SpaceX achieves authorization for Starlink satellite internet system in Bangladesh
SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service is gearing up for a commercial launch in Bangladesh, with several significant developments indicating an imminent arrival and phased rollout.
Partnership Interest
Veon Ltd, a Dubai-based telecom company that owns Banglalink (Bangladesh's third-largest mobile operator), is exploring collaboration with Starlink to bring space-based connectivity to Bangladesh. This initiative aims to address connectivity issues in areas underserved by terrestrial networks, particularly during natural disasters or energy shortages.
Government and Institutional Support
Support from prominent figures like Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has facilitated Starlink’s entry into Bangladesh.
Initial Deployment in Education
The Bangladesh government plans to roll out Starlink internet connections at 100 schools in hill districts within the next six months. This move is aimed at improving e-learning and providing students in remote regions access to quality education through online classes.
Regulatory Engagement
Starlink has been identified as a first mover among global satellite internet providers engaging with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), while other companies are still in talks.
Approval and Application for NGSO License
Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), confirmed that Starlink received initial approval on March 29. Starlink is expected to apply for the NGSO license on April 6, which, upon grant, will allow the company to begin commercial operations the very next day.
First Trial Run and Commercial Rollout
The first trial run of Starlink's satellite internet service in Bangladesh took place on April 9 during the Bangladesh Investment Summit in Dhaka. This event, hosting over 550 foreign investors from 50 countries, was live-streamed using Starlink's high-speed internet. The commercial rollout of Starlink's satellite internet service in Bangladesh is expected within the next three months.
Starlink's operations in Bangladesh are expected to help bridge the digital divide between urban centers and rural communities, revolutionising internet access in remote and underserved regions of the country. This rollout may follow models seen elsewhere, focusing on bridging connectivity gaps where traditional networks are limited or unreliable.
Veon Ltd, a Dubai-based telecom company, is discussing potential partnerships with Starlink to bring space-based connectivity to Bangladesh, engaging in business collaborations that could straddle science, technology, and finance. Starlink's upcoming commercial launch of its satellite internet service in Bangladesh could see technology and education intertwine, as the government plans to first deploy these connections at 100 schools in remote hill districts.
