It bridges Bangladesh’s remote digital divide
Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk, is seeing rising demand at remote areas of Bangladesh due to limited broadband access and poor service quality from local internet providers.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) said, “Starlink Bangladesh sold at least 4,000 kits in last one year following the inauguration in the country.”
The service is currently being operated through eight partner companies, they added.
Bangladesh Satellite Company, Felicity IDC, two mobile operators including Robi Axiata and Banglalink Digital Communication Ltd are acting as authorized resellers.
On the other hand, Global Brand is working as national distributor and hardware supply management partner in the country.
Additionally, the four companies including Rayans Computers, Star Teck Ltd, Gear and Gadget, B-Track Solutions Ltd are operating as the primary retail partners to ensure rural internet connectivity.
Fiber@home provides the necessary domestic technical support and infrastructure services within Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Satellite Company General Manager (Sales and Distribution) Shah Ahmedul Kabir said, “Most people still prefer traditional broadband due to its affordability. Starlink aims to bridge the gap where such services are unavailable or where broadband alternatives in Bangladesh are limited.”
“So, we are focusing on niche markets including hill tracts, remote char areas, maritime applications for fishing boats and ships as well as mobile connectivity for long-haul buses and trains”, Kabir said, outlining the company’s strategy.
Global Brand Press and Communication wing informed that they have sold 220 kits in February alone. All of them sold in Chittagong division.
Bangladesh Satellite Company has sold around 400 Starlink terminals and connected 12 schools across three hill tract districts, with plans to expand to over 150 schools.
According to Starlink website, their core mission is to serve customers who lack access to traditional broadband.
In line with this vision, the company has achieved significant success in reaching these underserved markets across Bangladesh.
However, industry insiders are skeptical about the service's long-term sustainability due to its high pricing.
Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) immediate former secretary Imdadul Haque said that “Starlink may gain traction in the Hill Tracts or remote char areas but its growth will be limited”.
“They will struggle to capture a large subscriber base because local ISPs provide better value and a wider range of services at a much lower cost,” Haque argued.
Mazeda Networks Limited Chief Technology Officer Uzzal Das stated that “Starlink cannot match the quality of local services.”
“Starlink operates via a wireless satellite connection, whereas we provide dedicated fiber-optic connectivity,” Das explained.
He further claimed that their fiber-based service would offer speeds up to ten times faster than those currently provided by Starlink.
Starlink services in Bangladesh involve two primary costs including one-time hardware purchase and a recurring monthly subscription.
Currently, the Standard Starlink Kit which includes the satellite dish, Wi-Fi router and power cables, is priced at approximately Tk 25,000-47,000.
For service, users can choose between two main plans including Residential Lite and Standard, with monthly fees ranging from Tk 4,200 to Tk 6,000. While these plans offer unlimited data and speeds between 50 and 300 Mbps.
As traditional broadband infrastructure remains sparse or nonexistent in Bangladesh’s remote areas, Starlink is emerging as a critical connectivity option, although concerns about its pricing remain.
