Starlink is now technically active in the country, making it the latest country to gain access to SpaceX’s satellite internet service. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced the update on X on Tuesday. The company’s product availability map now includes Bhutan alongside Australia, the USA, Canada, Mongolia, and several European nations. However, Bhutanese users cannot purchase the service yet due to the lack of a proper payment gateway.
A key concern for Bhutanese consumers is the ability to pay in Ngultrum instead of US Dollars. To address this, BICMA has directed Starlink Services Private Limited to facilitate payment options in the local currency.
According to Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority or BICMA officials, Starlink company is working on integrating local payment systems, which will require approval from the Royal Monetary Authority. Once the payment system is finalised, an official registration portal will be launched.
With its satellite-based infrastructure, Starlink aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity to remote areas, even in places without network towers.
The introduction of Starlink is expected to ease the burden of high internet costs currently imposed by existing providers.
According to the tariff plan released by Bhutan Information and Media Authority (BICMA), Starlink’s pricing structure includes a variety of plans tailored to residential, business and government entities, with costs ranging from Nu 3,000 to Nu 2 M per month.
BICMA granted an internet service provider license to Starlink Services Private Limited, an FDI company, to offer satellite-based internet in the country in December last year.
Kinley Bidha
Edited by Sonam Pem
