Starlink Revolutionizes Internet Connectivity in Bhutan with High-Speed Satellite Service

The introduction of Starlink, the satellite-based internet service operated by SpaceX, has marked a transformative moment for internet users in Bhutan. Since its official launch on February 11, 2025, the service has garnered significant attention for its high-speed connectivity, competitive pricing, and ease of use, offering a stark contrast to traditional broadband options in the country.

Jigme Wangdi, a corporate employee based in Thimphu, is among the early adopters of Starlink. Intrigued by its launch announcement, Wangdi conducted a quick research and was impressed by the promised internet speeds. He opted for the Starlink Mini kit, which cost him Nu 18,000, including shipping, and subscribed to the Residential Standard package at Nu 4,200 per month. This plan offers speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 110 Mbps, far surpassing the performance of his previous internet service.

"Reliable internet at an affordable price is what everyone wants, and that is something Starlink delivers," Wangdi said. He previously paid Nu 3,375 for TashiCell's postpaid WiFi, which offered a mere 6 Mbps. "Now, for an extra Nu 1,000, I get speeds above 25 Mbps with Starlink," he added.

A Game-Changer for Bhutan’s Internet Landscape

Starlink’s entry into Bhutan has disrupted the local internet market. Traditional providers like Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell charge significantly higher rates for slower speeds. For instance, Bhutan Telecom offers 10 Mbps for Nu 5,500, while TashiCell’s Internet Leased Line (ILL) service costs Nu 8,700 for the same speed. A 100 Mbps ILL connection from local providers can cost as much as Nu 55,000, making Starlink’s offering a cost-effective alternative.

The service has been particularly beneficial for freelancers, remote workers, and businesses. One freelancer, who invested in the Starlink Standard kit for Nu 34,000 and pays Nu 3,000 per month, described the service as "transformative." He shared, "For the same price, I used to get just 4-5 Mbps from local providers. The connection was shared among four people, making it painfully slow. Now, I can stream in 4K, hold uninterrupted five-hour virtual meetings, and download large files in seconds."

Seamless Setup and Unmatched Performance

Setting up Starlink is remarkably simple, requiring only the Starlink app and minimal technical knowledge. Users have praised the service for its stability and speed, even during peak usage. One user reported downloading a 150 GB file in just a few hours, a task that previously took three to four days with traditional broadband.

Another user, who has been using Starlink for a month, highlighted the reliability of the service. "With telecom providers, service disruptions could last for days due to damaged cables. Starlink eliminates that issue," he said. He also noted that his speeds consistently exceeded the advertised range, with an average of 360 Mbps and a peak of 394 Mbps.

Flexibility and Accessibility

Starlink’s subscription model offers unparalleled flexibility. Users can pause or resume their subscriptions as needed, and payments can be made using international debit and credit cards. The service is delivered via DHL, with delivery times ranging from four days to two weeks. Unlike traditional providers, Starlink requires no office visits, lengthy paperwork, or technician appointments.

While weather conditions can affect satellite internet, users have reported only minor speed fluctuations. "During a recent cloudy day, my speed dropped from 394 Mbps to 360 Mbps, which is barely noticeable," one user said.

A New Era of Connectivity

Starlink’s arrival has sparked discussions about the future of Bhutan’s internet landscape. With its faster speeds and competitive pricing, the service is poised to challenge traditional broadband providers, potentially driving them to improve service quality and reduce costs.

For early adopters like Jigme Wangdi, Starlink has already made a significant impact. "This level of internet speed was unimaginable here. Now that it's available, it's making life significantly easier," he said. As more Bhutanese embrace this new era of connectivity, Starlink is set to redefine how the nation stays connected in the digital age.

For more information about Starlink’s services in Bhutan, visit their official website or follow their updates on X (formerly Twitter).

This article is  extracted from Kuensel