Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet venture, is rapidly transforming how remote regions get connected. Using low-Earth orbit satellites, it delivers broadband-level speeds to users with limited or no access to ground-based internet.
Asia, with its blend of hyper-connected cities and isolated rural regions, has become a major focus. Starlink is now operational in multiple Asian countries, with more expected to join by late 2025.
Starlink Availability in Asia (2025)
| Country | Operational Since | Monthly Price | Hardware Cost | USD Equivalent (Monthly / Hardware) |
| Bangladesh | May 2025 | ৳4,200 | ৳47,000 | $38 / $430 |
| Bhutan | Feb 2025 | Nu.4,200 | Nu.42,000 | $38 / $380 |
| Indonesia | May 2024 | Rp 690,000 | Rp 5,000,000 | $45 / $325 |
| Japan | Oct 2022 | ¥6,600 | ¥66,000 | $48 / $480 |
| Malaysia | Jul 2023 | RM 260 | RM 2,500 | $55 / $525 |
| Maldives | Nov 2023 | MVR 590 | MVR 5,500 | $38 / $355 |
| Mongolia | Mar 2024 | ₮150,000 | ₮1,200,000 | $44 / $350 |
| Philippines | Feb 2023 | ₱2,700–₱3,200 | ₱19,999–₱29,320 | $47–55 / $355–520 |
| Sri Lanka | Jul 2025 | LKR 12,000–15,000 | LKR 60,000–118,000 | $40–50 / $160–390 |
| Iran (Unofficial) | Sep 2022 | NA | NA | >$250 (black market) |
Bangladesh
Launched in May 2025, Starlink targets rural areas and disaster-prone zones to improve digital inclusion.
- Price: ৳4,200/month (~$38)
- Hardware: ৳47,000 (~$430)
Bhutan
Since February 2025, Starlink has brought connectivity to high-altitude villages where traditional networks don’t reach.
- Price: Nu.4,200/month (~$38)
- Hardware: Nu.42,000 (~$380)
Indonesia
Activated in May 2024, the service connects remote island communities where terrain challenges fiber installation.
- Price: Rp 690,000/month (~$45)
- Hardware: Rp 5,000,000 (~$325)
Japan
Operational since October 2022, Starlink supports disaster response and connects isolated rural populations.
- Price: ¥6,600/month (~$48)
- Hardware: ¥66,000 (~$480)
Malaysia
Starlink launched in July 2023, as part of national initiatives to expand rural internet access.
- Price: RM 260/month (~$55)
- Hardware: RM 2,500 (~$525)
Maldives
Available from November 2023, Starlink is used for island resorts and fishing communities.
- Price: MVR 590/month (~$38)
- Hardware: MVR 5,500 (~$355)
Mongolia
Launched in March 2024, Starlink offers stable connections across Mongolia’s nomadic and desert regions.
- Price: ₮150,000/month (~$44)
- Hardware: ₮1,200,000 (~$350)
Philippines
Starlink went live in February 2023, delivering internet to thousands of island barangays.
- Price: ₱2,700–₱3,200/month (~$47–$55)
- Hardware: ₱19,999–₱29,320 (~$355–$520)
Sri Lanka
The newest entrant, Sri Lanka officially joined in July 2025, focusing on tea estates and inland provinces.
- Price: LKR 12,000–15,000/month (~$40–$50)
- Hardware: LKR 60,000–118,000 (~$160–$390)
Iran (Unofficial)
Despite being banned, Starlink terminals entered Iran during the 2022 protests and are still used covertly.
- Price: Unavailable (black market only)
- Hardware: Often exceeds $250 on the black market
Offering speeds up to 250 Mbps and pricing that’s competitive relative to regional ISPs, Starlink is proving to be a disruptive solution across Asia’s diverse geographies. Its presence is set to reshape internet access in islands, mountains, deserts, and everywhere between.
