The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has released draft guidelines to enable satellite-based internet services while ensuring national sovereignty and security. Citizens are invited to submit feedback on the draft until November 18, which can be emailed in a prescribed format.
Published on the BTRC website, the 65-page regulatory and licensing guidelines allow 100% foreign direct investment (FDI), joint ventures, or investments from non-resident Bangladeshis to develop, own, and operate Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) systems and services. Licensed NGSO providers will be permitted to offer a range of services, including broadband internet, IoT, and machine-to-machine communication, alongside earth exploration and weather-related services. However, direct-to-home services, satellite-based mobile, or IMT-based telecommunications services are not allowed. To operate, licensees must establish at least one gateway in Bangladesh and route user terminal connections within the country.
Licenses will be issued for five years, with a registration or processing fee set at BDT 500,000. Licensees will pay an acquisition fee of $10,000, an annual fee of $50,000, and a terminal fee of $20 per terminal. Additionally, 5.5% of annual audited gross revenue is due to BTRC, with an additional 1% allocated for “space industry development and management.” The guidelines also require a non-refundable security deposit of BDT 25 million within 30 days of license approval. Licensees will be allocated eight frequency slots, ranging from 10.07 GHz to 50.2 GHz, to facilitate their services.
Satellite-based internet provider Starlink has been pursuing entry into Bangladesh’s market for three years and, in 2023, received approval to test its technology from Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL). In trials, Starlink’s internet achieved download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. While interest from BSCL and the ICT Division has facilitated progress, the initiative has faced scrutiny over national security concerns. Discussions on regulatory approval are expected to resume in November.
