Bangladesh Issues Guidelines for Satellite-Based Internet Services Starlink

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has issued new guidelines allowing lawful surveillance of satellite-based internet services. As a result, if the U.S.-based internet service provider Starlink begins operations in Bangladesh, it will be subject to regulatory oversight.

On Wednesday, BTRC released the directive titled "Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operator in Bangladesh." The guidelines have been formulated with the potential operations of Starlink in mind. Starlink, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, provides internet services via artificial satellites.

On February 13, Professor Muhammad Yunus discussed Starlink-related matters with Elon Musk in a video call. Following the discussion, authorities instructed that necessary measures be taken within 90 working days to facilitate Starlink’s entry into Bangladesh.

According to Clause 26(4) of the guideline, "Lawful interception must be ensured in the interest of national security." License holders must establish a "gateway system" in Bangladesh, enabling designated agencies to access necessary information. Additionally, operators must comply with national and international laws and adhere to BTRC-approved tariffs.

The new guidelines set the license application fee at BDT 500,000, while the license fee is fixed at USD 10,000. An annual registration fee of USD 30,000 will be required for broadband services. For the first two years, service providers will not have to share revenue. However, from the third year, they will be required to share 3% of their revenue, increasing to 5.5% from the sixth year onward.