DHAKA: Elon Musk’s SpaceX-owned satellite internet service Starlink launched in Bangladesh on Tuesday, as the South Asian nation steps up efforts to ensure reliable, uninterrupted access to the internet.
Muhammad Yunus, who has led the government since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh following weeks of violent protest last year, has said the deal provided a service that could not be disrupted by any future political upheaval.
“Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet is now available in Bangladesh,” the company posted on X.
“Initially, Starlink is launching with two packages – Starlink Residence and Residence Lite,” said Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser, on Facebook.
The monthly cost is 6,000 taka for package and 4,200 taka ($35) for the other with a one-time payment of 47,000 taka required for setup equipment.
Faiz Ahmad also said, “There will be no speed or data limits. Individuals will be able to use unlimited data at speeds of up to 300 Mbps.” Customers in Bangladesh can start placing orders from Tuesday.
Nobel peace laureate Yunus took the helm of the interim government in August after Hasina fled to neighbouring India. Authorities had suspended internet and text messaging services as protests spread nationwide last July.
Starlink has expanded rapidly worldwide to operate in more than 70 countries, with a strong focus on further growth in emerging markets.
Additional Input from Reuters
