Starlink’s Shadow Signal: BTRC Scrutinizes Satellite Giant’s Data Trail in Bangladesh

The license period of 3,299 service providers under the 2010 ILDTS policy will expire in 2027. The latest addition to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC)’s license list is the Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operator License. On April 29 this year, Starlink Services Bangladesh became the sole licensee for this category. Despite holding a 10-year license, billionaire Elon Musk’s company has yet to reach even two thousand subscribers in two categories within its first four months of operation.

To access this satellite-based internet service, each customer had to pay a one-time setup fee of Tk 47,000. Monthly fees stand at Tk 6,000 for regular residential users and Tk 4,200 for the Residential Lite package. According to BTRC’s records, as of September 30, Starlink had 1,862 subscribers in Bangladesh—1,251 residential users, 495 Residential Lite connections, 58 mobile (residential) users, 11 premium business mobile connections, 20 premium business users, one premium residential user, 20 enterprise users, and six testers.

While Starlink’s residential and residential lite connections have no fixed limit on the number of devices, there are technical constraints. The number of simultaneous users depends on data usage, as too many devices can reduce connection speed. The company’s standard router can support up to 128 devices at a time.

Starlink has already purchased 200 gigabytes of bandwidth from Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company PLC and 80 Gbps from International Internet Gateways (IIGs). However, Bangladeshi users have utilized only 30 Gbps of this capacity, raising questions about where the rest of the bandwidth is going. Is Bangladesh being used merely as a hub for regional expansion under the guise of technology? Or is the company seeking to extend its control into both domestic and international markets?

Against this backdrop, Starlink has requested permission to commercially use International Private Leased Circuit (IPLC) connections and provide services to foreign clients through unfiltered IP transit—activities not covered by its current license or guidelines. The company submitted a technical proposal to BTRC on October 14, which the commission deemed in need of further regulatory and technical review.

Earlier, on August 13, Starlink had applied for approval to use IPLC connections commercially and to obtain unfiltered IP transit from local operators to serve foreign customers in neighboring countries.

According to BTRC records, to obtain such privileges, Starlink must establish a transparent technical mechanism that distinctly separates domestic and foreign data traffic. Its application for IPLC access would allow dedicated international data links between Bangladesh and other nations. Additionally, Starlink sought unfiltered IP transit access from local operators.

The interim government, which replaced the former Awami League administration, quickly allowed Starlink to expand operations in Bangladesh—especially after the internet shutdown during the July mass uprising, highlighting the need for uninterrupted connectivity in remote areas. On October 27, the BTRC’s 300th monthly meeting discussed Starlink’s customer base, data traffic, and operational activities. The meeting raised concerns about the company’s lack of transparency regarding customer data, monitoring mechanisms, and service delivery to both local and foreign users.

On October 7, BTRC had written to Starlink seeking updated information on its Lawful Interception (LI) compliance. In response, the company stated that it had already provided the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC) with compliance API tools as per license conditions. However, the NTMC reported that it was unable to operate those tools effectively, though discussions between the parties were ongoing.

In the internet sector, LI compliance refers to the legal and technical framework that allows government or law enforcement agencies to monitor internet communications under proper authorization for national security, criminal investigations, and cybercrime prevention. BTRC considers LI compliance a mandatory requirement for licensing.

On the same date, BTRC also requested Starlink to ensure that all services provided to customers within Bangladesh are routed through its local earth station and domestic IIG operators, as stipulated in Clause 5 of its license. The company responded that it could provide the same “Compliance API tools” used by NTMC, though NTMC reported that those tools were insufficient for collecting necessary data.

A review meeting between BTRC and NTMC took place on October 21 to discuss technical difficulties with Starlink’s compliance tools. It was found that the data retrieved through Starlink’s APIs failed to meet monitoring requirements. NTMC confirmed that it could not extract the necessary information through the tools.

Another issue raised was whether Starlink’s foreign (roaming) subscribers are receiving internet services within Bangladesh through the country’s local ground stations and Points of Presence (PoPs). The company has yet to clarify this matter. BTRC has requested explicit information from Starlink on the issue.

According to BTRC’s official documents, any data transmitted abroad must not serve Bangladeshi customers or foreign residents within the country. The proposed data export must remain strictly limited to providing services to Starlink’s foreign customers in neighboring countries.

Furthermore, the commission decided that no Bangladeshi customer should receive direct service through IPLC or unfiltered IP usage. The company must demonstrate, through technical means, how it separates and monitors domestic and foreign data streams. Before granting permission to Starlink Services Bangladesh Limited, BTRC will seek further clarification regarding the export of unfiltered bandwidth through local Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Industry stakeholders welcomed BTRC’s cautious approach, noting that proper oversight is impossible if a licensed company lacks a functioning local office. While satellite internet introduces new opportunities in Bangladesh’s digital landscape, experts warn that unchecked operations could undermine national control.

ISPB General Secretary Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan stated, “Starlink’s activities in Bangladesh pose a threat to local entrepreneurs and risk leading the youth astray. The NGSO license structure does not permit commercial IPLC use or cross-border data transmission. Starlink should not be granted such permission under any circumstances, as it would place Bangladesh’s internet business entirely under foreign control.”