We have explained about Starlink coming to Bangladesh in this article. But, what is Starlink? How does Starlink work? How much will Starlink profit in Bangladesh? Tried to touch the issues etc.
BTRC, the regulatory body of the telecommunication sector, is collecting opinions on a draft guideline prepared to finalize the policy of satellite-based internet services in Bangladesh. In recent times, there has been a lot of talk about Starlink in the media of Bangladesh. The youth community has also taken up the matter with great joy. Because internet users never like poor internet service.
Satellite-based Internet service Starlink has been trying to enter the Bangladesh market for three years. During that time they contacted the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) twice. When BIDA reported the matter to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), BTRC was initially disinterested in Starlink. In 2023, Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited took BTRC's approval to test Starlink's technology. Some Starlink technology came to Bangladesh in July of that year for testing. The download speed of Starlink Internet in the test is 150 megabytes per second. Meanwhile, Starlink added the name of Bangladesh to the new coverage on its website. It was then stuck on surveillance and national security issues. In the meantime, in the turbulent times of this year, that matter was also suppressed. However, this month, BIDA has started negotiations again.
Let's Know What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service developed by SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk. The goal of Starlink is to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to underserved and remote areas around the globe, as well as to enhance connectivity in urban areas with poor service options.
In a word, HIGH-SPEED INTERNET AROUND THE WORLD
How to work Starlink, How important Starlink is for Bangladesh?
Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, provides high-speed internet by using a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Here’s an overview of how it works:
Satellite Constellation
LEO Satellites: Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, Starlink satellites orbit much closer to Earth, at altitudes of about 550 km to 1,200 km. This reduces latency compared to traditional satellite internet.
Global Coverage: Starlink deploys thousands of satellites to form a dense network, enabling global coverage, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Starlink utilizes satellite internet service technology, a concept that has existed for decades. Unlike traditional cable-based methods like fiber optics, satellite systems rely on radio signals transmitted through the vacuum of space. Ground stations send signals to satellites in orbit, which then relay the data to Starlink users on Earth. Each satellite in the Starlink network weighs 573 pounds and features a flat design. A single SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket can deploy up to 60 satellites at once.
The primary goal of Starlink is to establish a low-latency network in space, enabling efficient edge computing on Earth. Creating a global, low-latency network in outer space is no small feat, as it requires meeting high-performance demands. To achieve this, SpaceX plans to deploy nearly 42,000 compact, tablet-sized satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). These CubeSats provide dense network coverage, while their lower altitude minimizes latency compared to traditional satellite systems.
Starlink faces competition in the growing satellite internet market from companies like OneWeb, HughesNet, Viasat, and Amazon. HughesNet, for instance, has been delivering satellite internet from 22,000 miles above Earth since 1996. However, Starlink's approach introduces several innovations:
1. Mass Deployment of Smaller Satellites: Instead of relying on a few large satellites, Starlink operates with thousands of small ones.
2. Low Earth Orbit: Starlink satellites operate at just 300 miles above Earth's surface, significantly reducing latency and improving internet speeds compared to geostationary systems.
3. Laser Communication Technology: The latest Starlink satellites feature laser links for inter-satellite communication, reducing the need for numerous ground stations.
4. Massive Scale: SpaceX aims to launch up to 40,000 satellites, ensuring global coverage and minimizing service interruptions, even in remote areas.
Additionally, Starlink benefits from being a part of SpaceX. The company's frequent satellite launches not only advance its own network but also provide cost-effective opportunities for deployment. This gives Starlink a distinct edge over competitors, many of whom face higher costs and less frequent launch opportunities.
Bangladesh : All things considered, Starlink will be a very important step for internet services in Bangladesh. Because there are many areas of Bangladesh where Internet service has not reached even today. Several areas of Bangladesh including Bandarban, Khagrachari, Lalmonirhat, and some hilly areas of Chittagong are deprived of proper telecommunication network services.
Starlink Plan & Pricing
Starlink offers various internet plans designed for different needs, from residential use to mobility and business applications. Here’s an overview of their main plans and pricing as of November 2024:
Residential Plans
Standard Residential: $120/month for unlimited data with speeds of 50–220 Mbps. Designed for fixed-location use at homes.
Roam and Mobility Plans
Roam 50 GB: $50/month for mobile internet up to 50 GB, ideal for occasional travelers.
Roam Unlimited: $165/month, offering unlimited data for travelers, including in-motion use.
Business and Priority Plans
Business Plan: Offers prioritized bandwidth for commercial use, starting at $250/month for 50 GB of high-speed data and scaling to $5,000/month for 5 TB.
Mobile Priority: Targeted at users needing reliable mobile connections, priced at $250/month (50 GB) to $1,000/month (1 TB).
Maritime and Aviation Plans
Maritime: Plans for vessels range from $250/month for 50 GB to $5,000/month for 5 TB, with hardware costing around $2,500.
Aviation: Custom options for aircraft start at $12,500/month, with equipment priced at $150,000.
Equipment Costs
- Standard hardware for residential use is $349. Mobility and business kits may cost significantly more depending on the use case.
These plans cater to a variety of users, from individuals in remote areas to businesses requiring high-priority connectivity. For more details, visit Starlink’s official site
Challenges of Starlink in Bangladesh
Starlink could offer a solution for specific connectivity challenges in Bangladesh, but its cost and practicality must be carefully considered against the country's economic conditions and current telecom infrastructure.
Starlink's hardware costs around $599 upfront, with a monthly subscription fee of $110 or more. This is prohibitively expensive for most Bangladeshi households, where the per capita income is around $2,800 (2023).
Local internet providers offer broadband at a fraction of this cost. For example, broadband packages in urban areas can cost as low as $10–$15 per month.
Bangladesh has a rapidly expanding fiber-optic network and mobile broadband services (4G and soon 5G). These may suffice for most needs, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, where connectivity is improving steadily.
However, Starlink may be a good option for niche use cases:
For NGOs or Remote Projects: Organizations working in hard-to-reach areas could benefit.
For Premium Users: Businesses or individuals who can afford it and need robust connectivity in remote locations.
Starlink vs Local Broadband in Bangladesh
As Bangladesh progresses toward greater digital connectivity, the debate between adopting satellite-based internet like Starlink and sticking to traditional local broadband services becomes increasingly relevant. Both options offer distinct advantages and challenges, but the choice ultimately depends on the needs and resources of the users.
Starlink is a Revolutionary Option
Starlink, a satellite-based internet service by SpaceX, promises high-speed, low-latency internet across the globe. Its reliance on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites ensures better speeds and reduced latency compared to traditional geostationary satellites. In remote areas of Bangladesh, where connectivity is limited or nonexistent—such as Bandarban, Khagrachari, and other hilly regions—Starlink could be a game-changer.
However, the cost is a significant barrier. With hardware priced at $599 and monthly fees starting at $110, Starlink remains out of reach for most Bangladeshi households, where average incomes are relatively low. Still, for NGOs, businesses in remote areas, or premium users needing robust connectivity, Starlink offers a reliable alternative.
Local Broadband: Affordable and Accessible
Local broadband providers have expanded significantly, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. With affordable packages starting at $10–$15 per month, they serve the majority of users efficiently. The expanding fiber-optic network and upcoming 5G rollout are expected to further enhance connectivity.
However, rural and remote regions still suffer from a lack of reliable infrastructure, leaving many areas underserved.
Which Is Better?
For urban users, local broadband offers cost-effective and sufficient solutions. But in remote areas, where infrastructure is lacking, Starlink could bridge the gap.
Ultimately, a balanced approach—leveraging affordable broadband where possible and introducing satellite internet selectively—might be the best way forward for Bangladesh's digital future.
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