The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has given preliminary approval for Starlink, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, to launch satellite internet services in the country.
According to a source within the Posts and Telecommunications Division, the BTRC has sent a request to the ministry for final endorsement. Under current telecommunications regulations, major decisions such as issuing licenses require prior ministry approval.
Also Read: Bangladesh Limits Indian Bandwidth Imports
Starlink officially applied for a license on 7 April, 2025, under the ‘Guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operators in Bangladesh.’ This follows directives issued by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus on 25 March, 2025, instructing authorities to enable the commercial launch of Starlink’s services within 90 days.
During its trial operations in Bangladesh, Starlink utilized its international satellite broadband gateway. However, for full commercial deployment, the company must align with the NGSO policy, which mandates the use of a local broadband gateway or international internet gateway (IIG).
Read About the Role of Telecom in Bangladesh’s Urban Development
Negotiations between Starlink and Bangladeshi regulators have been ongoing, with the company working to meet all licensing requirements. The move is expected to significantly reduce internet disruptions that have impacted freelance workers and businesses.
Starlink’s arrival is considered a critical step toward providing reliable connectivity, especially for remote areas and local entrepreneurs. Bangladeshi firms are already collaborating with Starlink to build ground stations that will support the integration of satellite internet infrastructure.
