Starlink's role in Bangladesh's digital communications

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus recently invited US tech billionaire and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to visit Bangladesh for the potential use of the Starlink satellite service in the country within the next 90 days. In a letter to Musk dated February 19, Yunus outlined the potential of Starlink's connectivity, particularly for young entrepreneurs, rural communities, and underserved populations in Bangladesh.

Hypothetically, the introduction of Starlink in Bangladesh could revolutionize connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved regions. With its ability to deliver high-speed satellite internet, the technology could help bridge the digital divide, enhancing rural education, healthcare, and economic activity. Small businesses and freelancers in rural areas would gain seamless access to global markets, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Additionally, the improved connectivity could potentially accelerate the growth of digital sectors such as e-commerce, telemedicine, and online education, contributing to broader economic development and technological progress.

Embracing cutting-edge technology like Starlink can position Bangladesh as a forward-thinking player in the global digital economy. By prioritizing digital inclusion and technological advancements, the country can enhance its global competitiveness and pave the way for sustainable development in the digital era.

The presence of many International Internet Gateways (IIGs) creates inefficiencies such as high latency and routing issues. This discourages global companies from investing in local Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), leading to suboptimal service quality. Many internet service providers (ISPs) still operate illegally or under political influence, leading to poor service quality and unfair competition. According to a recent report of Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, Bangladesh ranked 85th in the world for mobile speeds and 100th for fixed broadband speeds. The country's internet connection is unsatisfactory even in urban areas, therefore an option like Starlink can be considered to be more competitive.

Moreover, over the past one and half decade, Bangladesh has witnessed the mismanagement of hundreds of millions of dollars in the name of digital expansion, with numerous scandals exposing irregularities in telecom projects. The inefficiency and monopolization in the communications sector have hindered the goal of seamless internet access for all citizens. The interim government, which has initiated reforms across various departments, has both the responsibility and the authority to address this critical issue.

Approving Starlink would not only ensure fair competition in the telecom industry but also, potentially, provide a corruption-free, high-speed internet solution, bridging the digital divide and benefiting millions. Given the government’s broader mandate to ensure fair governance and address systemic inefficiencies, introducing Starlink would be a justified step in correcting past failures in the telecommunications sector.

While Starlink promises to bring high-speed internet to remote and underserved regions, unlocking educational and economic opportunities, the high cost of its services and competition with more affordable local providers raise questions about its commercial viability in Bangladesh. To address this issue, SpaceX should consider bringing down the price of equipment and maintenance fees while providing dependable service all year long. How successfully Starlink can handle the current challenges will determine its viability in the nation.

Of course, India has already voiced concerns regarding the use of satellite internet services in conflict-ridden areas such as Manipur, where internet restrictions were imposed to curb unrest. If Bangladesh moves forward with the Starlink satellite service, India may perceive it as a security risk, fearing that the service could be misused to bypass restrictions and facilitate unauthorized communications. Such a move could potentially strain Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations, adding another layer of complexity to their already sensitive cross-border security dynamics. This could push Dhaka to strike a fine balance between India's security concerns and taking benefit of uninterrupted internet access.

The interim government champions its commitment to freedom of speech. However, in the modern world, true freedom extends beyond just speech -- it includes unrestricted access to information and the internet. As global

discourse shifts towards recognizing internet access as a fundamental right, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. By embracing transparency and open access, our country could emerge as a global leader in digital rights, proving that true democracy is built on an informed and empowered populace.

Writer: Imran Hossain is a Lecturer, Department of Business Administration, Rabindra Maitree University.

Source:  Dhaka Tribune.