Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is set to take a significant step into Bangladesh with a new project aimed at providing high-speed, uninterrupted internet connections. These services are specifically targeting geographically isolated communities, as well as those affected by disasters.
The State Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, confirmed that two Starlink devices will be dispatched for a three-month trial. One device is scheduled for installation on a bus, while the other will find its home on a remote island in Bangladesh. These locations have been carefully selected to evaluate the viability and effectiveness of this new internet service.
The arrangement was sealed in a meeting with two top SpaceX officials, Joel Meredith, the manager for global government affairs, and Parnil Urdhwareshe, manager for global licensing and activation. They convened with top ICT Division personnel at the ICT Tower on Wednesday.
Starlink, an initiative by the US-based aerospace giant SpaceX, has already made a name for itself in the global arena, offering satellite internet access to more than 60 countries around the world.
Following the completion of the trial run, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will determine the pricing model in collaboration with Starlink.
Furthermore, the Starlink team is expected to attend a startup event this Saturday in Dhaka, further cementing their presence in Bangladesh’s tech scene.
