The technology gurus weighed in that similar to Starlink, NGSO networks can revolutionize Bangladesh’s internet connection when it comes to education, economy, and social inclusion with faster and low latency.
They stated that Starlink has an internet speed of download that varies between 25 to 220 Mbps, with a majority of the users obtaining more than 100Mbps of speed for downloads while the upload speed is between 5 to 20 Mbps.
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus had a video conference with Elon Musk about the opportunity of future cooperation and about the further promotion of the SpaceX star-link satellite internet connection in Bangladesh. Let’s find out when Startlink is coming to Bangladesh, its price, speed, and benefits.
How Does Starlink Work?
Starlink is an internet service that uses satellites with thousands of mini-satellites that orbit in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). These call for special receiver dishes on the ground for Internet access with high speeds. It can cover areas that cannot be reached with fiber optics or cell towers, and it seems to be an appropriate solution for remote and rural areas.
Every Starlink satellite transmits and receives signals with the other satellites by lasers, which enables it to have a low delay in data transfer. All that is required from the users is a small dish and a router to enable them to connect. It is a new technology in this field which was created by SpaceX.
When will Starlink be launched in Bangladesh?
As per the known information, Starlink satellite internet service will be available in Bangladesh by May, 2025. Currently, the BTRC has offered Starlink a 10-year NGSO Operator License and Radio Communication Apparatus License, which means that the company can confidently launch commercial internet services.
Starlink has already shown this trial at the Bangladesh Investment Summit held on the 9th of April in Dhaka where the internet speed of around 170 Mbps was achieved. Lauren Dreyer, the Vice President of Global Engagement at SpaceX, stated that the company is ready to technically start the service from May.
Starlink promises uninterrupted and high speed internet service for the urban and the remote areas of Bangladesh hence, it is one of the most significant advancements in the country’s digital connectivity.
What is the speed of Starlink in Bangladesh?
The internet speed of Starlink in Bangladesh has been tested to be about 230 Mbps (download speed). This was demonstrated at a demo event that was organized in Dhaka in April, 2024.
The speeds according to the demo were the following:
- Download speed: ~230 Mbps
- Upload speed: ~20-30 Mbps (expected)
- Latency (ping time): Between 20-50 milliseconds mostly for video conferencing, online gaming, and other real-time services.
Depending on your current location, weather condition and the equipment you are using, you are likely to achieve this final speed. However, it is expected to be much more reliable and faster than conventional internet services in Bangladesh, which is the target country for this technology and innovation.
What Kind of Device or Setup Will be Needed for Starlink?
As for the equipment necessary for Starlink, it has to be mentioned that there is a specific kit available, and it is offered by Starlink. It comprises Dishy which is a satellite receiver dish, an electronic router, power cables, and a mounting system. It has to be mounted in an area of the open sky to have a clear view of satellite signals.
Wireless internet is implemented by the Wi-Fi router which transmits the internet connection throughout the house.Using the Starlink app, one has to identify where the dish is situated and also track the connection. The whole setup of the entire system is very easy and does not require the services of a technician, it is very portable in the sense that anyone can fix it on their own.
The cost of a hardware kit may vary and cost around $400-600, while the monthly subscription fee would cost around $50-120. However, this cost will be finally determined once the product is launched in Bangladesh. It can also help in providing high-speed internet services in the city as well as in the villages.
How Much Does Starlink Cost in Bangladesh?
The price of Starlink has not been set for the Bangladeshi market yet, but considering the price range of the global market, it is expected that it will be costly. Typically, each Starlink hardware kit costs between $400 to $600 and that is approximately 50,000 to 75,000 BDT. This can consist of a monthly subscription fee ranging between $50 to $120 which in a conversion to the taka is equivalent to 6,000 to 13,000 BDT.
However, this cost may be higher by factoring in the customs, taxes and the cost of transportation. Customers can purchase the service directly from the official website of Starlink or from the official dealers and retailers. This cost may slightly differ when in an urban or remote region of the country. The final price will be fixed which will be subjected to the approval of the Government and BTRC.
The Benefits of Starlink Internet
The main benefit of Starlink Internet – is high-speed Internet connection for any point of the terrestrial surface, including the most deserted and hard-to-reach. Some of the other benefits are as follows:
One of the advantages of Starlink Internet:
- Availability: Starlink is available in regions where fiber or mobile networks are not present.
- High speed: The download speeds ranging from 50-200 Mbps, which will suffice for streaming videos, playing games and even attending virtual meetings.
- Low latency: Takes about 20-50 ms which help its intended use in real-time applications such as video communication and gaming.
- Easy installation: The dish and router can be installed at the convenience of your own home without having to pay for professional installation.
- Mobility: In some of these plans, the connection will follow you anywhere you go if you carry the device with you.
That is why Starlink is more suitable for such areas as the countryside and borders.
Final Word
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service which is owned by the SpaceX firm. It has the capability of providing internet connectivity at high speed, whether in the rural or remote areas of the world. This has led it to be regarded as the future of the internet due to some of the attributes that it possesses such as simplicity in installation, high speed and low delay. This service is also going to be launched in Bangladesh in 2025, which is going to create a new era in the connectivity of the digital world.
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