TRC says preliminary approval given for “Starlink” to provide satellite-based internet services in Sri Lanka

State Minister of Technology, Kanaka Herath (centre) flanked by TRCSL Director General Madusanka Dissanayake (left) and Ministry Secretary Dr. Dharma Sri Kumaratunga

• President instructs relief packages for education and fishing sectors

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRCSL) yesterday revealed that it has given preliminary approval for the application by “Starlink” to provide satellite-based internet services in Sri Lanka.

This was announced at a briefing chaired by State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath, who emphasised that a two-week period has been allocated for a formal public consultation process regarding the approval of this internet service.

Following this period, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission will take steps to implement the service in Sri Lanka.

Herath said the Starlink initiative will deliver a fast internet service as well as to the education, research, tourism, fisheries, and agriculture sectors, while also providing global access via this internet facility.

During his participation in the high-level session of the 10th World Water Conference in Indonesia, President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions with renowned businessman Elon Musk regarding expediting the application process to connect Sri Lanka with the “Starlink” network. The Daily FT on Wednesday highlighted private sector concerns over the undue delay in the approval of Starlink which had submitted the application late last year. (See https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Elon-Musk-first-applied-to-TRC-for-Starlink-licence-last-year-IT-industry-annoyed-for-over-6-months-delay/44-762605)

Currently, approximately 2,000 “Starlink” network centres are operational worldwide, providing high-speed internet access to 32 countries.

TRCSL Director General Madusanka Dissanayake: “Starlink is not yet established as a telephone network company in Sri Lanka. However, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission has approved it under Sections 17 and 22 of the Telecommunications Regulatory Act, granting it a frequency licence. The Act will be amended in the future to issue a Telecommunication Service provider licence.”

During the media briefing, State Minister Herath also said: “We are collaborating with Starlink to provide internet facilities via satellite technology, marking a significant transformation in the technology sector.  Unlike the limited internet facilities provided by towers, this satellite-based technology allows for internet connectivity from virtually anywhere. This represents a major advancement in the field of technology.”

This internet facility offers significant benefits to education, research, tourism, agricultural and fisheries sectors by delivering the fastest internet service through this innovative technology. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka has approved Starlink to offer satellite-based internet services. A 14 day period has been allocated for public consultation, and action will be taken within two weeks following this consultation period.

Under Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act, internet services will be provided via satellite technology. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed that a relief package be made available to school children, fishermen, and researchers to ensure they can access this internet service. Plans for implementing this relief package is currently being prepared.

The initial setup or the registration cost for this service ranges between $ 400 and $ 600, with a monthly fee of $ 99. The satellite technology allows for internet access anywhere in the world and offers speeds several times faster than the existing fibre technology in Sri Lanka. This will significantly enhance the technology sector in the country.

Technology and Research Ministry Secretary Dr. Dharma Sri Kumaratunga also attended the event.