Starlink’s satellite internet service is now officially available in Bhutan, marking another step in its global expansion. SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has confirmed the rollout, which allows users in remote regions of Bhutan to access high-speed internet. Starlink first became operational in the country in December 2024, but the formal announcement came recently. While Bhutan now enjoys Starlink’s connectivity, India is still awaiting regulatory approvals, delaying its launch in the country.
Starlink is offering two plans in Bhutan. The first is the Residential Lite plan, which costs Nu 3,000 (approximately Rs 3,001 per month) and provides speeds ranging from 23 Mbps to 100 Mbps. The second is the Standard Residential plan, priced at Nu 4,200 (around Rs 4,201 per month), offering speeds between 25 Mbps and 110 Mbps with unlimited data usage. Though the pricing is relatively high compared to conventional broadband services, Starlink aims to serve remote areas where fiber and mobile networks are unreliable or unavailable.
Starlink operates through a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which communicate with user terminals equipped with a dish and router. Unlike traditional broadband, which relies on underground cables and towers, Starlink’s setup allows internet access in rural and difficult-to-reach locations. As of January 2024, SpaceX has launched around 7,000 Starlink satellites, and Musk has stated that the mega constellation will be refreshed every five years with upgraded technology.
Globally, Starlink is now available in over 100 countries, including major markets such as the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, Germany, Japan, and Mongolia. Bhutan is one of the latest South Asian countries to gain access, and reports suggest that Bangladesh and Myanmar may follow soon.
In India, Starlink’s availability remains uncertain due to government regulations and security concerns. While demand for Starlink is growing, the Indian government has yet to grant the necessary approvals for its operation. Regulatory authorities have raised concerns over illegal usage, particularly in sensitive regions. In late 2024, authorities seized Starlink equipment in Manipur and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, citing its unauthorized use by militants and smugglers. This has increased scrutiny over its application process.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is still reviewing Starlink’s request for a license but is proceeding with caution. India has already approved satellite internet services from Bharti-backed OneWeb and Jio-SES, while both Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are still awaiting clearance. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has confirmed that Starlink’s satellite beams over India remain “turned off” and were “never on in the first place,” emphasizing that the company will only launch its services once government approvals are secured.
