Sri Lanka’s IT industry is growing increasingly impatient with the lengthy wait for approval of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service. While Starlink is already operational in 32 countries, including developed nations like the US and Germany, Sri Lanka’s Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRCSL) has been processing the application for over six months.
This delay raises concerns about Sri Lanka’s commitment to technological advancement. Industry analysts question why a service considered revolutionary elsewhere faces such bureaucratic hurdles here. Starlink offers a perfect solution for the government’s “Digital Sri Lanka 2030” vision, particularly for remote areas lacking proper internet access.
Starlink currently boasts download speeds of 150 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps with low latency, with promises of doubling download speeds in the future. The situation became a topic of national discussion after President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with Elon Musk in May. Following the meeting, President Wickremesinghe pledged to expedite Starlink’s approval process.
Despite the President’s commitment, Starlink pre-orders in Sri Lanka have begun, with a refundable $9 deposit. However, service activation hinges on TRCSL’s final decision.
Adding to the frustration, Senior Presidential Advisor Ruwan Wijewardene recently expressed hopes of launching Starlink within three months. This timeline translates to a wait of over nine months for SpaceX, Musk’s company that manufactures Starlink.
The Starlink website offers a clear picture of the situation. Countries marked “available” receive immediate installation, while others wait on a “waitlist” or are categorized as “coming soon.” Sri Lanka falls under the latter category, alongside India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka’s IT industry eagerly awaits TRCSL’s decision. A swift approval would not only benefit citizens in remote areas but also demonstrate the country’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology.