Bangladesh approves Starlink's unfiltered bandwidth export to neighbouring countries

The government has approved a landmark proposal allowing Starlink to export International Private Leased Circuit (IPLC) links to carry unfiltered internet traffic from Bangladesh to neighbouring countries, marking the first formal permission for such an arrangement involving a satellite internet provider.

The approval is expected to position Bangladesh as a regional connectivity hub while enabling local telecom infrastructure companies to earn foreign currency from international bandwidth exports.

According to official documents, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) granted the permission after securing approval from the Posts and Telecommunications Division (PTD).

Under the approval, state-owned Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL) will be the primary bandwidth supplier. If BSCCL cannot provide the required capacity, Starlink may source from Summit Communications Ltd and Fiber@Home Ltd.

The unfiltered bandwidth will not be supplied within Bangladesh but will be carried to other countries, BTRC Chairman Md Emdad ul Bari said.

Technology expert Sumon Ahmed Sabir said the approval could help position Bangladesh as a regional data hub while enabling local operators to generate export earnings.

Starlink received its BTRC licence on April 29, 2025, and launched commercial services in May. The company secured permission for cross-border connectivity after a review process that included technical meetings and compliance with monitoring requirements.

The BTRC required Starlink to ensure the bandwidth serves only foreign customers, separate domestic and international data traffic, and provide monitoring tools for real-time verification.

The commission cited a precedent where BSCCL supplied unfiltered IP transit to India's BSNL between 2020 and 2025, indicating the export of unfiltered bandwidth is not without precedent in Bangladesh.