Starlink Eyes Entry into Bangladesh as Policies Shift
SpaceX Officials Visit Dhaka for Negotiations
SpaceX, the operator of satellite internet service Starlink, is moving closer to entering the Bangladeshi market. Recent reports reveal that company officials have visited Dhaka to negotiate with the Bangladesh ICT Division and other stakeholders to secure approval for launching services in the country.
Potential for Rural Connectivity and Freelancing
Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), highlighted the potential benefits of satellite internet services like Starlink during a seminar titled “Reforms for ICT Industry Growth”, hosted by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Harun noted that satellite internet could revolutionize connectivity in rural areas, providing opportunities for young people to engage in freelancing and upskilling. “Imagine a school in Kurigram where a Starlink router gives primary school students internet access,” he said, illustrating the transformative potential of such technology.
Policy Barriers and New Guidelines
Despite its efforts to enter the Bangladeshi market over the last two years, Starlink has faced regulatory hurdles. However, new developments suggest progress. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has drafted new guidelines titled “Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit Satellite Services Operators in Bangladesh”.
These guidelines allow wholly foreign-owned companies to obtain licenses for satellite internet operations, potentially paving the way for Starlink and similar providers to officially launch services in Bangladesh.
Next Steps for Starlink
Harun emphasized the importance of leveraging satellite internet for community growth, proposing case studies to deploy Starlink routers for shared use. With new policies on the horizon, Starlink’s entry could significantly impact Bangladesh’s ICT sector by enhancing digital inclusion and creating new economic opportunities, particularly in underserved areas.
The collaboration between Starlink and Bangladesh could mark a significant milestone in expanding internet access and bridging the digital divide across the country.