I just wanted to drop a note about Starlink coming to Bhutan. So, this SpaceX satellite internet thing is now in town, and honestly, it’s kinda shaking things up. They offer speeds like 25-110 Mbps with unlimited data for Nu 4,200 a month – which is way cheaper than what Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell charge (Nu 5,500-55,000, no joke).
But here’s the catch: the setup cost is crazy high (Nu 17,000 to Nu 231,000). That might really put off a lot of people, especially in rural areas. On the bright side, their satellite tech is perfect for remote areas where cables just ain’t practical. This could really help bridge the digital divide here and bring high-speed internet to places that need it most.
Now, even though Starlink brings in some fresh competition, local providers still have the upper hand in urban areas with their reliable fibre networks. Also, the fact that payments are only in USD might make things a bit complicated for most folks.
Overall, I think Starlink is showing us how outdated and overpriced our current internet services are. It’s pushing Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell to up their game, which is good in the long run. For rural Bhutan, this could mean new opportunities in education, health, and business. But for city folks, the high setup cost is a big hurdle.
Just my two cents on this whole thing.
~ Leki Choden (Founder & CEO, Dragon Coders)
