Bangladesh has officially stepped into the era of satellite-based internet with the trial launch of Starlink, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The experimental service was inaugurated on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the Bangladesh Investment Summit, held at Hotel InterContinental in the capital, Dhaka.

The launch of Starlink’s service was formally announced by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor, on the third day of the summit. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s digital advancement, as it introduces space-based internet connectivity through artificial satellites for the first time. The initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in delivering international-standard internet services across Bangladesh.

Throughout the summit, all attendees have access to Starlink's internet, offering a firsthand experience of the service’s speed and reliability. Additionally, all conference activities are being live-streamed using Starlink’s internet, demonstrating its operational capability in a real-time setting.

Prior to the trial launch, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) confirmed that Starlink had successfully completed its registration process in the country. At a press briefing last Sunday, BIDA’s Executive Chairman, Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, announced that the organization had officially approved Starlink to operate its satellite internet service in Bangladesh.

The formal approval was granted by BIDA on March 29, authorizing Starlink to initiate its operations and deploy its satellite technology in the region. With this development, Bangladesh joins the growing list of countries exploring advanced satellite internet solutions to enhance connectivity, especially in remote and underserved areas.

Starlink’s entry is expected to contribute significantly to bridging the digital divide, offering high-speed internet access where traditional infrastructure is limited or non-existent. As the service progresses from its experimental phase, it holds the potential to revolutionize internet accessibility and speed throughout the country.