Starlink-BIDA Meeting: Draft Licensing Guidelines Underway for Satellite-Based Internet Services in Bangladesh

For the past three years, satellite-based internet service provider Starlink has been attempting to enter the Bangladeshi market. During this time, the company reached out to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) twice. Initially, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) was hesitant when BIDA informed them about Starlink's interest. In 2023, Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited received BTRC's approval to test Starlink’s technology. The tests conducted in July of that year revealed download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. Shortly after, Starlink added Bangladesh to its service coverage map on its website. However, concerns over surveillance and national security delayed the process.

In recent developments, discussions have resumed this month. On October 21, a meeting took place between BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury and Starlink’s Director of Global Licensing and Market Activation, Rebecca Slick Hunter. After the meeting, Chowdhury highlighted the importance of easy access to the internet, calling it a "lifeline." He mentioned that if Starlink had been available in Bangladesh last July, internet blockades would not have posed a significant challenge, potentially enabling high-speed internet even in rural schools and remote areas like the Sundarbans for freelancing activities.

However, no definitive statements were made regarding Starlink’s commencement of business in Bangladesh. BIDA Chairman Ashik Chowdhury replied- We are trying, hope that I can give good news ahead. On the other hand, BTRC Chairman Emdad Ul Bari confirmed to DigiBangla that a licensing guideline is being drafted.

Previously, on July 26-27, 2023, Starlink representatives Joel Meredith and Pernille Urdarshir met with then Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Mustafa Jabbar and State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak to discuss the company’s business operations, technical functionality, and compliance with Bangladeshi laws.

Tech expert Fahim Mashroor commented that while the introduction of Starlink may not pose significant challenges, it will be expensive. International companies and NGOs in Bangladesh are likely to adopt it.

For individual consumers, the necessary hardware to access Starlink's internet service would cost approximately $599 (around BDT 65,959), with a monthly service fee of $120 (around BDT 13,213). In comparison, local broadband services offer 5 Mbps speeds for about $500, and 30 GB of mobile internet data costs between BDT 400-500. Concerns have been raised by local telecom and cable internet providers about potential competition once Starlink launches its services in the country.