18 Jul 2025, 10:52 PM US tech baron Elon Musk’s Starlink has officially fired up its satellite internet services in Bangladesh, marking a milestone moment in the country’s digital landscape. The launch follows the approval of two key operational licences, unlocking the gateway to high-speed connectivity from space. The announcement was made at a high-profile press conference at the InterContinental Dhaka, signalling the arrival of a new era in nationwide communication. The licences granted are for non-geostationary satellite orbit operations and radio communication apparatus. SpaceX Vice-President Lauren Dreyer and Director of International Strategy and Government Relations Richard Griffiths were present at the event. The two officials delivered written remarks but did not take questions from the media. In her speech, Dreier praised the prime adviser and his administration for creating what she called “an unprecedented opportunity” for the people of Bangladesh. She said Bangladesh had embraced new technology, and that high-speed internet was “no longer a dream”. Dreyer described Starlink as a “critical and reliable life line,” especially in times of natural disasters like floods and cyclones. She added that the service would also support sectors like telemedicine and education, calling Bangladesh “a model for others”. “We are eager to see how people in this country use Starlink to bring radical change to their lives,” she said. Griffiths also credited Bangladesh for quickly facilitating Starlink’s launch, saying the business environment had become “much easier”. Both officials left immediately after their speeches. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, the chief advisor’s special assistant on ICT affairs, then addressed journalists and answered questions. He noted that the launch coincided with the anniversary of last year’s internet shutdown during the July student protests. “Today marks exactly 365 days since that shutdown,” he said. “Orders for Starlink have already started. While the soft launch took place earlier, [Jul 18] marks the formal start of their services.” Referring to last year’s internet blackout, he said: “With Starlink, we want to send a clear message -- no one should ever again dare to disconnect our people from the world. “Uninterrupted internet is not merely a benefit, it is a right.” Faiz added that the Starlink would be available across the country, with priority given to remote and rural areas. When asked about upcoming telecom policy reforms, he declined to comment. Earlier, a business-to-business (B2B) agreement was signed between Starlink and Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited. The company’s Managing Mirector Imadur Rahman and Dreyer inked the deal. The process to bring Starlink to Bangladesh began after a phone call on Feb 14 between interim government head Muhammad Yunus and SpaceX founder Elon Musk. Starlink has since been granted two 10-year licences to operate in Bangladesh. Follow bdnews24.com on Google News