Satellite internet: Why we need it now more than ever

Imagine a world where everyone, regardless of their location, has access to the same opportunities for online access. For millions, this remains a distant reality. Many areas are uncovered by the telecom operators simply because setting up a cellphone tower is not commercially viable.

Access to the internet is a human right, as recognised by the United Nations. Yet, many are deprived of this right, even in 2025. During the time of the July Uprising, we saw that the government authorities can block access to the internet nationwide, overnight.

Satellite internet, in such cases, stands out as the embodiment of the concept 'decentralised internet'. It can make up for the deficit, connecting even the most isolated corners of the globe, and all without the interference of any authority, such as the government.

What is satellite internet?

Satellite internet uses satellites orbiting the earth to deliver internet services. Instead of relying on cables or phone lines, data is sent and received through these satellites. It was first introduced in the 1990s as a solution for remote and underserved areas where traditional broadband infrastructure, like cable or fiber, is unavailable.

The system works by sending signals from a user's dish or terminal to a satellite orbiting the earth, which then relays the data to a ground station connected to the internet backbone. Data is sent back to the user in a similar manner, essentially creating a two-way communication link.

To use satellite internet, a user needs a satellite dish or an antenna, a modem, and power supply. 

For people in rural and remote areas, satellite internet can be life-changing. It provides access to online education, telemedicine, and job opportunities. Farmers can use it to monitor crops, while businesses can stay connected to global markets.

The antenna is installed outdoors to communicate with the satellite. It sends and receives signals to and from the satellite in space. The modem connects to the satellite dish and translates the satellite signal into a usable internet connection for devices. 

If users want to connect multiple devices wirelessly, they may need a router to create a Wi-Fi network.

The Bangladeshi case

Bangladesh is yet to enter the era of satellite internet. In Bangladesh, many rural areas still lack reliable internet. Satellite internet could bridge this gap, helping students, farmers, and small businesses thrive. It could also prevent government's interference in restricting users' internet access.

The previous government has multiple records of shutting or slowing down the internet — sometimes in a specific region, and sometimes nationwide. In contrast, the actions of the new government in this regard seems to be on the promising side. The adviser for the Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology ministry, Nahid Islam said, "Internet right is a human right. It must not be violated."

A couple of months ago, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) drafted a guideline titled "Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operators in Bangladesh" for satellite internet service providers, which will essentially allow companies like Starlink, Hughesnet, and Viasat to start their operations in Bangladesh.

Starlink, the Elon Musk-backed company, currently has over 7,000 mass-produced small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), making it one of the most popular satellite internet service providers with more than four million subscribers, as of September 2024.

According to Starlink's website, it has plans to launch its services in Bangladesh this year. The site reads, "Order now to reserve your Starlink. Starlink is targeting coverage in your area, starting in 2025."

While the company is taking pre-orders for a refundable deposit of nine dollars, it did not reveal any specific date of starting operation, nor did the government. The site says, "Availability is subject to regulatory approval."

For people in rural and remote areas, satellite internet can be life-changing. It provides access to online education, telemedicine, and job opportunities. Farmers can use it to monitor crops, while businesses can stay connected to global markets.

And for a country with a large young population, access to the internet can open the doors to new opportunities and life-defining information, creating more jobs and economic mobility. Many research papers show that economic prosperity of a region has a strong correlation with internet access.

Being a country with regular natural disasters, satellite internet can also play a crucial role during emergencies. When traditional networks are down, satellite internet can keep emergency services and communities connected.

For city dwellers, satellite internet can offer a hassle-free and uninterrupted connection, eliminating the frequent need to contact ISPs.

However, the key challenge in Bangladesh remains the cost — one has to bear a one-time cost of approximately $350 for the equipment. Besides, Starlink's subscription costs $99 per month, while Hughesnet's service starts at $50 per month. 

These numbers are still pretty high given the socioeconomic context and the price of broadband internet in Bangladesh — and the companies probably have to offer some budget packages to gain market share.