BSCL Seeks Strategic Partnership To Fast-Track Starlink’s Launch In Bangladesh3 min read
Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) is moving to accelerate the entry of Starlink’s satellite internet services into Bangladesh through a strategic partnership. The country’s sole satellite operator has proposed hosting Starlink’s gateway at its ground stations in Gazipur and Betbunia, a move aimed at streamlining operations and infrastructure deployment, according to a report.
In a high-level meeting with Starlink officials in Dhaka yesterday, BSCL showcased its capabilities, emphasizing the advantages of leveraging its robust infrastructure for the collaboration. Present at the discussion were Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser with executive authority over the Ministry of Telecom, and Muhammad Imadur Rahman, managing director of BSCL. The Starlink delegation was led by Rebecca Slick Hunter, director of Starlink Global Licensing and Market Activation.
This initiative follows a virtual meeting in mid-February between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Elon Musk, where potential collaboration was explored. Prof Yunus extended an invitation to Musk to visit Bangladesh for Starlink’s potential launch, to which Musk responded enthusiastically, they look forward to it.
During the meeting, BSCL underscored key benefits of the partnership, including its uninterrupted power supply, high-redundancy fiber network with 99.99% availability, and 24/7 technical maintenance by highly skilled personnel. As a government-designated Key Point Installation (KPI) Category A facility, BSCL also guarantees top-tier security for Starlink operations.
Under the proposed collaboration, BSCL would take charge of sales and marketing, post-sales customer support, user terminal imports and distribution, and revenue collection through banking channels. Additionally, it would facilitate regulatory approvals from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and relevant ministries, ensuring a smoother path for Starlink’s entry into the market.
Read more: Bangladeshi Firms Partnered With US Telecom Giant Starlink
By leveraging BSCL’s infrastructure, the partnership aims to enhance nationwide sales, streamline installation and troubleshooting, and establish a secure, government-backed revenue collection mechanism. BSCL has also committed to providing a secure storage facility for Starlink kits within its KPI-enlisted premises.
BSCL and Starlink have already made notable advancements in their potential alliance. A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) was signed with SpaceX on May 12, 2023, followed by extensive testing of five Starlink terminals across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Rangpur, Hatia, and the Bay of Bengal. These tests demonstrated Starlink’s robust performance in diverse environments, and BSCL has since submitted a report to BTRC confirming its effectiveness.
Telecom expert Mustafa Mahmud Hussain sees this partnership as a transformative step for Bangladesh’s digital future. Emphasizing how this collaboration could bridge service gaps, enhance digital connectivity, and fast-track Bangladesh’s digital transformation.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has already taken steps to clear the way for Starlink. In October 2023, it drafted guidelines allowing fully foreign-owned satellite internet providers to secure operating licenses in Bangladesh. Additionally, the telecom ministry has proposed a 25% rebate on fees and charges for companies partnering with local satellite operators, further incentivizing collaborations like the one between BSCL and Starlink. However, the final approval of these guidelines remains pending.
Meanwhile, competition is brewing among local telecom firms, with several infrastructure companies vying for Starlink’s partnership. Richard H. Griffiths, a senior adviser at SpaceX, confirmed that once spectrum and licensing are secured, Starlink intends to work with multiple local operators to establish its presence in Bangladesh.
In a formal letter sent to Elon Musk on February 19, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus underscored the transformative potential of Starlink’s connectivity for young entrepreneurs, rural communities, and underserved populations in Bangladesh. With negotiations advancing and regulatory frameworks evolving, the countdown to Starlink’s arrival in Bangladesh has truly begun.
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