The Sri Lankan government announced in March 2025 that Starlink’s satellite broadband services would be available starting in April 2025. This was confirmed by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa and the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL). However, as of late April 2025, Starlink has not yet launched in Sri Lanka, despite the announced timeline. In this article, we analyze why this might be the case and provide insights into what could happen next.
Background on Starlink in Sri Lanka
License and Approvals
- Telecommunications Service Provider License:
Starlink received a license from the TRCSL in August 2024 after amendments to the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act, which hadn’t been updated in 28 years. This paved the way for Starlink to operate legally in Sri Lanka. - Preliminary Approval:
In June 2024, Starlink was granted preliminary approval following a public consultation process. The government fast-tracked the process after a meeting between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Elon Musk in Indonesia in May 2024. - Pricing and Pre-Orders:
Starlink updated its pricing for Sri Lanka in October 2024, setting a monthly fee of LKR 15,000 and a hardware cost of LKR 105,000. Pre-orders have been available since at least May 2024 with a refundable USD 9 deposit.
Government Announcement
The March 2025 announcement indicated that Starlink would be operational by April 2025, with the government emphasizing national security and service quality considerations.
Possible Reasons for the Delay
National Security Concerns
In
March 2025, reports surfaced that Starlink’s operations were on hold
until the government could secure assurances from Starlink regarding
data interception rights for national security purposes. Deputy Minister
of Information Technology Eranga Weeraratne stated that the government
requires the ability to access communication data in cases of illegal
activities—a provision reportedly not guaranteed when the initial
license was issued in 2024.
Negotiations involving the Ministry of
Defense and TRCSL with Starlink were ongoing as of March 2025, and these
discussions may have delayed the launch if no agreement was reached by
April.
Regulatory and Administrative Delays
Although Starlink received a license in August 2024, additional regulatory hurdles or bureaucratic processes might have slowed down the final implementation. For example, the TRCSL may still be finalizing technical or operational requirements, such as frequency allocations or compliance with local laws.
Technical or Logistical Challenges
Starlink’s
service requires ground infrastructure, such as gateway stations, to
connect its satellite network to local internet infrastructure. Setting
up these stations in Sri Lanka might be taking longer than anticipated
due to logistical issues, land acquisition, or coordination with local
authorities.
Additionally, Sri Lanka’s weather patterns, such as
monsoons, might require additional testing or adjustments to ensure
consistent service.
Political and Administrative Transitions
The March 2025 announcement came under the previous government, and a new administration’s priorities or policies might have shifted focus or introduced additional scrutiny. The suspension of services due to national security concerns was reported under the current government, indicating a possible policy change.
Competition and Local Pushback
Local telecom providers, such as Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), might be exerting influence to protect their interests. While Starlink’s pricing is competitive, local providers might be lobbying for stricter regulations to maintain their market dominance.
Current Status and Sentiment
Government Stance
The March 2025 announcement was optimistic, with Minister Jayatissa highlighting Starlink’s potential to improve connectivity in remote areas and support sectors like education, tourism, and fisheries. However, the government’s focus on national security and service oversight suggests a cautious approach.
Public Sentiment
There’s significant excitement among Sri Lankans, especially those frustrated with local broadband providers’ slow and unreliable services. Pre-orders indicate public interest, but affordability remains a concern, as Starlink’s costs (LKR 105,000 for hardware and LKR 15,000/month) are high for the average consumer.
What Might Happen Next?
- Resolution of Security Concerns:
If the government and Starlink reach an agreement on data interception rights, the service could launch soon, potentially within weeks or months. - Official Updates:
Keep an eye on announcements from the TRCSL, the Ministry of Technology, or Starlink’s official website for updates on the launch timeline. - Testing and Rollout:
A phased rollout targeting specific regions or sectors (e.g., rural areas, fisheries) might precede a nationwide launch. The Sri Lankan Navy’s successful tests of Starlink suggest that the service is technically viable.
Recommendations for You
- Check Starlink’s Website:
Visit www.starlink.com to monitor updates on availability in Sri Lanka. - Pre-Order Status:
If you’ve placed a pre-order, check your account for updates from Starlink. Orders are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. - Follow Local News:
Outlets like Daily Mirror, News 1st, or Ada Derana often report on Starlink developments. - Engage on Social Media:
Search for or post questions about Starlink in Sri Lanka on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to gauge real-time sentiment or updates from other users.
Final Thoughts
The
delay in Starlink’s launch in Sri Lanka is likely due to ongoing
negotiations over national security concerns, particularly the
government’s demand for data interception rights, combined with
potential regulatory, logistical, or political hurdles. While the
government’s announcement in March 2025 set an April target, these
unresolved issues have probably pushed the timeline back.
Starlink’s
infrastructure and pricing are ready, and public interest is high, so a
resolution could lead to a launch in the near future—possibly within
2025 if negotiations succeed.
