Starlink Satellite Service Set to Soar: Bangladesh to Launch Internet Access
Bangladesh is set to launch satellite internet services in early 2024 to ensure that citizens do not face digital connectivity disruptions, similar to the unprecedented internet blackout in the country from July 18 to 28 this year. With this goal in mind, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is finalizing a draft policy for non-geostationary satellite service operators, with a public consultation period ending on November 18. A multi-party meeting on the matter is planned for later this month.
Sources indicate that the process will be completed by the end of this year, and the satellite internet service could be launched in early 2024. However, the regulatory body has yet to provide any official statement on the matter.
The regulatory guidelines for satellite service operators could potentially pave the way for companies like Starlink to enter the market. Starlink has been attempting to enter Bangladesh for two years but faced legal hurdles with BTRC regulations. BTRC's proposed licensing guidelines for satellite internet services will help foreign-owned companies establish operations in the country. However, local internet service providers (ISPs) are keen to understand the specific conditions under which satellite-based internet licenses will be issued, as this will determine its impact on the local internet business.
Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan, General Secretary of the ISP Association of Bangladesh (ISPAAB), welcomed the new technology but emphasized that its suitability for the country and the people must be carefully considered. He added that they have prepared several observations on the matter, which will be shared with BTRC through a letter on Sunday.
Mobile operators’ organization AMTOB has also expressed support, noting that this initiative could revolutionize data services in the country and help bridge the digital divide by introducing new opportunities. Similarly, major operators like Grameenphone, Banglalink, and Robi have highlighted the potential for the satellite internet service to benefit various sectors like disaster management and backhauling.
Telecom policy analyst Mustafa Mahmud Hossain stated that the introduction of satellite internet will bring significant changes, especially in remote and underdeveloped areas. He emphasized that bureaucratic obstacles must be minimized to ensure affordable services for the public.
Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has been working for several years to launch satellite internet in Bangladesh. The company made two attempts to engage with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) but faced resistance from BTRC. However, after receiving interest from the Bangladesh Satellite Company and the ICT Ministry, BTRC granted approval for technology testing in 2023. During the tests, Starlink achieved download speeds of up to 150 Mbps.
At the recent Mega IT Fair held in Agargaon, the Starlink receiver and related devices were displayed. The equipment includes an electronic phased-array antenna that can bend up to 110 degrees, weighs about 2.9 kg (3.2 kg with kickstand), and operates in extreme temperatures. The cost of setting up Starlink in Bangladesh will require customers to pay $599 (about BDT 65,959) for hardware, along with a monthly fee of $120 (around BDT 13,213), significantly higher than local broadband and mobile internet costs.
The market analysts believe that although Starlink’s services will be costly for individual customers, many international companies and NGOs operating in Bangladesh are likely to adopt the technology.
