Bangladesh Orders Starlink Launch Within 90 Days to Boost Internet Access

By John Maximus · Published 26 March 2025
Reported from named sources and checked against the publishers linked in this article. Corrections: editorial and corrections policy.

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has officially directed relevant government authorities to ensure the commercial launch of Starlink’s satellite broadband service in Bangladesh within 90 days. This directive marks a major step in addressing the country’s persistent internet connectivity issues, especially in rural and underserved areas.

According to officials, Starlink—owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX—has already conducted trial broadcasts using foreign-based satellite broadband gateways. However, for full commercial operations, the company must comply with Bangladesh’s Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) policy, which requires the use of a local broadband gateway or International Internet Gateway (IIG) for data transmission.

Meeting Regulatory Requirements

The government has stressed that national regulations must be met before Starlink can go live. These include spectrum allocation, security clearances, and full alignment with the country’s digital infrastructure policies.

Starlink has been in discussion with Bangladeshi regulators for months, and local telecom partners are already working with the company to set up ground stations needed for satellite integration. Officials say this will ensure that data remains within regulatory oversight, helping to maintain national cybersecurity and service reliability.

A Game Changer for Connectivity

Dr. Yunus has also formally invited Elon Musk to attend the official launch ceremony. The introduction of Starlink is being hailed as a breakthrough move to help eliminate frequent internet shutdowns that have impacted freelance professionals and businesses.

The service is expected to deliver fast, uninterrupted internet to both urban and remote areas, supporting local entrepreneurs and improving digital access for education, healthcare, and commerce.

Dr. Yunus emphasized that Starlink’s services would complement national efforts led by institutions like Grameen Bank and Grameenphone, furthering Bangladesh’s digital growth goals.