THE introduction of Starlink, the satellite-based internet service by SpaceX, in Bangladesh has been hailed as a revolutionary step towards bridging the digital divide. With its ability to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to remote and underserved areas, Starlink has the potential to transform various sectors, including education, healthcare and economic development. However, this promising technology is not without its drawbacks. Beyond the optimistic discussions surrounding its benefits, it is imperative to analyse the risks and potential harms of adopting Starlink in Bangladesh.
One of the primary advantages of Starlink is its ability to provide connectivity to remote regions where traditional broadband services have failed. Given that Bangladesh has long struggled with an inadequate digital infrastructure, this could be a game changer. However, the cost of Starlink services poses a significant barrier to access. The current price of a Starlink kit ranges from $349 to $599, with a monthly subscription fee starting at $120. These costs are prohibitive for the average Bangladeshi, given that the country鈥檚 gross domestic product per capita stands at around $2500. While Starlink offers lower prices in some African nations 鈥� as low as $10 to $30 per month 鈥� there is no guarantee that Bangladesh will receive similar pricing. Without substantial subsidies or pricing adjustments, Starlink risks creating a two-tiered internet system, where only the wealthy can afford premium connectivity, while the lower-income majority remains reliant on slow and unreliable networks.
With Starlink鈥檚 services operating through a network of satellites owned and controlled by a private US-based company, concerns over data sovereignty arise. Currently, most of Bangladesh鈥檚 internet traffic is routed through International Internet Gateways, which are regulated by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. The introduction of a foreign-controlled internet infrastructure means that vast amounts of user data would be processed and stored outside national jurisdiction, raising serious questions about data security and sovereignty.
If Bangladesh relies heavily on Starlink, the country鈥檚 critical communications infrastructure could become vulnerable to foreign influence. Governments and corporations could potentially access and analyse sensitive data without oversight.
Cyber-security threats are another concern. Starlink鈥檚 decentralised nature means that hacking or sabotage could disrupt connectivity on a large scale. A cyber-attack on SpaceX infrastructure could impact thousands, if not millions, of users in Bangladesh, paralysing businesses, government agencies and emergency services. As cyber warfare becomes an increasing concern globally, relying on a foreign-based satellite network poses long-term strategic risks.
The introduction of Starlink could also disrupt Bangladesh鈥檚 existing telecommunications landscape. While competition is generally beneficial for consumers, the dominance of a foreign satellite-based ISP could weaken local ISPs and mobile network operators, leading to job losses and economic downturns in the domestic industry. Currently, local ISPs and mobile network operators invest heavily in infrastructure, including fibre optics and mobile towers. If a large number of consumers switch to Starlink, local companies may struggle to maintain profitability, potentially leading to a reduction in services and slower expansion of terrestrial networks.
Bangladesh鈥檚 regulatory framework for satellite-based ISPs is still in its infancy. While the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has prepared a draft guideline titled Non-Geostationary Orbit Satellite Services Operator, there are still uncertainties regarding how Starlink will be monitored and controlled. If clear regulations are not in place before its adoption, Bangladesh could face difficulties in enforcing fair pricing, taxation and compliance with national cyber-security laws. The challenges faced by other nations serve as cautionary tales. For instance, in 2021, the Indian government ordered Starlink to stop pre-selling its services until it acquired the necessary regulatory approvals. If Bangladesh rushes into Starlink adoption without comprehensive legal frameworks, it could lead to complications, including conflicts with existing ISPs and international legal disputes.
While Starlink offers undeniable benefits, including improved connectivity for underserved areas, enhanced educational opportunities and economic growth, the associated risks must not be overlooked. The high cost of the service threatens to widen the digital divide rather than bridge it, while security concerns, data sovereignty issues and regulatory uncertainties pose significant challenges.
Bangladesh must approach Starlink with a well-structured strategy. Regulatory frameworks should be solidified before granting approval, ensuring that pricing remains affordable, data sovereignty is protected and national security is not compromised. Collaboration with local ISPs and telecom operators should be encouraged rather than disrupted, ensuring that the benefits of satellite internet complement rather than replace terrestrial networks.
In a world increasingly shaped by digital influence, Bangladesh must tread carefully, ensuring that the pursuit of technological advancement does not come at the cost of economic stability, national security, or data sovereignty.
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HM Nazmul Alam is a lecturer in English and modern languages at the International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology.
