Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, has officially launched in Sri Lanka. Unlike traditional internet systems that rely on cables or large satellites positioned high above the Earth, Starlink uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that sit just 550 km above the surface. This allows Starlink to offer faster internet speeds and much lower latency, making it ideal for rural, remote, and underserved areas.
Currently, Starlink operates with approximately 5,000 satellites in space, and plans to grow the network to over 12,000 in the near future. For a country like Sri Lanka, which spans about 65,000 km², it’s estimated that around 200 to 300 satellites will be visible at any time to ensure smooth and consistent coverage.
Hardware & Monthly Costs
| Plan Type | Hardware Cost | Monthly Fee | Data & Speed | Notes |
| Residential Lite | LKR 118,000 | LKR 9,200 | Unlimited (lower priority) | Slower speeds during peak times |
| Residential | LKR 118,000 | LKR 15,000 | Unlimited (priority access) | Best for consistent high-speed usage |
| Roam – 50GB | LKR 118,000 | LKR 15,000 | 50 GB (then pay-per-GB) | Portable usage across countries |
| Roam – Unlimited | LKR 118,000 | LKR 27,000 | Unlimited roaming data | Ideal for travel and mobile setups |
| Business – Fixed Site | LKR 615,000 (USD ~$1,850) | LKR 67,000 | 40–220 Mbps (Priority data tiers) | Reliable for offices, remote sites |
| Business – Mobility | LKR 615,000 | LKR 112,000 | 40–220 Mbps (on-the-move) | For use in moving vehicles or portable use |
| Business – Maritime | LKR 3.3 million+ (USD ~$10,000) | LKR 558,000+ | Up to 220 Mbps | For vessels, yachts, and offshore use |
Roam Plans: Internet While You Travel
Starlink’s Roam Plans are designed for customers who need reliable internet while on the move whether they’re traveling across the island, camping in remote areas, or boating near the coast. With the Roam – 50GB plan, users get a monthly allowance of 50GB for LKR 15,000 and can top up additional data as needed. Meanwhile, the Roam – Unlimited plan, priced at LKR 27,000/month, allows for unlimited global coverage, making it perfect for people frequently moving across borders or working in mobile environments.
The unique feature of Roam is its portability. Unlike traditional home internet services tied to a fixed location, Roam allows the dish to be taken anywhere, as long as there’s an open view of the sky. Whether you’re in the mountains, at the beach, or on the road, Roam provides strong internet access without the need for cables or mobile signals.
Business Plans: Built for Enterprises
Starlink also provides enterprise-level solutions for companies that demand stable, high-speed internet in challenging environments. The Fixed Site plan is ideal for businesses located in remote areas, large estates, construction sites, or places where fibre connectivity is unavailable. This plan offers speeds ranging from 150–500 Mbps, depending on the data tier selected.
For businesses on the move, such as media crews, logistics operations, or tourism-based companies, the Land Mobility plan ensures continuous connectivity while traveling. The Maritime plan, designed for ships and offshore operations, delivers reliable internet even in open seas. Though the Maritime option has higher hardware and subscription costs, it guarantees seamless coverage for vessels and floating platforms where no other internet options exist.
All business plans come with high-performance antennas, weather resistance, and advanced satellite switching capabilities. Monthly pricing starts from around LKR 67,000, and hardware upgrades are included to support intense operational needs.
What Happens When It Rains?
One common concern in Sri Lanka is the performance of satellite internet during rainy weather, especially during the heavy monsoon seasons. While satellite signals can be disrupted by dense rain clouds a phenomenon known as “rain fade” Starlink has designed its hardware to minimize these effects.
The terminals are fully weather-resistant, equipped with built-in heaters that can melt snow and prevent moisture build-up. They also perform well in wind and sleet. In most cases, even during bad weather, users may experience a minor slowdown, but the connection typically holds and recovers quickly. For the average user, especially in urban and semi-urban Sri Lanka, this impact will be minimal.
Key Things Sri Lankan Users Should Know
For the best experience with Starlink, users should ensure the dish is installed in an area with an unobstructed view of the sky no trees, walls, or large structures in the way. Obstructions can affect signal quality, especially since satellites are constantly moving overhead.
Users on the Residential Lite plan may notice slower speeds during peak times when the network prioritizes full-plan users. For general browsing or light streaming, the Lite plan is still a great option. However, for heavy internet usage such as gaming, video conferencing, or 4K streaming, the Residential plan is strongly recommended.
The Roam plans are especially useful for frequent travelers within Sri Lanka or abroad, offering connectivity without worrying about SIM cards or mobile data limits.
For organizations, Starlink Business plans offer unmatched reliability in areas with poor coverage or no infrastructure. Whether you’re managing an estate, running a hotel in a remote area, or operating an offshore project, Starlink provides a high-speed internet solution where traditional methods fall short.
Starlink officially launched in Sri Lanka in July 2025, and local resellers, tech support, and delivery services are gradually expanding.
Starlink represents a major leap forward for Sri Lanka’s connectivity landscape. From the highlands of Nuwara Eliya to the coastal communities in the Eastern Province, it delivers high-speed, low-latency internet where fibre optics and 4G signals may not reach. Whether you’re a student, a digital nomad, a business owner, or simply looking for reliable internet in a rural setting, Starlink opens a new frontier in digital access.
While users must factor in initial hardware costs and occasional limitations during extreme weather, the advantages far outweigh the drawbacks. With its cutting-edge technology, self-installation ease, and expanding satellite fleet, Starlink is set to transform the way Sri Lankans connect, work, learn, and thrive in the digital age.
