On April 28th – Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor, has granted approval for the license of Starlink, the American satellite internet service provider, allowing them to commence their activities in Bangladesh. This move represents an important advancement aimed at enhancing access to communication networks, particularly within isolated and under-serviced regions.
On Monday, the Chief Adviser ratified the license, according to his Special Assistant Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb.
On April 7, Starlink submitted an application to the BTRC seeking permission to operate within the nation under the regulations outlined in the document titled ‘Guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Service Providers in Bangladesh.’
BTRC gives preliminary nod to Starlink, still waiting for final ministry approval
On March 25, Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus instructed the pertinent agencies to guarantee the commercial rollout of Starlink’s satellite broadband internet service in Bangladesh within ninety days.
In accordance with this guideline, Starlink submitted a formal application along with the applicable fees and required documents.
A decision to issue the license was taken in principle during the 294th meeting of the commission on April 21.
Starlink has been introduced into Bangladesh’s digital environment, making it the second nation in South Asia after Sri Lanka to offer services from this international satellite internet company.
Dr. Yunus mandates the rollout of Starlink’s internet service within 90 days.
Faiz Ahmad stated that Starlink’s introduction to Bangladesh was fueled by public demand after multiple internet blackouts imposed by the authoritarian Sheikh Hasina administration during theJuly uprising.
The Chief Advisor additionally sought to convey the message that Bangladesh welcomes investments. Ensuring constant, top-notch internet access in isolated haor regions, island territories, mountainous locations, and vulnerable coastal zones continues to be a significant hurdle. He highlighted that in places lacking fiber optic connections, there is a pressing requirement for dependable online services.
The Chief Adviser personally reached out to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk at his discretion and encouraged him to start operations in Bangladesh within 90 days, he mentioned additionally.
He highlighted that Bangladesh’s fiber network is still restricted, with large portions not having telecom-quality facilities.
“Currently, at least 65 percent of telecommunications towers have yet to be equipped with fiber optic connections and continue to depend on lower-capacity microwave links. Our mobile networks encounter difficulties in terms of both coverage and capacity—particularly when it comes to maintaining connectivity during highway travel. Starlink has the potential to address these shortcomings,” stated Faiz.
The introduction of Starlink is anticipated to boost competition within the mobile and broadband internet sectors, prompting a shift in the industry away from conventional voice-and-data packages towards services that are more focused on digital solutions, as mentioned.
“The service will facilitate deregulation within the communications sector, boost competitiveness, and guarantee smooth, high-speed internet access—regardless of whether you’re in an urban or rural setting,” he further stated.
