Reliable internet access is a necessity for homes, businesses, and mobile users. In Bangladesh, Starlink and Mobile data are two prominent options, particularly for those in remote areas, travelers, and maritime users. This comparison explores Starlink vs cellular internet in Bangladesh, covering coverage, pricing, speeds, latency, and specific use cases like RVs and boats.
Coverage & AvailabilityStarlinkStarlink’s low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite network ensures internet availability almost anywhere in Bangladesh, provided there’s a clear sky view. This makes it an excellent choice for rural villages, remote islands, and areas without fiber or broadband infrastructure.
CellularBangladesh’s cellular network coverage is expanding rapidly, with Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink, and Teletalk investing heavily in 4G and 5G expansion. Urban areas like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet enjoy strong connectivity, but remote rural areas still face weak signals or slow speeds.
Advantage: StarlinkFor truly remote locations without cellular coverage, Starlink is the only viable option. However, in areas with decent 4G/5G coverage, cellular remains a more convenient and affordable choice.
Pricing in BangladeshStarlinkStarlink Residential: 120/month(৳13,500)+349 (৳39,000) for equipment.Starlink Roam (for travelers & marine use): 50/month(৳5,500)for50GBdataor165 (৳18,500) for unlimited data.Business/Mobility Plans: 140–5,000/month depending on data usage.Cellular4G/5G Mobile Data Plans: Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink offer unlimited data plans starting from ৳1,000–৳3,000 per month. Teletalk’s packages are cheaper but have limited coverage.Cellular routers & hotspots: Available from carriers for free or at a low cost with data plans.Advantage: CellularSince most Bangladeshis already use mobile data, adding a router or mobile hotspot is much cheaper than paying for Starlink’s expensive plans and equipment.
Data Speeds in BangladeshStarlinkStandard Plan: 25–100 Mbps (DL) / 5–10 Mbps (UL)Mobile Plan: 5–50 Mbps (DL) / 2–10 Mbps (UL)Priority Plan: 40–220 Mbps (DL) / 8–25 Mbps (UL)Cellular4G Speeds: 5–50 Mbps depending on location.5G Speeds (limited areas): 100+ Mbps in Dhaka, Chattogram, and major cities.A cell phone signal booster can improve speeds in weak signal areas.Advantage: It DependsIn cities with strong 4G/5G, cellular is faster and cheaper. In rural areas with weak signals, Starlink provides a better experience.
Latency (Response Time)Starlink: 25–60 ms (fixed),
