Starlink High-Speed Internet Aims to Bypass Political Disruptions
Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has officially launched operations in Bangladesh. The move is part of the country’s broader push to provide consistent and reliable internet access, even during periods of political unrest.
Muhammad Yunus, who currently heads Bangladesh’s interim government, highlighted the benefits of this new service. He stated that Starlink offers a communication channel that cannot easily be shut down, even in times of instability.
Starlink confirmed the launch with a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet is now available in Bangladesh.”
Service Available Nationwide With Fixed Setup Cost
According to Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, an aide to Yunus, Starlink’s monthly internet plans start at 4,200 taka (around $35). Customers must also make a one-time payment of 47,000 taka for the required setup equipment.
Taiyeb noted in a Facebook post that the service provides a premium option for users who need fast and reliable internet. He described it as a sustainable solution for customers seeking higher-quality connectivity.
The service is now accessible nationwide, making it a viable option in both urban and rural regions.
Political Context and Future Prospects
Nobel laureate Yunus assumed leadership of the caretaker government in August last year. This came after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India amid widespread protests. During that period, internet and messaging services were temporarily suspended across the country.
Starlink’s arrival offers a potential solution to prevent such disruptions in the future. By using satellite technology, it avoids dependence on local infrastructure that could be targeted during unrest.
Starlink has already expanded to over 70 countries, with a particular focus on reaching underserved and emerging markets. Bangladesh now joins other nations in the region, including India, where Starlink is aiming for continued growth.
with inputs from Reuters