BTRC grants initial approval to Starlink, awaits final ministry approval

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has granted initial approval to Starlink to offer satellite internet services in Bangladesh.

The BTRC sent a letter to the Posts and Telecommunications Division last week, requesting final approval, according to a source from the ministry.

Under Bangladesh's telecommunications law, the BTRC is required to seek ministry approval before making major decisions, such as issuing licenses.

Starlink applied to the BTRC for a license to operate in the country on April 7, under the regulatory framework titled Guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operators in Bangladesh.

On March 25, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus instructed the relevant authorities to ensure the commercial launch of Starlink's satellite broadband internet service within 90 days.

During trial broadcasts, Starlink operated using its foreign satellite broadband gateway. However, for commercial operations, the company must comply with the Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) policy, which mandates the use of a local broadband gateway or International Internet Gateway (IIG).

Starlink, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has been in discussions with Bangladesh’s regulatory authorities throughout the licensing process.

The initiative is expected to address recurring internet shutdowns that have disrupted freelance and business activities in the country. Starlink’s entry into the market is seen as a breakthrough for ensuring uninterrupted connectivity, particularly benefiting remote communities and local entrepreneurs.

Bangladeshi companies are already collaborating with Starlink to set up ground stations to integrate satellite connectivity.