Starlink Satellite Internet Service Rolls Out in Bangladesh
After receiving approval from the Investment Board last Sunday, SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service is yet to be officially launched in Bangladesh. On Monday, an application was made to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for commercial service approval. However, some users are already accessing the service, with assistance from the state-run Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company Limited (BCSCL).
By scanning the QR code under the BCSCL banner, users are able to connect to Starlink. Some are using the connection for YouTube, video calls, and live broadcasts. The average speed observed is 120 Mbps, with a latency range of 80-120 ms. A maximum of 100 users can connect to a single router. While this speed may be suitable for general users, Dhaka University student Rashed Muna, who studies Triple E, believes it may not appeal to gamers or high-speed internet users.
Omar Faruq, media manager at BCSCL, stated that the speed will improve once an earth station is established in Bangladesh. Before the official launch, demo tests were conducted to provide young entrepreneurs and investors a taste of high-speed internet at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka. Four terminals were set up on the hotel’s rooftop, connected to Malaysia.
As part of the 90-day promise made by the Prime Minister’s Office for the service launch, a router was placed at the entrance of the Bangladesh Investment Summit, while another was used in the ballroom. Users within the 3,000 to 3,500-square-foot area were able to access the connection.
The assistant manager in charge, Touhidul Islam, explained that five Wi-Fi connections were made available through Starlink's internet service via four terminals. Each router supported 70-100 users at the same time.
He also pointed out that according to BTRC rules, Starlink must establish a gateway station in Bangladesh to officially launch the service. Currently, the service is being provided using a gateway from Malaysia during the investment summit.
On March 29, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) granted Starlink investment registration, allowing the company to begin operations within 90 working days. However, to offer commercial internet services, Starlink must obtain an NGSO license from BTRC, and the approval process for this license has already begun.
According to the information on Starlink's website, the Starlink kit includes a receiver or antenna, kickstand, router, cable, and power supply. The kit costs between $349 and $599. In Bangladesh, it is expected to cost between 60,000 to 70,000 Bangladeshi Taka. Additionally, users will need to pay a monthly subscription fee, which may range between 12,000 and 17,000 Bangladeshi Taka.
