Bangladesh has long struggled with inconsistent internet access, particularly in rural and underserved areas where fiber-optic infrastructure remains limited. The arrival of Starlink’s satellite internet services brings the promise of high-speed connectivity unhindered by the logistical challenges of laying cables -- bridging the digital divide for remote communities, entrepreneurs, and freelancers across the nation.
However, while the technology itself marks a significant step forward, its price tag raises concerns about accessibility. A one-time setup fee of Tk47,000 and monthly costs ranging from Tk4,200 to Tk6,000 place Starlink well beyond the reach of the very people who need it most: Fishermen in coastal regions, rural students eager to access online education, grassroots activists fighting for policy change -- these groups stand to benefit immensely from a reliable, uninterrupted internet connection.
If Bangladesh is serious about digital transformation, internet access must be democratized. The government must prioritize policies which encourage affordable connectivity, ensuring that speed, accessibility, and affordability go hand in hand. Investing in local solutions, expanding fiber-optic networks, and negotiating better terms for satellite-based services should be at the forefront of policy discussions, to this end.
Yes, Starlink’s entry into the market is a testament to just how ready Bangladesh is for innovative solutions to its existing infrastructural problems, but it should serve as a wake-up call, reminding policy-makers that progress is not measured by technological availability alone but by how equitable its distribution is.
It is time for Bangladesh to move beyond ambition and toward action. Our internet must be fast, affordable, and accessible to all -- not just those who can afford a premium price.
However, while the technology itself marks a significant step forward, its price tag raises concerns about accessibility. A one-time setup fee of Tk47,000 and monthly costs ranging from Tk4,200 to Tk6,000 place Starlink well beyond the reach of the very people who need it most: Fishermen in coastal regions, rural students eager to access online education, grassroots activists fighting for policy change -- these groups stand to benefit immensely from a reliable, uninterrupted internet connection.
If Bangladesh is serious about digital transformation, internet access must be democratized. The government must prioritize policies which encourage affordable connectivity, ensuring that speed, accessibility, and affordability go hand in hand. Investing in local solutions, expanding fiber-optic networks, and negotiating better terms for satellite-based services should be at the forefront of policy discussions, to this end.
Yes, Starlink’s entry into the market is a testament to just how ready Bangladesh is for innovative solutions to its existing infrastructural problems, but it should serve as a wake-up call, reminding policy-makers that progress is not measured by technological availability alone but by how equitable its distribution is.
It is time for Bangladesh to move beyond ambition and toward action. Our internet must be fast, affordable, and accessible to all -- not just those who can afford a premium price.
