Starlink’s Arrival in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Revolutionizing Rural Internet Access in 2025

What is Starlink?

Starlink, developed by SpaceX  under Elon Musk, delivers high-speed, low-latency internet via a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Unlike traditional services relying on cables or towers, Starlink  uses a compact satellite dish to connect users directly to its network.

As of April 2025, Starlinkoperates over 7,000 satellites, serving millions across 100+ countries, with plans to expand to 42,000, per Wikipedia - Starlink. It offers download speeds of 50-220 Mbps and latency of 20-40 ms, ideal for streaming, gaming, and video calls, according to CNET - Starlink Internet Review.

Pricing includes a €350-€450 equipment fee for the dish and router, with monthly subscriptions starting at €50 for Residential Lite and €60-€100 for standard plans, based on regional pricing in Croatia and Kosovo, per Al Jazeera Balkans - What is Starlink?.

The Current Internet Landscape in BiH

BiH has seen significant internet growth, with 86.7% of its 3.15 million population—2.73 million people—online as of January 2025, per DataReportal - Digital 2025: BiH. However, a digital divide persists: urban areas like Sarajevo enjoy reliable connections, while rural regions, home to 50.1% of the population, face slow or no access.

The Speedtest Global Index - BiH reports median download speeds of 36.54 Mbps for fixed broadband and 31.19 Mbps for mobile as of March 2025, below the global median of 87.67 Mbps, per TheGlobalEconomy.com - Internet Users. Rural areas often rely on outdated DSL or limited 4G networks.

Major ISPs like BH Telecom, M:tel, and HT Eronet are expanding fiber and wireless networks, but BiH’s mountainous terrain slows progress, per ISP.Page - Internet Access in BiH. The average internet cost is €24/month for a 60 Mbps unlimited plan, per Numbeo - Cost of Living in BiH, cheaper but slower than Starlink .

Starlink’s Planned Launch in BiH

Starlink  plans to launch in BiH in 2025, as confirmed by the Ministry of Communications and Transport, reported by SeeNews - Starlink Eyes Bosnia Launch on April 24, 2025. An X post from SarajevoTimeson April 26, 2025, noted, “Starlink Set to Launch in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

However, regulatory hurdles remain. The Regulatory Agency for Communications (RAK) confirmed discussions with Starlink but noted no license application has been filed, per Klix.ba - Will Starlink Arrive in 2025?. Starlink’s coverage map lists BiH for 2025 but notes “service date unknown,” per Sarajevo Times - BiH Risks Lagging in Starlink Coverage.

Neighbors like Croatia and Serbia already have Starlink, highlighting the urgency for BiH to streamline approvals to avoid falling behind.

Benefits of Starlink for BiH

Starlink’s arrival could transform BiH’s digital landscape, particularly in rural areas:

1. Rural Connectivity: Starlink can deliver high-speed internet to remote regions without costly infrastructure, bridging the digital divide.
2. High Speeds: With up to 220 Mbps, Starlink surpasses most rural options, supporting remote work and education, per CNET - Starlink Internet Review.
3. Economic Growth: Enhanced connectivity can boost e-commerce, tourism, and agriculture, per TS2.Space - Starlink and BiH’s Digital Economy.
4. Education: Rural students can access online learning platforms, reducing educational disparities.
5. Telemedicine: High-speed internet enables remote healthcare consultations, improving access, per Lightyear.ai - Starlink Use Cases.
6. Competition: Starlink could push ISPs to improve services and lower prices.

Challenges to Overcome

Starlink  faces several hurdles in BiH:

Cost: At €50+/month plus €350-€450 for equipment, Starlink may be unaffordable for many, with BiH’s average wage at €750, per Trading Economics - BiH Wages.

• Regulation: RAK approval is pending, and delays could push the launch beyond 2025, per Klix.ba.
• Environmental Impact: Starlink’s satellites raise concerns about space debris and light pollution, per Space.com - Starlink Satellites.
• Weather Sensitivity: Heavy rain or snow may disrupt service.
• Infrastructure Needs: A clear line of sight is required for the dish, challenging in some areas.
• Comparison: Current Internet vs. Starlink