Starlink launches, starting price Tk 4,200 a month

Starlink has officially launched its satellite-based internet service in Bangladesh, offering unlimited data with speeds of up to 300 Mbps.

Customers can now subscribe to either the Tk 6,000 "Starlink Residential" package or the Tk 4,200 "Residential Lite" plan. Both require a one-time installation fee of Tk 47,000.

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, confirmed the launch on Facebook. Starlink also announced the rollout on its official X account.

The company began operations within 90 days of receiving a licence from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) on April 29. Officials say this marks the fastest issuance of a Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellite internet licence in the country's history.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus congratulated all those involved in the launch of Starlink in Bangladesh, reports UNB.

At a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, Taiyeb said Starlink would provide a reliable internet option in areas where fibre connectivity is unavailable. He said the service could particularly benefit NGOs, freelancers, and businesses in remote regions. While acknowledging the service is relatively expensive, he described it as a premium, stable, high-speed connection, UNB reports.

To address data sovereignty concerns, Taiyeb assured that all Starlink traffic will be routed through local gateways in compliance with national regulations. "All necessary approvals were granted after thorough review," he said, adding that Starlink will pay the government $1 per terminal under its licensing terms.

The initially proposed monthly fee was Tk 7,000, but the government negotiated a lower rate. Each terminal is expected to cover a radius of 20–30 metres and can serve up to three rooms in a multi-storey building.

Taiyeb said that the government is working to create a financial package to make Starlink available to those who will provide citizen services. "We are planning to facilitate financing through microcredit authorities, financial organisations, and banks," he added.

Reassuring local internet providers, he said Starlink's entry will not disrupt existing broadband infrastructure or ongoing projects.