.
In October 2024, a Starlink delegation came to Dhaka and met with Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) prepared a draft guideline in the same month.
The BTRC’s proposed guideline is called ‘Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Service Operator.’
During the discussion between Professor Yunus- Elon Musk, they emphasized the potential positive change that Starlink could bring, especially for young entrepreneurs, rural and disadvantaged women in Bangladesh.
They discussed how high-speed, low-cost internet connectivity can reduce Bangladesh’s digital divide and accelerate the country’s education, healthcare, economic development. At the same time, it can create global connectivity opportunities for millions of small, micro entrepreneurs.
LND/SAKIB
