In addition to expanding access, Starlink could help mitigate disruptions caused by natural disasters, as its portable terminals can be quickly deployed when local infrastructure fails.

Businesses might also consider subsidizing Starlink services to facilitate connectivity in underserved regions, ensuring affordable access where traditional solutions are not feasible.

Starlink, developed by SpaceX, has the potential to significantly improve connectivity in Bangladesh, particularly in rural and coastal areas where traditional internet services are lacking.

Currently, many regions in Bangladesh, especially rural and hilly areas, suffer from limited or no internet access, with approximately 6.5 crore adults lacking connectivity, as reported in the Population and Housing Census 2022.

The challenges of laying cables in hilly terrains and maintaining them in flood-prone coastal areas make Starlink's satellite backhaul a cost-effective solution for expanding mobile network reach.

Starlink's satellite internet service can provide direct connectivity to users in remote areas without relying on traditional ground-based infrastructure, which is often too costly and complex to establish.

The impact of Cyclone Remal in May 2024 underscored the vulnerabilities of Bangladesh's telecommunications infrastructure, where widespread power outages led to the failure of at least 10,000 mobile towers.

While Starlink presents a promising solution, it faces challenges such as high service costs, with initial kit prices ranging from $549 to $599 and monthly fees between $110 and $120, making it unaffordable for many.

To promote wider adoption of Starlink, the Bangladeshi government must address financial barriers, potentially through rental models and community resource pooling to share connections.

The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) in Bangladesh is hindered by the limited reach of existing mobile networks, but Starlink could enhance connectivity for IoT applications in remote areas.