Bangladesh has taken a historic step towards internet technology. The new government of Prime Minister Mohammad Yunus is going to launch satellite internet service in the country in partnership with Elon Musk's company Starlink. With this move, Bangladesh has become the first country in South Asia to start Starlink's official internet service.
India has got approval but the service is yet to be started
While big countries like India and Pakistan have not been able to start this service yet, Bangladesh has taken the lead. Pakistan has so far received only a temporary license and the government is busy with paperwork. India has got approval but the service is yet to be started. In such a situation, Bangladesh has secured the top place in the regional technological competition.
Extremely useful in areas with no internet facility
According to a report, the monthly cost of Starlink in Bangladesh will be around 4,200 taka (about Rs 2,990). Apart from this, 47,000 taka (about Rs 33,000) will have to be paid in lump sum for the device. This price may be a high for ordinary consumers, but it will prove to be extremely useful in areas where there is no internet facility. It is not yet clear whether this service is for the general public or only for business use.
Key features of satellite internet
Connectivity even in remote areas: Uninterrupted internet service even where mobile network does not reach
Service continues even during disaster: Network is not interrupted even in emergencies like flood, storm
Direct and fast connection: Starlink's terminals connect directly to the satellite, which keeps the speed and reliability better
By taking this step, the new government has also targeted the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. At that time, the internet was repeatedly shut down during demonstrations and protests. The new government has clarified, "Internet is the right of all and no government will be able to shut it down in future."
Starlink is currently serving in more than 70 countries. The launch of this service by Bangladesh before countries like India and Pakistan is being considered a big leap towards self-reliance in technology.
Prakash Kumar Pandey