Elon Musk Confirms Starlink Satellite Internet Launched In Bhutan: Price And Features – News18

Last Updated:February 12, 2025, 07:30 IST

Starlink satellite internet is available in many countries and finally the people in Bhutan can try it out at their home.

Elon Musk-owned SpaceX is bringing Starlink satellite internet service to Bhutan. Musk confirmed this development via X this week but the actual launch of Starlink in the region happened in December 2024. Starlink has been quickly expanding its reach and Bhutan is the latest region where it could really help the people connect to high-speed internet via the satellite.

Satellite internet does not come cheap and that is why we have seen its availability limited to certain areas but the Bhutan government has finally given the service the green flag to launch in the country.

Starlink Internet In Bhutan: What It Offers

Most of you know that Starlink offers internet service via SpaceX satellites and they rely on terminals on ground to relay the data network to your homes. Starlink is bringing this service to Bhutan and they won’t be able to use the satellite internet directly on their phones, something that iPhones get in select countries.

The Bhutan information department has already set a base price for the Starlink plans which starts from Nu 3,000 (Rs 3,001 approx) per month for the Residential Lite plan that promises data speeds of 23 Mbps to 100 Mbps.

You also have the standard residential plan which costs Nu 4,200 (Rs 4,201 approx) per month and offers 25 Mbps to 110 Mbps data speeds with unlimited data available. These prices are costlier than what the local telecom operator charges and that will mostly be the case with satellite internet over the next few years. You can find more details about the Starlink service in Bhutan over here.

Starlink is also looking to enter the Indian market with its service but its availability is dependent on how the country’s telecom regulator plans to view the service and whether a spectrum auction will be mandated to allow other players to be part of the set up.

The technology to run satellites and the internet service is expensive but in remote parts of countries like Bhutan, reliable networks are scarce and some people or business might feel Starlink can get them connected to the world.