Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ The satellite internet service Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, will launch operations in Sri Lanka next week. The news was announced by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL). Accordingly, TRCSL’s head, Bandula Herath, stated that the initial 12 users have already been chosen to test the service, for which they received their equipment this week. Additionally, the country has received a total of 112 kits.
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For the first week, both the TRCSL and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence will closely monitor the trial. The goal is to ensure the efficiency of the internet and its compliance with security rules. After the successful trial period, Starlink will begin its operations for all users. According to Starlink’s website, the monthly fee in Sri Lanka will cost Rs. 15,000. Customers will also need to pay an additional one-time fee of Rs. 118,000 for the equipment. The service promises unlimited internet through satellites, though it is not clear if this price includes taxes.
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Starlink was approved by the Sri Lankan government in August 2024. Prior to the approval, the law was amended to allow satellite-based internet in the country. However, serious concerns were raised at the highest levels. In May, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the original agreement with Starlink could cause problems. He stated that Starlink does not enable the government to access subscriber data, although local internet providers do. He expressed that this type of information proved useful during previous situations, such as the Arugambay event and a court shooting.
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The President further stated that Starlink lacks a local office or agent in Sri Lanka, making it difficult to address some concerns. SpaceX runs Starlink, which provides internet access via a network of thousands of low Earth orbit satellites. This technology benefits consumers in locations where standard cable or fiber internet does not reach, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, Starlink is already operational in around 100 countries.
The launch of Starlink in Sri Lanka is anticipated to improve internet service in remote places that do not have proper access. It also aligns with the country’s ambition to develop its digital infrastructure and make online services available to everyone. Additionally, this initiative is also part of a major technology partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States, where top US companies like Google and Meta are also involved. Furthermore, there are also plans to build local data centers, thereby ensuring digital security. These initiatives also intend to make Sri Lanka a stronger player in the global digital landscape.
