।। Md. Farooque Hossain ।।
In Bangladesh, the quest for robust and high-speed internet connectivity remains an on-going pursuit. Amid the limitations of the current run-of-the-mill internet infrastructure, the recent news of Starlink satellite internet’s imminent entry into the country is indeed a shot in the arm. The orbiting satellite internet constellation operated by the American aerospace company SpaceX and spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk previously expressed its intent to launch services in Bangladesh. Striving for this aim, its officials met with multiple government entities in June of this year.
With its innovative satellite constellation, Starlink having users in over 60 countries offers the potential to revolutionise internet accessibility across regions where traditional infrastructure struggles to deliver high-speed connectivity. However, despite its promise to improve service quality, expand accessibility and introduce competition in the local internet business, some concerns arise regarding the feasibility of this initiative in a country where affordability typically takes precedence over quality. Regulatory barriers, infrastructure and installation also pose challenges. This piece aims to explore these matters.
Starlink Satellite Internet: A Game Changer for Bangladesh?Starlink offers download speeds significantly faster than traditional internet services in many rural areas of the country. This could be transformative for education, healthcare and economic development. In a demonstration to the Bangladesh Satellite Company Ltd (BSCL), Starlink’s internet and download speeds hit about 500mbps, according to its chairperson. Download speeds, however, reached 150mbps in another demonstration to the ICT Division.
Starlink can provide internet access to remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure is difficult or impossible to build, such as islands, chars, hills, mountains and rural villages. This would narrow the digital divide and provide benefits for people currently excluded from the online world. As a result, people in remote locations will be empowered with high-speed internet, thereby unlocking educational, economic and communication opportunities.
Access to high-speed internet can stimulate entrepreneurship and business growth. It allows for smoother online transactions, e-commerce expansion and access to global markets. This can promote the development of local businesses and increase their competitiveness. As well as having a role in employment and education, improved internet infrastructure can spur technological innovation.
Traditional internet infrastructure is often susceptible to natural disasters. Starlink’s satellite-based technology would be less vulnerable to damage, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in the event of cyclones or floods. The BSCL acquired five Starlink terminals (Starlink Kits) to analyse the technology’s performance during rain, fog and inclement weather. The test results were found to be promising. Therefore, Bangladesh, prone to natural disasters, could benefit immensely from a resilient communication network that remains operational during crises.
Despite its promising potential, several challenges could put a damper on the positive impact of this resourceful initiative. The startup expense of Starlink equipment, including the satellite dish and router, is prohibitively high in the context of Bangladesh. According to its website, Starlink Internet comes with a hefty upfront hardware cost of $599, while subscribers will have to pay through the nose for the services that cost $120 per month in most locations. This could be a hindrance for low-income households in Bangladesh.
Although the concerned authority has requested SpaceX officials to apply for an operating license, the government’s ‘lawful interception requirement’, mandated by the law of the land to permit certain government agencies to access or surveil telecommunication technology for monitoring criminal activities, could pose as a roadblock in obtaining it. Besides, unfavourable weather events such as heavy rainfall and storms can disrupt Starlink’s service, which could be a concern in Bangladesh’s monsoon season.
Existing internet providers may offer competitive pricing and improve their services in response to Starlink’s entry into the market, making it harder for its commercial success. Furthermore, while highlighting the ubiquitous presence of mobile internet and broadband in Bangladesh, the president of the Internet Service Provider Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has reportedly questioned the necessity of introducing a satellite internet initiative. They urge the government to engage with all stakeholders before granting final approval.
As of October, BTRC figures show that the country had 13.18 crore internet subscribers, comprising 1.25 crore broadband internet connections and 11.94 crore mobile internet connections. Local ISPs offer 5mbps broadband for approximately Tk 500 per month, while mobile internet costs between Tk 400-500 for 30GB. With this established status quo, does satellite internet present a viable option? Well, the viability of Starlink in the country depends on how well it can address the existing challenges. The government needs to provide a supportive regulatory environment, including streamlined licensing procedures and potential subsidies for low-income users. Additionally, SpaceX needs to continue lowering the cost of equipment and service charges as well as ensuring reliable service throughout the year.
With few exceptions, industry insiders have welcomed the rollout initiative of Starlink satellite internet. Its introduction holds the promise of being a game-changing effort for the country’s digital future. However, it’s crucial to deal with existing challenges and devise a comprehensive strategy to fully leverage the benefits of this technology. Through collaborative efforts, the government, private sector and civil society can ensure that Starlink becomes an impetus for inclusive and sustainable development in Bangladesh.
The writer is an IT professional, who works for Thakral Information Systems Pvt. Ltd, Dhaka. Email: farooque.hossain@thakral-bd.com