Internet Blockade Causes Tk 1,200 Crore Loss for F-Commerce

Starlink has officially launched in Bangladesh, offering high-speed satellite internet with two packages: Residential at Tk6,000/month and Residential Lite at Tk4,200/month. A one-time setup cost of Tk47,000 is required. Users will get unlimited data with speeds up to 300 Mbps.

Internet subscribers in Bangladesh will now receive 10 Mbps internet speed for Tk 500, up from the previous 5 Mbps, as announced by the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB). This change aligns with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission's (BTRC) "One Country, One Rate" policy.

Bangladesh is constructing its first Ocean Satellite Ground Station at the University of Chittagong in collaboration with China’s Second Institute of Oceanography, with a budget of Tk70 crore (Tk60 crore funded by China). Scheduled to be operational within 2025, the station will enable real-time data collection using Chinese HY-1C/D and FY-4B satellites, offering 10–15 minute coastal forecasts and early cyclone warnings 48–72 hours in advance.

Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) is seeking a partnership with Starlink to launch satellite internet services in Bangladesh. BSCL has proposed hosting Starlink's gateway at its Gazipur and Betbunia stations, leveraging its infrastructure, including secure facilities and 99.99% uptime.

Bangladesh's internet penetration rate has been declining for the past several months, dropping from 80.60% in August 2024 to 74.40% in January 2025. The decline is driven by a decrease in mobile broadband users, which fell from 98.93 million in November to 96.97 million in January.

Several Bangladeshi firms have partnered with Starlink to facilitate the setup of ground earth stations in the country, signing contracts with the US-based telecommunications provider. The collaboration involves space allocation, construction support, and infrastructure maintenance. Some firms are offering their own properties, while others are considering Hi-Tech Park locations.