What You Need to Know About Starlink Internet in Bangladesh

Starlink, the satellite-based internet service owned by American tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, has officially launched operations in Bangladesh. The service begins with two packages—Starlink Residential and Residential Lite—priced at BDT 6,000 and BDT 4,200 per month, respectively. A one-time equipment setup cost of BDT 47,000 is required.

Following public curiosity and concern surrounding Starlink's launch, the Chief Advisor's Press Wing has released a statement addressing common questions. Below are the key points from the statement:

Is there a data limit on Starlink?

No. According to the statement, Starlink does not impose any data caps.

Who is Starlink intended for?

The service is primarily aimed at remote, hard-to-reach, and underdeveloped areas of Bangladesh, such as hilly regions, wetlands (haor areas), and forest zones, where traditional fiber-optic networks are unavailable. These areas currently rely on microwave technology, which has limited capacity. Starlink is expected to provide high-speed, low-latency internet even in rural regions.

How can entrepreneurs use Starlink?

Starlink is designed to be entrepreneur-friendly. Those unable to afford the setup individually can share the cost of a single unit and split the internet usage among multiple users. The device has a Wi-Fi range of approximately 20 to 50 meters. The government has clarified that there are no legal restrictions on sharing Wi-Fi, so even urban users may benefit from shared access.

Moreover, the statement mentioned that microcredit institutions, banks, and other financial entities may offer funding options to help entrepreneurs adopt Starlink. Female entrepreneurs are being encouraged to participate in a new initiative modeled on the "Wi-Fi Lady" concept.

Are there any national security concerns?

To ensure domestic control and security, a local gateway is being set up for Starlink. Commercial and ground testing is already underway. The gateway must be operational within 90 days, 10 of which have already passed. The government has assured that all usage will remain under regulatory oversight, including NOC (No Objection Certificate) requirements, applicable rates, VAT, and taxes.

Will the U.S.–China trade tensions impact Starlink’s operations?

The government has stated that it aims to use the most advanced global technologies without giving any specific country preferential treatment. China continues to supply technology and funding for several ongoing projects in Bangladesh, so both U.S. and Chinese firms are operating equally in the market.

Is Starlink affordable for users in Bangladesh?

While the one-time equipment cost may seem high, the monthly cost becomes affordable when shared among multiple users, such as in apartment buildings or community centers.

How does Starlink’s pricing in Bangladesh compare globally?

The government’s statement noted that based on regional price comparisons, Starlink’s service in Bangladesh is less expensive than in countries like Sri Lanka and Thailand.

How are government-owned companies being protected?

The government has ensured that state-run enterprises, such as submarine cable and satellite companies, will continue to play a vital role and have their interests safeguarded in this evolving digital ecosystem.