Starlink Bhutan Launch
The Bhutan Information, Communication, and Media Authority (BICMA) has officially approved Starlink Services Private Limited, a foreign direct investment (FDI) company, to offer satellite-based internet services in Bhutan. These services are now available, marking a major step forward in the country’s internet accessibility, especially for rural and remote regions where traditional connectivity options have struggled due to the country’s challenging mountainous terrain and limited infrastructure.
Before granting the license, BICMA thoroughly assessed several critical factors, including Starlink’s FDI registration, the appointment of local representatives for regulatory compliance, and the company’s commitment to high service standards and data privacy. The license permits Starlink to provide internet services through user terminals, but it excludes direct satellite-to-mobile cellular services.
Starlink Pricing Plans in Bhutan:
Residential Plan: Tailored for home use, offering speeds between 25-110 Mbps download and 5-10 Mbps upload, with unlimited data for 4,200 BTN per month.
Priority Plan: Designed for high-demand users, such as businesses and government agencies, with speeds of 50-220 Mbps download and 8-25 Mbps upload. Data caps range from 40 GB to 6 TB, with monthly costs between 5,900 BTN and 106,000 BTN.
Roam Plan: Provides mobility with speeds ranging from 30-100 Mbps download and 5-25 Mbps upload. This plan offers data from 50 GB to unlimited, with prices ranging from 4,200 BTN to 37,000 BTN monthly.
Mobile Priority Plan: For mobile users with high data needs, delivering 5-220 Mbps download and 10-30 Mbps upload speeds, and data options from 50 GB to unlimited. Prices range from 21,000 BTN to 2,100,000 BTN per month.
Residential Lite Plan: A more affordable option, offering similar speeds to the Residential Plan at 3,000 BTN per month.
Starlink Equipment Costs in Bhutan:
Standard Starlink Kit: 33,000 BTN + shipping
Flat High-Performance Starlink Kit: 231,000 BTN + shipping
Mini Starlink Kit: 17,000 BTN + shipping
Billing begins once the service is activated or 30 days after equipment shipment, and there are no early termination fees for cancellations.
Starlink’s satellite-based internet services are poised to significantly reduce the digital divide in Bhutan, providing reliable internet access to remote areas where traditional infrastructure has faced limitations. This development is expected to improve connectivity, empower rural communities, and help facilitate digital growth in the country.