Elon Musk’s Starlink has officially rolled out its satellite internet services in Bangladesh, making it the second South Asian country—after Bhutan—to access the high-speed, low-latency connectivity offered through low-Earth orbit satellites.
The service comes with a one-time setup charge of 47,000 Bangladeshi taka (approximately ₹39,000), and a monthly fee starting at 4,200 taka (roughly ₹2,990). Starlink announced the launch on X (formerly Twitter), stating that its service now covers the entire nation.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who assumed office following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, emphasized that Starlink offers a resilient internet alternative—especially during times of political unrest. For instance, during the student-led protests in 2024, authorities had shut down mobile internet and messaging services. Yunus’s aide, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, noted on Facebook that Starlink presents a “sustainable alternative for premium customers to access reliable, high-speed internet.”
Yunus had initially invited Elon Musk to bring Starlink to Bangladesh in February 2025, believing the technology could unlock new opportunities for the country’s youth and women. He directed government agencies to coordinate with SpaceX to complete the rollout within 90 working days.
Starlink, which operates in over 70 countries, is also eyeing India for expansion. While awaiting final regulatory clearance, the Indian government has begun the spectrum allocation process for satellite internet players, including those backed by Jio and Airtel.
According to a reports, Starlink has now received the green light from Indian authorities, nearly three years after applying for a license. A senior government official noted that the proposal was approved after undergoing national security scrutiny.
In neighboring Pakistan, Starlink has also been granted a temporary license, underscoring the growing competition among satellite internet providers in South Asia.
