Tech Desk 
May 02, 2025
With countries rushing to adopt the world's fastest satellite internet service, Bangladesh has approved the countrywide launch of Starlink, whereas Pakistan seems to be struggling to finalise plans to bring service home.
Bangladesh’s interim government approved a licence for Elon Musk’s Starlink on April 28, offering low Earth orbit satellite internet across the country.
According to Business Recorder, Starlink's launch made Bangladesh the second country in South Asia to have formally authorised the service. The first country in the region to do so was Sri Lanka.
The decision comes on the heels of Starlink’s application to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) earlier this month as part of new licensing guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellite operators.
“Starlink will open new doors for Bangladesh’s enterprising youth, rural women, and underserved communities,” said a statement from Starlink's Bangladeshi media office.
This development has drawn stark contrast with Pakistan's case regarding Starlink's rollout in the country. Pakistan has one of the largest freelance workforces in the world, yet it has evidently been hit with regulatory complications multiple times.
State Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja recently confirmed that the licensing process is approaching completion.
As of now, Starlink is expected to launch in Pakistan in November 2025.
