Internet users in Bangladesh face problems across multiple areas, including speed, connectivity, and service. As the primary connectivity method is only limited to cable internet connection and mobile data, satellite internet can open new doors to users.
The government’s recent push to bring Starlink to Bangladesh is being hailed as a step towards digital freedom.
The move aims to end politically motivated internet blackouts, which have disrupted businesses and freelancers nationwide.
However, concerns over affordability and accessibility remain.
In a letter to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on February 19, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus invited him to visit Bangladesh and oversee the launch of SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service in the country within the next 90 working days.
Kazi Fariha, an employee of a US-based organisation, told Dhaka Tribune: “As I have to be online, I have to rely on a stable internet connection. However, sometimes, the speed becomes so slow that I am barely able to work. If satellite internet is an option, I will be open to exploring it.”
Mahadin, a graphics designer, shared an instance where his internet cable was damaged, and he could not deliver his work timely.
Towhid Joshi, an adventurer, noted the challenges of communication in areas without internet access especially in hills. He shared his experience of struggling to receive even the most critical news, such as the passing of a loved one.
He also shared his recent experience of recovering a damaged fishing boat on the Bay of Bengal. He said: “Though they have wireless communication, the internet would have helped more to geolocate and recover the boat faster.”
Several media professionals also complained about the reliability of mobile data and cable internet.
Shamima Rita, a reporter, said: “I have experienced delays in sending my reports multiple times. Especially mobile data does not work properly in remote areas.”
How Starlink works
Starlink is a satellite internet system that provides high-speed internet. Starlink has been used where the network connection is unavailable, especially in its recent use in the Ukraine-Russia war.
It has thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit, which can provide faster internet connection than the geostationary satellite. These satellites connect with ground stations or receiving terminal dishes to send and receive internet traffic over the satellite.
Cost
Compared with the traditional fibre connections, Starlink becomes a costlier option as a satellite internet provider. In the United States, the monthly pricing of residential Starlink connections starts at $35, which is slightly more than Tk4,000 per month.
Additionally, one needs a receiving terminal, which can cost $349 which is equivalent to Tk42,500.
Dhaka Tribune also tried to reach SpaceX regarding the estimated pricing of the Starlink hardware kit and monthly subscription and whether there will be region-specific pricing adjustments compared to other markets, but SpaceX did not respond till the writing of this report.
What freelancers say
Md Shamim Reza, a virtual assistance provider on the online marketplace Upwork told Dhaka Tribune: “Most of the time, especially at night we suffer internet speed issues. As Starlink does not have this, we are expected to not face the problem.”
Upon being asked about the high-cost, Reza said: “Those who professionally do freelancing earn a bit more. And we spend around Tk1,000 per month for internet connection. If startlink is Tk2,000-3,000 more than what we pay now, we can still afford it because we earn with that.”
However, Reza urged the government to focus on reducing the price of high-speed internet in Bangladesh as it is professionally used by freelancers.
In July, Reza lost many of his clients during the internet shutdown. Asked whether he got his clients back, Reza replied: “No, I had to start over and got new clients now with a lot of work.”
Monir Hasan, a freelancer from Gazipur specialising in search engine marketing, told Dhaka Tribune: “Maximum people can not afford Starlink’s service at its current pricing. Besides, there is a concern of support as it is a foreign company and if we have to communicate over the internet.”
Monir said freelancers work as teams. Thus, if Starlink’s pricing is around Tk5,000 they may opt in for the service, he added.
