Starlink Seeks Satellite Service License in Bangladesh
Starlink, the satellite-based internet service provider founded by Elon Musk, officially applied for an NGSO (Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit) license with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) on Monday. The application follows prior approval from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
Once the BTRC license is granted, Starlink will be able to commence services in Bangladesh immediately, according to officials.
At a press conference held on Monday night marking the close of the first day of the investment summit, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun—recently elevated to the rank of State Minister—shared the update.
Present alongside him, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, added: “In line with the goal to commercially launch Starlink services by May, the company will proceed with this work independently. They have already identified a few distributors and landing station partners in Bangladesh and are actively collaborating with them. On our part, BIDA, BTRC, and the Ministry of Telecommunications have jointly developed an NGSO guideline that has opened the door for all businesses.”
He further informed that the guideline, which was developed incorporating 75 types of feedback, has already been approved by the Chief Adviser. As a result, other satellite-based internet service providers, in addition to Starlink, are now eligible to apply for licenses. Based on their applications, they will be allowed to collaborate with public and private sector investment partners.
It was informed at the press conference that on the first day of the International Investment Summit, investors from about 60 countries visited 2 EPZs including the Korean EPZ. More than 1,500 domestic and foreign entrepreneurs participated in the Bangladesh Startup Connect Program. There were 15 focused high-quality sessions. Entrepreneurs and investors from 25 countries participated. On the first day, the Governor of Bangladesh Bank announced a fund of funds mobilization of Tk 800 crore. The BIDA Chairman announced ease of doing business to facilitate investment. In addition, all steps have been taken to ensure that no government today or in the future can shut down the internet and a business-friendly Data Protection Act has been announced.
ICT Secretary Sheesh Haider Chowdhury and Chief Advisor's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were present at this press briefing
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