Sri Lanka gives preliminary approval for “Starlink” to provide satellite-based internet services
Daily FT: The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRCSL) yesterday revealed that it has given preliminary approval for the application by “Starlink” to provide satellite-based internet services in Sri Lanka.
This was announced at a briefing chaired by State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath, who emphasised that a two-week period has been allocated for a formal public consultation process regarding the approval of this internet service.
Following this period, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission will take steps to implement the service in Sri Lanka.
Herath said the Starlink initiative will deliver a fast internet service as well as to the education, research, tourism, fisheries, and agriculture sectors, while also providing global access via this internet facility.
During his participation in the high-level session of the 10th World Water Conference in Indonesia, President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions with renowned businessman Elon Musk regarding expediting the application process to connect Sri Lanka with the “Starlink” network.
Currently, approximately 2,000 “Starlink” network centres are operational worldwide, providing high-speed internet access to 32 countries.
TRCSL Director General Madusanka Dissanayake: “Starlink is not yet established as a telephone network company in Sri Lanka. However, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission has approved it under Sections 17 and 22 of the Telecommunications Regulatory Act, granting it a frequency licence. The Act will be amended in the future to issue a Telecommunication Service provider licence.”
During the media briefing, State Minister Herath also said: “We are collaborating with Starlink to provide internet facilities via satellite technology, marking a significant transformation in the technology sector. Unlike the limited internet facilities provided by towers, this satellite-based technology allows for internet connectivity from virtually anywhere. This represents a major advancement in the field of technology.”
This internet facility offers significant benefits to education, research, tourism, agricultural and fisheries sectors by delivering the fastest internet service through this innovative technology. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka has approved Starlink to offer satellite-based internet services. A 14-day period has been allocated for public consultation, and action will be taken within two weeks following this consultation period.
Under Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act, internet services will be provided via satellite technology. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed that a relief package be made available to school children, fishermen, and researchers to ensure they can access this internet service. Plans for implementing this relief package are currently being prepared.
The initial setup or the registration cost for this service ranges between $ 400 and $ 600, with a monthly fee of $ 99. The satellite technology allows for internet access anywhere in the world and offers speeds several times faster than the existing fibre technology in Sri Lanka. This will significantly enhance the technology sector in the country.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic activities and the overall expansion have opened up a host of business/investment opportunities in the country. With the country working towards becoming a regional hub supported by the country’s strategic positioning in the Indian Ocean and the strong trade ties, there’s a growth in the ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors. There has been a visible growth in Sri Lanka’s ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors with the growing need to be on par with the fast growing global standards in the ICT industry. Sri Lanka’s state and private sectors are all engaged in digital transformation programmes with the Sri Lankan government working to transform the country into an e-economy. All these have resulted in a growth in Sri Lanka’s ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors. The latest move of introducing Starlink to Sri Lanka would help Sri Lanka improve its connectivity on its path to becoming a hub in the South Asian region. The growing business potential in Sri Lanka is evident by the interest shown by foreign businesses/investors engaged in the ICT industry to explore the expanding opportunities in the industry and the interest shown in forming partnerships or joint ventures with local businesses in the industry. Given that the country’s ICT industry is on a steady growth path, investments in Sri Lanka’s ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors would ensure lucrative returns to foreign businesses/investors.