Starlink Gets the Go-Ahead in Bangladesh

The interim administration in Bangladesh has officially authorized SpaceX’s Starlink to deliver satellite internet services within the nation. Starlink employs a network of low Earth orbit satellites to provide internet connectivity to underserved areas.

According to reports, the license was endorsed by Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, on April 28. This makes Bangladesh the second South Asian nation, following Sri Lanka, to introduce Starlink’s services.

Reports indicate that the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) published licensing guidelines in March for “Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operator in Bangladesh.”

Operating within this framework, Starlink Services Bangladesh applied for the NGSO license during the initial week of this month, fulfilling all necessary paperwork and payments to secure operational clearance.

Consequently, the BTRC opted to grant preliminary authorization for Starlink’s operations in April.

Earlier in the year, Elon Musk, the tech magnate and SpaceX proprietor, engaged in discussions with Yunus concerning the introduction of Starlink to Bangladesh.

At that time, they underscored the potential of the service to generate fresh prospects for “Bangladesh’s enterprising youth, rural and vulnerable women, and remote communities,” according to a statement released by Yunus’ media office.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, which boasts a substantial freelance workforce, is still awaiting the operational debut of Starlink.

Last month, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, stated that the licensing procedure for Starlink would soon be finalized. She added that the satellite-based internet provider is projected to commence its services in Pakistan by November 2025.

“Upon license issuance, we will begin installing the required infrastructure, with Starlink’s availability anticipated from November in Pakistan,” Khawaja informed the National Assembly’s standing committee.

In March, Islamabad greenlit the provisional registration of Starlink, setting the stage for the introduction of satellite-driven internet services within the country.