Starlink’s satellite internet service is expected to go live for 12 selected users in Sri Lanka by the end of this week, under close monitoring by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) and the Ministry of Defence.
According to TRCSL Director General Bandula Herath, the regulatory body will oversee a one-week trial period before permitting mass deployment. Herath told the media that the TRCSL had granted the necessary operational licences for Starlink in July 2024, and by December, had approved five primary tariff plans for the service.
A total of 112 Starlink technical units have already been brought into the country, with the first 12 units set for distribution this week. These units will be used to assess the system’s performance and compliance with national standards.
The TRCSL stated that detailed discussions had taken place with Starlink Services, LLC over the past few months, focusing on frameworks for data security, technology regulation, and tax compliance. All preliminary requirements have now been completed, Herath confirmed.
The trial phase will involve supervision by both the TRCSL and the Ministry of Defence to evaluate service quality and technical safeguards. Based on the results of this initial phase, the TRCSL will determine the next steps for expanding Starlink services nationwide.
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