In August 2025, Bangladesh’s telecom operator Robi signed a historic agreement with Starlink, the global satellite internet service by SpaceX. This deal makes Robi the first telecom company in Bangladesh to officially partner with Starlink.Robi Signs Agreement With Starlink
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Details of the Agreement
Robi announced on August 5, 2025, that it has become an authorized enterprise reseller of Starlink in Bangladesh. The announcement was made at Robi’s headquarters in Dhaka, where officials from both companies were present.Robi Signs Agreement With Starlink
This agreement allows Robi to sell Starlink’s internet services and devices directly to customers across the country. It means people in both cities and rural areas will now have access to high-speed satellite internet.
According to Robi’s press release, this deal will focus on expanding digital inclusion in remote areas where traditional broadband or mobile networks are not stable. Locations such as St. Martin’s Island, Hatiya, Khagrachari, and Bandarban are expected to benefit first.
What Experts and Officials Said
Robi’s CEO Rajeev Sethi said during the press briefing, “This partnership will change the future of internet connectivity in Bangladesh. Our goal is to connect every corner of the country. With Starlink, even the most remote areas will no longer be left behind.”
A senior technology analyst from BanglaTech24 explained that this is a major step for Bangladesh’s telecom sector. He mentioned that countries like the Philippines and Indonesia have already adopted Starlink through local telecom operators. Bangladesh joining this trend shows progress in South Asia’s digital growth.
Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, also welcomed this partnership on social media. He wrote, “Happy to see Bangladesh joining Starlink’s mission. Connectivity should be for everyone, everywhere.”
Past Developments in Robi’s Digital Journey
Robi has been at the center of innovation in Bangladesh’s telecom industry. In late 2022, Robi became the first operator in the country to commercially launch 5G services. Although the rollout was limited to certain areas, it showed Robi’s commitment to advanced technology.
This new deal with Starlink builds on that progress. While 5G is still expanding, satellite internet will fill the gaps where mobile towers or fiber cables cannot reach. Many experts see this as a balanced strategy to ensure equal access for all citizens.
Starlink itself has been expanding quickly around the world. As of mid-2025, it operates over 6,000 satellites in Earth’s orbit, covering more than 70 countries. The service has already been tested in rural America, remote islands in the Pacific, and war-affected areas like Ukraine. This global success makes the Robi-Starlink partnership even more important.
What Services Will Be Available
Through this agreement, Robi will offer both hardware and subscription services from Starlink. Customers will need a Starlink terminal, often called a “dish,” which directly connects to satellites in orbit. Once installed, it provides fast internet with speeds up to 250 Mbps.
Robi announced three categories of services:
- Residential Packages – For households in villages, small towns, and remote islands.
- Enterprise Packages – For businesses, schools, hospitals, and government offices that need stable connections.
- Emergency Services – For disaster-prone areas such as coastal belts. In case of floods or cyclones, satellite internet will keep communication active.
The company also confirmed that pricing will be adjusted for the local market. According to BanglaTech24, the lowest package may start around 4,500 BDT per month, though official rates will be announced later.
Why This is Important for Bangladesh
Bangladesh has made strong progress in internet coverage over the past decade. According to Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), more than 130 million people use mobile internet. However, there are still thousands of villages with poor or no connectivity.
In areas like the Chittagong Hill Tracts, fiber lines are difficult to install because of rough geography. Similarly, island communities face frequent network disruptions. Starlink’s satellite-based system solves this problem because it does not depend on towers or cables.
Education and healthcare could see the biggest impact. Online classes and telemedicine require stable internet, which many rural families cannot access today. With this deal, students and patients in remote areas will finally get reliable digital services.
Future Expectations
Robi has already announced that pilot projects will begin in late 2025. The first phase will target coastal and hill districts. By early 2026, Robi plans to expand Starlink services nationwide.
Industry experts believe this deal could also encourage other operators like Grameenphone and Banglalink to explore satellite partnerships. Some analysts predict healthy competition in the sector, which may lower prices for customers.
The government of Bangladesh has welcomed this agreement. Officials from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications said they will provide necessary policy support to make satellite internet affordable.
If everything goes according to plan, Bangladesh could become a model for digital inclusion in South Asia within the next five years.
Conclusion
The Robi-Starlink agreement is more than just a business deal. It is a step toward a future where no Bangladeshi citizen is left without internet access. From education to healthcare, from trade to emergency response, this partnership has the power to transform daily life.
As Robi begins this journey with Starlink, the eyes of the nation will be watching closely. How quickly and effectively these services reach ordinary people will determine the true success of this historic move.
Source References
- BanglaTech24 – Technology News Portal
- Starlink Official Website
- BTRC – Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
Disclaimer
This article is based on official announcements, expert opinions, and reports from trusted sources. All information was accurate as of August 2025. Future updates may bring changes in pricing, coverage, or service features.
