Gazi Anowar :
Starlink, the satellite-based internet service from SpaceX, officially began accepting orders in Bangladesh on May 20, 2025. The launch has stirred significant excitement across the country, particularly among freelancers, content creators, remote workers, and residents in rural areas who have long struggled with unreliable internet services.
A new era of high-speed internet
Many users turned to Starlink out of frustration with existing providers’ poor speed, inconsistent service, and inadequate customer support. With Starlink, users are experiencing download speeds ranging from 250 to 450 Mbps, along with much-improved latency. Imran Hasan, a tech lead at Malaysian fintech company Mobipay, reported receiving his kit within ten days of ordering.
“I live in Munshiganj, where high-speed internet isn’t available,” Hasan told The New Nation. “Starlink was a game changer. I get average speeds of 250-300 Mbps. The initial calibration took about 6-7 hours, and now it’s running smoothly. I’ve even hit a peak download speed of 450 Mbps and upload of 45 Mbps with latency around 80ms to Singapore servers.”
Hasan described installing the receiver dish himself after watching YouTube tutorials and reading Starlink’s official guides. “It was easy to set up. Once connected, the first month’s bill was automatically deducted. The experience has been seamless so far,” he said.
Reaching the unreachable
Starlink’s impact is especially significant in remote areas like Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar, where traditional fiber or mobile tower-based networks are either weak or non-existent. Zahed Kabir, an IT professional working with a multinational development agency, said his organization is using Starlink for live mobile classrooms in coastal regions.
“We pre-booked in September 2024 and received the equipment in May. We’ve already tested it in Gulshan and Banani offices, achieving 300-350 Mbps download speeds,” said Kabir. “Our aim is to deliver live classes from Dhaka to remote students via Starlink.”
Delays at customs cause frustration
Despite strong performance, not all customers have had a smooth experience. Many reported delays due to customs clearance issues at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A user from Madaripur, freelancer Alauddin, said, “I ordered on May 20, and the kit arrived in Bangladesh by May 25, but I still haven’t received it due to customs complications.”
A Bogura-based tech entrepreneur, speaking on condition of anonymity, echoed this concern, noting that even after completing payment on May 20, his kit has yet to arrive. Others have shared similar frustrations in the Starlink Bangladesh User Community on Facebook.
Government response and future outlook
According to a revenue officer at Dhaka airport declined to be named, the delays are partly due to coordination issues among agencies, as this is the first time such equipment is being imported in bulk. “Government agencies are working together to resolve this,” he said.
An high official, speaking on condition of anonymity, to the Chief Advisor, acknowledged the initial challenges. “Customers are ordering online, not through official LC (Letter of Credit) channels, which caused some issues. Once the process becomes regular, and kits are brought in under LC, these problems will be resolved,” he said.
Before Eid, around 800 Starlink kits were stuck at Chattogram Port. The Ministry of Commerce has since issued NOCs (No Objection Certificates), allowing their release. Starlink has been granted a 90-day commercial test run to establish operations.
