Starlink goes live for businesses in Bangladesh, over 20 firms sign up

Bangladesh has stepped into a new era of connectivity with the launch of Starlink's satellite-based internet service for corporate customers. 

Eastern Bank became the first in the banking sector to adopt the service yesterday among more than 20 organisations including Ibn Sina Group, Channel 24, and Ananta Group.

The service is being delivered from a ground station in Kaliakoir, Gazipur, which is set to host 80 antennas, making it the largest Starlink ground station anywhere in the world. 

Industry insiders say the facility not only underlines the scale of Elon Musk's satellite internet ambition in South Asia but also has the capacity to extend coverage to neighbouring countries.

Still, the high cost of packages is prompting many companies to move cautiously. Some are signing up quickly, while others are reviewing pricing and suitability before committing.

Corporate uptake begins

Razib Ahmed Sultan, chief marketing officer of Fiber@Home Ltd, told The Business Standard that Starlink services for corporate clients have been introduced through Felicity IDC Limited, a sister concern of Fiber@Home.

"Eastern Bank has recently adopted the service to strengthen its operations. More than 20 corporate institutions including Ibn Sina Group, Channel 24 and Ananta Group have already signed up and activated devices," he said.

Razib explained that corporate packages are priced higher because they come with dedicated services and four times the prioritisation compared to regular users. "We are actively meeting with corporate clients. Many have already signed up, while others are reviewing the packages before making a decision," he added.

BSCL building reseller network

Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL), the state-owned operator of Bangladesh Satellite, is also playing a key role in Starlink's rollout. It has invited tenders to appoint reseller partners nationwide on a revenue-sharing basis.

Shah Ahmedul Kabir, general manager (Sales & Marketing) at BSCL, said purchase orders for hardware worth several crores have already been issued. "We are now ready to sell Starlink packages at the corporate level. Twenty-five applications have been submitted for reseller appointments. After verification, the list of qualified applicants will be sent to Starlink. Only those approved will be appointed as reseller partners," he said.

Kabir added that remote-area clients have shown particular interest in the service.

Reseller eligibility criteria are strict. Applicants must be licensed ISPs, cable TV operators with valid BTV licenses, or ICT/electronics companies with proven technical capability and customer base. 

They also need to deposit at least Tk3 crore in advance, which will be adjusted against future purchases.

Robi becomes first reseller

Private operator Robi Axiata has already signed an agreement to become Bangladesh's first authorised reseller of Starlink. It will offer both local-priority and global-priority services, catering to enterprise clients and mobility solutions.

Robi plans to distribute Starlink through its enterprise sales channel and retail centres, while also introducing community-sharing Wi-Fi in rural areas.

"This is a transformative step toward bridging Bangladesh's digital divide," said Shihab Ahmad, chief commercial officer of Robi Axiata PLC. "Bringing high-speed satellite internet to remote areas will give local communities access to essential digital services, fostering inclusion, innovation, and sustainable development."

Retail service already in play

While corporates weigh their options, Starlink's retail service is already popular among freelancers, students, and entrepreneurs. Users report far more stable and faster connections than traditional ISPs, even during heavy rain or storms.

Starlink retail offers two monthly packages: a high-priority plan at Tk6,000 and a light plan at Tk4,200. Customers must also buy a standard kit at Tk49,500, which includes the dish, tripod, router, and cables.

Ground stations are being planned in Jessore, Cox's Bazar, and Mymensingh in addition to Kaliakoir, promising wider coverage and redundancy.

Game changer or niche service?

Starlink's entry could disrupt Bangladesh's internet market, long dominated by ISPs and mobile operators often criticised for inconsistent service. 

By offering low-latency, high-speed internet even in hard-to-reach areas, the service has the potential to boost the freelancing economy, remote education, and e-commerce.

But its relatively high price remains a major hurdle. For ordinary households, a monthly bill of Tk4,200-6,000 plus upfront hardware costs is far beyond current internet spending levels. 

Unless costs come down, Starlink may remain confined to corporates, affluent users, and remote institutions, industry insiders say.