Xinhua
28 Apr 2025

DHAKA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has given initial approval to Starlink to provide satellite internet services in Bangladesh.

It sent a letter to the Posts and Telecommunications Division last week seeking final endorsement, United News of Bangladesh (UNB) reported Monday.

Under telecommunications law, BTRC is required to obtain prior approval from the ministry before making major decisions, including the issuance of licenses, UNB quoted a ministry source as saying.

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

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

During trial broadcasts in the country, Starlink operated using its foreign satellite broadband gateway, according to officials.

However, for commercial operations, the company must comply with the NGSO policy. This policy requires the use of a local broadband gateway or International Internet Gateway (IIG).

Starlink, a subsidiary of Elon Musk's SpaceX, has been in negotiations with Bangladesh's regulatory authorities over the licensing process.

The initiative aims to address the recurring internet shutdowns that have disrupted freelance and business activities.

Bangladeshi companies are already collaborating with Starlink to establish ground stations, facilitating the integration of satellite connectivity.