The Starlink in Sri Lanka promise

TRCSL grants preliminary approval for Starlink

State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath has announced that the TRCSL has given preliminary approval for Starlink services in Sri Lanka following a formal public consultation process. However, the government has yet to publish details of the public consultation or the nature of Starlink’s preliminary approval status.

Previously, the minister claimed that the government sought the World Bank’s expertise in drafting regulations for Starlink in Sri Lanka. Herath further mentioned that his ministry would consult countries that have already introduced regulations for satellite-based internet services like Starlink.

SL government still evaluating Starlink in Sri Lanka

According to a report from The Morning, State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath clarified that preliminary discussions are still in progress with regard to Starlink in Sri Lanka. “Starlink has formally applied for authorization and the government is actively evaluating its proposal,” he further stated.

The minister also iterated that the necessary regulatory framework and background requirements are in the works for a potential partnership. “Although we are unable to disclose further details at this stage, we will provide updates as the situation develops,” he added.

Speaking to ReadMe, the TRCSL shared similar sentiments, iterating that “Starlink has not been granted a license from this administration” and that the regulator is currently “investigating” the matter. As of now, it remains to be seen in what capacity Starlink aims to launch in Sri Lanka, particularly around cost and regulatory concerns.

Musk coming to Sri Lanka to launch Starlink?

Following a meeting between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, the Sri Lankan government stated that it’s looking to fast-track the launch of Starlink in Sri Lanka. As per the president, the government is “awaiting feedback from the Ministry of Defence” to move ahead with approval.

The government also announced that Musk accepted an invitation to visit Sri Lanka and launch the service later this year. However, it has yet to clarify an exact timeline, though speculation suggests the visit will likely happen at the end of 2024.

SL Navy conducts testing

A report by Android Wedakarayo claims that the Sri Lankan Navy has been conducting tests on Starlink’s feasibility (UTA-222 Outdoor Dish). The tests were reportedly conducted on the “Gajabahu” navy vessel and had recorded roughly 100Mbps download and 22Mbps upload speeds. The report also claimed that the SL Navy’s Samudra vessel is set to conduct another month’s testing with the same equipment.

Starlink availability map update

Starlink updated its global availability map to indicate that the service is targeting a 2023 launch in Sri Lanka and is pending regulatory approval.

Sri Lanka in early discussions to potentially bring Starlink to Sri Lanka

The Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) announced that it initiated preliminary discussions with SpaceX on the possibility of bringing Starlink to Sri Lanka. The early discussions primarily revolved around the “regulatory aspects and prerequisites of initiating the service,” the TRCSL further said.