In the age of the internet, recent government-imposed internet restrictions in Bangladesh have dealt a severe blow to the country’s freedom and economy. For six long days, citizens were deprived of basic internet access, with social media platforms still blocked even after a partial restoration. This act, more akin to an authoritarian regime than a democracy, has severely impacted professionals reliant on the internet and the nation’s overall economic well-being.
Such incidents raise concerns about the government’s potential to further tighten its grip on internet access in the future. As citizens who cherish the hard-won freedom of expression, we must explore alternative solutions. Starlink, a satellite internet provider known for bringing connectivity to remote areas and challenging internet censorship efforts, has emerged as a potential answer.
What is Starlink?
For those unfamiliar with Starlink, it’s a revolutionary satellite-based internet system. With just a receiver, router, and subscription, users can connect to the internet from virtually anywhere on Earth, even in the most remote locations or challenging environments. Starlink’s extensive satellite network offers exceptional speed and security, ensuring your data remains private and free from government control. Whether you’re on the move, at home, or even at sea, Starlink provides unparalleled internet flexibility.
Starlink Packages and Availability in Bangladesh
Is Starlink Bangladesh being a possible reality? To anwser this question, first we need to look into its offers. Starlink various packages to suit individual and business needs. While the Personal package seems like the most suitable option for most Bangladeshi users, current availability indicates service rollout only starting in 2025. Here’s the official message from Starlink:
“Order now to reserve your Starlink. Starlink is targeting coverage in your area starting in 2025. Availability is subject to regulatory approval. Within each coverage area, orders are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis.”
The pre-order fee is a mere $9, securing your place in line for service activation upon availability.
Starlink and the Regulatory Hurdle in Bangladesh
The aforementioned “regulatory approval” presents a significant challenge. The Bangladeshi government’s reluctance to approve Starlink is likely due to their desire to maintain control over internet access and monetization. Their past actions with PayPal, another Elon Musk venture denied approval due to a lack of transaction monitoring oversight, suggest a similar outcome for Starlink. However, Elon Musk’s reputation for defying the status quo and supporting populations under oppressive regimes gives hope. Perhaps a creative solution outside the traditional regulatory framework can be devised.
Current Accessibility and Potential Costs
As of now, Bangladeshi citizens cannot directly access Starlink Bangladesh services. However, there’s a possibility of using an unofficial roaming service if you have a shipping address and payment method registered in a supported country like the USA.
Officials at Starlink acknowledge the need for regulatory approval but emphasize their roaming service as a potential workaround. This suggests that Starlink might explore alternative methods to provide internet access to Bangladesh, even if not officially sanctioned.
Cost remains a concern. Starlink’s current pricing structure might be expensive for Bangladeshi users, with the $99 monthly subscription and a one-time equipment fee ranging from $500 to $600. Business plans are even steeper, with a $2,500 upfront cost and a $500 monthly fee for speeds up to 500mbps. However, Starlink has a history of adjusting prices based on a country’s economic bracket, as seen with their Nigerian offering at $40-45 USD. This suggests a potential reduction in costs if Starlink enters the Bangladeshi market.
Conclusion
While Starlink Bangladesh presents a promising solution for internet access in Bangladesh amidst government restrictions, regulatory hurdles and costs remain significant obstacles. Still, Starlink’s innovative approach and Elon Musk’s determination leave room for optimism. Bangladeshis seeking internet freedom should stay informed about Starlink’s developments and explore potential workarounds.
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