Starlink Sparks Stir: Debates Over Satellite Internet in Bangladesh Intensify
The entry of Starlink, the satellite-based internet service by billionaire Elon Musk, has reignited debates within Bangladesh's telecom sector. Since the end of the previous government and the beginning of the interim administration, discussions have been ongoing about the potential implications of introducing Starlink’s services in the country. Industry stakeholders are analyzing various factors, including the service model, pricing sensitivity, data privacy concerns, and the protection of local businesses. Amidst this, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is set to hold a commission meeting on Tuesday to deliberate on Starlink’s prospective entry.
However, during a meeting at Dhaka’s BRAC Centre on Monday (February 24), critical questions emerged regarding the format of Starlink's operations in Bangladesh. Participants asked whether the satellite internet provider would share revenue with the government and how much regulatory control Bangladesh would have over the space-based service.
Addressing these concerns, BTRC Chairman Md. Emdadul Bari stated that the commission is actively working on the issue. “We will proceed according to the Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellite guidelines. We have ample time to address this properly. I’ve already spoken with nearly all South Asian regulatory bodies on this matter. We previously opened the NGSO draft guidelines for public opinion, after which the government made minor revisions. A commission meeting is scheduled tomorrow (Tuesday) to finalize the matter,” he explained.
When asked whether Starlink would be required to share revenue with the government, the BTRC Chairman responded, “This is still under review. Let the government approve the final guidelines first; only then can we provide a clear answer.”
The issue sparked further debate among telecom stakeholders. Mohiuddin Ahmed, President of the Mobile Phone Subscribers Association, questioned, “Why has Starlink been exempted from the Service Obligation Fund (SOF) and revenue sharing? If local ISP entrepreneurs are required to pay SOF and share revenue, why shouldn’t Starlink?”
Tech expert Fahim Mashroor proposed a broader change, stating, “I believe revenue sharing should be abolished for everyone. In an open internet ecosystem, why should there be revenue sharing at all?”
High-Level Discussions with Elon Musk
The debate over Starlink gained momentum after a phone conversation between interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Elon Musk on February 13. Following the call, on February 19, Dr. Yunus sent an official letter to Musk, expressing Bangladesh’s interest in launching Starlink services. The letter extended an invitation to Musk to visit Bangladesh and proposed initiating Starlink's satellite internet service within the next 90 working days.
In the letter, Dr. Yunus emphasized the transformative potential of Starlink for Bangladesh, stating, “Let us work together to build a better future. Your visit to Bangladesh will offer an opportunity to meet the country's youth, who stand to benefit the most from this pioneering technology.”
He further highlighted the positive impact Starlink could have on the nation’s underserved communities, noting, “Integrating Starlink with Bangladesh's infrastructure could bring revolutionary changes, especially for the energetic youth, rural and underprivileged women, and remote, marginalized populations.”
As the government and regulators deliberate the future of Starlink in Bangladesh, questions regarding revenue sharing, regulatory control, and data privacy continue to dominate the conversation.
