Starlink, the satellite-based internet service, officially began operations in Bangladesh today, with the government assuring that its presence will not compromise national data sovereignty.
At a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, emphasized that all regulatory protocols were meticulously followed before granting Starlink approval. He confirmed that the service will operate through local gateways, ensuring all data traffic remains within Bangladesh’s jurisdiction.
“The process was deliberate, not rushed,” Taiyeb said. “As part of the agreement, Starlink will pay the government $1 per device as revenue.”
Starlink initially proposed a Tk 7,000 monthly subscription, but the government successfully negotiated reduced pricing. Now, customers can choose from two packages: Starlink Residential at Tk 6,000 per month and Residential Lite at Tk 4,200 per month. Both options require a one-time installation fee of Tk 47,000. The service offers unlimited data with speeds of up to 300 Mbps and coverage across 20-30 meters, penetrating up to 2-3 rooms in multi-story buildings.
Calling it a “historic milestone,” Taiyeb noted that Bangladesh issued its first Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) license within just 90 days—a record in telecom regulation. He added that Starlink complies fully with legal frameworks and is suited for both residential and ISP use due to its integrated router system.
To ensure broader access, the government is working on a financial assistance plan to support those offering citizen services, with funding to be made available through banks, microcredit agencies, and financial institutions.
Taiyeb also reassured local internet service providers that Starlink’s arrival will not disrupt existing broadband infrastructure projects, including those in collaboration with Chinese firms.
With Starlink’s launch, Bangladesh aims to enhance internet connectivity in remote and underserved areas, providing reliable, high-speed internet that could empower entrepreneurs and bridge the digital divide.
