SpaceX Adds Bhutan To Starlink Network Amid Regulatory Delays In India

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has expanded its Starlink satellite internet service to Bhutan, bringing low-orbit, low-latency internet connectivity to the Himalayan nation, reported The Hindu.

The company updated its product availability map on 11 February, confirming that Bhutan is now among the countries with active Starlink access, alongside Australia, the US, Canada, Mongolia, and several European nations.

With its satellite-based infrastructure, Starlink aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity to remote and underserved areas across land, air, and sea.

The service has been gradually expanding worldwide, but regulatory challenges remain in certain regions.

Despite growing demand, Starlink's plans to begin operations in India are yet to fructify as regulatory approval remains pending, delaying its official launch.

Additionally, the service date for Myanmar is still unknown, while Bangladesh is expected to gain access later this year.

In late 2024, Indian authorities seized Starlink satellite internet equipment in Manipur’s Imphal East district, raising concerns that terrorists may have been using the technology illegally.

Following this, Elon Musk confirmed that Starlink had turned off its satellite beams over India, ensuring that unauthorised users could not access the network.

Although Starlink’s internet app is available for download in India, the company must secure regulatory clearance before it can offer services.

India’s growing demand for rural broadband connectivity makes it a key market for satellite internet providers, but approval hurdles remain.

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