Elon Musk’s Star Link Internet Set to Beam Over Island Skies

Starlink, the ambitious satellite internet service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has cleared a key regulatory hurdle and is now on course to begin operations in Sri Lanka. The green light comes after months of legal clarifications and public policy debates over security, access, and affordability.

According to Deputy Digital Economy Minister Eranga Weeraratne, all necessary approvals for licensing and device imports have been granted. Now, the country awaits only final clearance via the "dashboard" – a mechanism through which authorities will inspect Starlink’s usage terms, complaint handling systems, and data security protocols.

Speed of Light, Price of Gold

Starlink promises high-speed internet with ultra-low latency, especially in areas where fibre-optic or 4G infrastructure is limited or non-existent.

But there’s a catch:

Initial hardware cost: Rs. 118,000

Monthly subscription: Rs. 15,000 for unlimited data

While ideal for underserved rural communities and tech-reliant users, many Sri Lankans are already questioning whether the pricing puts the service out of reach for average households.

“I’d still consider it. Local telcos promise unlimited data, but deliver snail-speed browsing,” said one user from Colombo.

A Rocky Political Launch

Starlink’s journey into Sri Lanka has been anything but smooth. When then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe floated the idea in May 2024, the NPP (National People's Power) strongly objected, citing security and economic sovereignty concerns.

Critics, like former MP Handunetti, even branded Elon Musk an “economic hitman,” though he later clarified it was a comment on how foreign investors often flee due to Sri Lanka's own instability.

Despite the drama, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission granted initial approval in August 2024—only to freeze it shortly after amid rising concerns over data interception and surveillance risks.

Privacy Questions Still Unanswered

One major sticking point remains: user privacy.

Sri Lanka’s local telecom operators are bound by policies allowing state surveillance, and citizens are wondering if Starlink’s terms will offer better privacy—or follow suit. As of now, the official Starlink site does not feature a privacy or legal compliance section specific to Sri Lanka.

That’s a red flag for digital rights advocates, who argue any internet provider operating locally should be transparent about how user data is stored, monitored, or shared.

A Lifeline for the Disconnected—or a Luxury?

For some rural families, remote workers, and entrepreneurs, Starlink could be a game-changer—bringing modern connectivity to areas ignored by legacy providers. But for others, it’s still just a shiny, unaffordable toy.

“The speed is appealing. But I can’t justify Rs. 15,000 a month when I just browse and stream,” another user said.

A Presidential Pitch from Bali

The Starlink proposal was born during an unlikely moment of diplomacy—President Wickremesinghe’s visit to Bali for the 10th World Water Forum. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he proclaimed Starlink could “transform countries like Sri Lanka by providing a lifeline to essential services and information.”

Whether this promise will translate into widespread adoption—or end up as yet another elite-access tech luxury—remains to be seen.

Still Waiting on the Stars

While licensing is done, Minister Weeraratne notes that equipment import delays may stall the actual rollout. The company has been informed and is expected to update its dashboard for regulatory inspection soon.

Till then, curious Sri Lankans will have to keep their eyes on the skies—and their wallets in check.