Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite-based internet service, is edging closer to an official launch in Sri Lanka as it updates its pricing. According to the Starlink website, Sri Lankans can expect to pay LKR 15,000 per month for the service, along with a LKR 105,000 hardware fee. This comes after the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) granted Starlink a license in August 2023 under the newly amended Telecommunications Act.
While the service is not yet available, Starlink’s availability map points to a potential launch by 2025, though the TRCSL has stated that the official introduction was postponed pending clearance following the presidential election. Discussions between TRCSL and Starlink date back to 2021, but real progress began in mid-2024 when preliminary approvals were granted.
Starlink promises unlimited data with speeds ranging from 25 – 220 Mbps for downloads and 5 – 25 Mbps for uploads. While users in other countries typically experience speeds over 100 Mbps, it remains to be seen how Starlink will perform in Sri Lanka, especially considering the country’s frequent adverse weather, which could cause temporary disruptions in service.
When compared to local internet providers like SLT (Sri Lanka Telecom), Starlink’s pricing presents a unique option but at a higher cost. For instance, SLT’s Web Champ Fibre Package offers 750 GB of data (with 450 GB free) and speeds of up to 300 Mbps for a monthly charge of LKR 15,090. SLT has also started offering unlimited data during nighttime hours, adding value to its existing services.
The introduction of Starlink in Sri Lanka, while more expensive than typical local options, brings much-needed competition and choice to the country’s internet service market. The LKR 105,000 hardware cost is notably higher than what many Sri Lankans would spend on internet over an entire year, but it could appeal to consumers in rural or underserved areas where traditional broadband services are limited.
Starlink is available for preorders in Sri Lanka with a $9 refundable deposit, suggesting that the service might be launched in a matter of months. The entrance of Starlink marks a significant development in Sri Lanka’s telecommunications landscape, introducing new possibilities for satellite broadband in the island nation.