Government Launches Free Starlink Internet on Trains Ahead of Eid

The government has initiated a pilot project to provide free Wi-Fi services on intercity trains, as part of efforts to expand public internet access at key transport hubs, transit routes, and educational institutions before Eid-ul-Fitr.

The first trial began on Friday on the Dhaka–Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar intercity route, utilizing Starlink satellite internet service combined with next-generation Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on ICT and Telecommunications Rehan Asad confirmed the development on Saturday.

He stated that three additional railway routes — Dhaka–Rajshahi, Dhaka–Sylhet, and Dhaka–Khulna — will be brought under the free internet service within the next few days.

The initiative follows a directive from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to introduce free public Wi-Fi at selected locations before Eid, fulfilling a commitment made in the government’s election manifesto.

The service is being implemented through Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited, an authorised sales agent of Starlink.

Officials reported that the initial trial on the Dhaka–Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar route yielded encouraging results, with satisfactory internet speeds throughout the journey. Independent tests recorded download speeds ranging from approximately 8 Mbps to 88 Mbps, upload speeds between 13 Mbps and 47 Mbps, and latency from about 23 milliseconds to 47 milliseconds.

A separate test using the Starlink application achieved peak performance of around 136 Mbps download, 31 Mbps upload, and 31 milliseconds latency — indicating the satellite connection’s potential for even higher speeds.

Rehan Asad added that the government also plans to install high-capacity Wi-Fi at several airports and major railway stations before Eid, with the remaining installations to be completed after the festival.

The country’s three international airports — Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka), Shah Amanat International Airport (Chattogram), and Osmani International Airport (Sylhet) — are also expected to receive improved Wi-Fi connectivity shortly after Eid.