Starlink Internet Enters India’s Neighbour Bhutan

Ukhrul, Feb 11: “Starlink now available in Bhutan!” SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced today.

The activation of Starlink in Bhutan is a significant development as India shares its border with the country. Starlink Internet is not operational in India pending regulatory approval. However, there have been reports of Starlink Internet devices being found in India.

The Indian authorities seized a Burmese boat in November 2024 in the Andaman Islands loaded with drugs worth 4 billion dollars, and the smugglers were reportedly using the Starlink Internet to navigate through Indian waters.

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In another instance in December 2024 security forces seized Starlink Internet devices, including one satellite router, one antenna, and FTP cables along with arms and ammunition in the strife-torn Manipur state in Northeast India bordering Myanmar. The devices were recovered in a search and cordon operation at a hideout reportedly belonging to a valley-based armed group, the People’s Liberation Army, on December 13, 2024, in Imphal East.

In Myanmar, Starlink internet is reportedly operational though banned by the military junta. Myanmar media reported over 3000 Starlink Internet dishes in the country, especially in the Sagaing, Kachin, Magway, and Karen regions, citing the Myanmar Internet Projects’ estimates.

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX had dismissed the reports of the internet service being available in India saying “Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India”.

Starlink Internet, a constellation of satellites, provides high-speed and low-latency internet which is ideal for rural areas. The small portable device works even when local internet is shut down.

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