Good news about Internet, Musk's Starlink to make entry to Bangladesh

The government is going to launch satellite internet in the country. To this end, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has sought public opinion to finalize the draft guidelines.

Those concerned said that this move to launch satellite internet will help in opening new doors in bridging the digital divide along with backhauling, disaster management and use of customer data. Through this, Elon Musk's Starlink and other leading companies in the world can pave the way to enter the Bangladeshi market.

BTRC released the draft regulatory and licensing guidelines for NGSO satellite service operators on its website on October 29. It has sought feedback by November 18 to finalize the guidelines.

The move to launch satellite internet has been welcomed by mobile phone operators and other stakeholders in the country as it will revolutionize data services in the country. According to them, this initiative can open up new opportunities for bridging the digital divide.

Proprietorships, partnerships and companies registered under the Companies Act 1994 under the 'Joint Stock Companies and Firms Registrar' can apply for licenses to construct, own, maintain and operate NGSO satellite systems and services in Bangladesh, the draft guidelines said.

It is further stated that 100 per cent FDI or foreign partnership joint venture or investment from non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) can build, own, maintain and operate NGSO satellite systems and services. As per the draft guidelines, the license will be valid for five years.

It further states that the licensee shall be authorized to provide the following NGSO satellite services: broadband internet services, intranet services (domestic data communication), Internet of Things and machine-to-machine connectivity, earth station in motion services, earth exploration satellite services, remote sensing and meteorological services and any other services approved by BTRC. However, operators are not permitted to provide direct-to-home services, broadcast services, satellite IMT-based services or telecommunication services.

The application or processing fee is fixed at Tk 5 lakh, of which the acquisition fee is US$ 10,000 and the annual fee is US$ 50,000. Besides, an annual station/terminal fee is fixed at $20.

The licensee shall pay 5.5 per cent of its annual audited gross revenue to BTRC. A further 1 per cent of gross revenue must be contributed as part of the mandatory 'contribution to the development and management of space industry'.

Licensee must set up at least one gateway system within Bangladesh before commencing service. However, BTRC is encouraging licensees to set up additional gateways.

Any user terminal placed within the geographical boundaries of Bangladesh must be served by and through this local gateway. According to the draft, all traffic from these terminals for services within Bangladesh must go through these local gateways.

The NGSO Gateway will connect to the International Internet Gateway to handle international Internet data traffic.

Shahed Alam, Chief Corporate Officer, Robi Aziat said, We welcome the initiative to launch satellite internet in the country as a recognition of its potential to revolutionize data services. This advance could pave the way for new opportunities in areas such as backhauling, disaster management and use of customer data.

Banglalink Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer Taimur Rahman said, the initiative to consult the public before launching the new service is commendable. We appreciate this initiative. A public consultation process will help shape its future direction.

Grameenphone Head of Communications Sharfuddin Ahmed Chowdhury said Grameenphone welcomes any new technology capable of bringing positive changes in people's lives, society, economy and the country as a whole. Any new license should ensure non-discriminatory treatment. Through this, there is competition between all the new market entrants including those currently in the market.

Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) is also ready to welcome any new technology. ISPAB president Emdadul Haque said, "We have no objection to welcoming new technology, but we should first consider whether the technology is useful for the country and the people."