The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has taken a proactive step towards enhancing internet accessibility across the country by initiating the formation of a committee dedicated to developing guidelines for satellite internet provision
This move signals the potential entry of major players like Elon Musk’s Starlink and its competitors into the Bangladeshi market. The decision came after an internal meeting where BTRC officials approved the establishment of a committee comprising representatives from various sectors. The committee's primary goal is to draft guidelines for delivering internet services via non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) systems, showcasing Bangladesh's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to bridge digital disparities.
NGSO satellites, known for their dynamic orbiting patterns relative to Earth's surface, offer enhanced connectivity and data transmission capabilities, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Leading companies such as SpaceX, OneWeb, and Amazon are at the forefront of deploying NGSO satellite constellations, aiming to revolutionize global internet accessibility.
In a significant development last December, the Bangladesh government signaled its intention to grant a license to Starlink, a move championed by State Minister for Telecom and ICT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak. This underscores the government's dedication to democratizing internet access, ensuring connectivity reaches even the most remote corners of Bangladesh.
The recent outage of the SEA-ME-WE 5 submarine cable link between Bangladesh and Singapore has underscored the urgent need for alternative internet connectivity solutions in the country.
However, Starlink reportedly presents a costly alternative. The terminal kits come with a hefty price tag of up to USD 599, while monthly subscriptions in most areas amount to around USD 120.
In comparison, Bangladesh Internet Service Providers (ISPs) typically offer 5 Mbps fixed-broadband connections for BDT 500 (USD 5.00) per month, while mobile internet packages range from BDT 400 to BDT 500 per 30GB, according to a report.
