starlink finally gets license in Bangladesh!

Starlink, the US-based non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellite service provider, has finally received a license to operate in Bangladesh. On Monday (April 28), Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus approved Starlink's license. This information was given in a message sent by the Chief Advisor's press wing.

The press release said that the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued a licensing guideline titled Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operator In Bangladesh on March 25. Under this guideline, Starlink applied to the BTRC with the prescribed fee and necessary documents. Then, the principle decision to issue Starlink's license was taken in the 294th commission meeting of the BTRC held on April 21.

Starlink has added a new dimension to the internet world in Bangladesh. This world-renowned satellite internet service provider is the second country in South Asia to start its journey in Bangladesh after Sri Lanka.

In this context, Faiz Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor, said, "During the July uprising, the demand to bring Starlink to Bangladesh was strong in protest against the repeated internet shutdowns by the autocratic Sheikh Hasina government. Chief Advisor Yunus took the initiative as a reflection of the people's demand. In addition, this step has been taken to send a message that Bangladesh is an investment-friendly country."

He also said that Starlink will play an important role in providing quality internet services in the fastest possible time to the country's haor, baor, island areas, remote hilly areas and coastal disaster-prone areas. Starlink will ensure uninterrupted high-speed internet where fiber infrastructure is absent or weak.

Faiz Tayyab said that one of the biggest advantages of Starlink is that the internet connection will not be cut off even during load shedding. Currently, high-speed uninterrupted internet service is not possible in many areas of Bangladesh due to the limitations of the fiber network. Starlink will provide a solution to these problems.

He said that 65 percent of Bangladesh's telecom towers are still without fiber connections and weak microwave links are used there. Starlink will enable improved connectivity to the towers.

Faiz Tayyab also said that Starlink's entry will create intense competition in Bangladesh's mobile and broadband internet market. It will build a new ecosystem focused on digital services beyond conventional voice calls and data bundle-based services.

He said, "Starlink will usher in the deregulation of Bangladesh's communications sector. Fair and equitable opportunities for high-quality internet services will be created regardless of urban or rural areas."