A significant step in Bangladesh’s digital progress is on the horizon, as SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service is set to officially launch in the country this May. The announcement was made at the Earthna Summit in Doha, where Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink, confirmed the system’s technical readiness and emphasised that the project is “moving with very strong momentum.”
Source: THE DAILY STAR | 28 April 2025 | Pic: Collected
The move is expected to bring high-speed, satellite-based internet to underserved areas across Bangladesh, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach regions.
Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate and Chief Adviser to the initiative, was also present at the summit and welcomed the development. “People across the country are excited and hopeful. Starlink has the potential to close the digital divide and open up new opportunities for millions,” he stated.
In addition to the launch plans, discussions are underway to potentially integrate PayPal as a digital payment option for Starlink services in Bangladesh. If implemented, this partnership could make it easier for users to manage their subscriptions and promote broader financial inclusion.
Starlink’s entry into Bangladesh aligns with national efforts to build a “Smart Bangladesh”, expanding access to digital services in education, healthcare, and remote work. With regulatory approval already in place from the BTRC, the stage is now set for a landmark rollout.
