Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL), the country’s sole satellite company, reportedly met with Starlink officials to discuss partnership options for fast-tracking the LEO satellite operator’s entry into the market in the next couple of months.
According to the Daily Star, BSCL proposed a strategic collaboration with Starlink under which it would provide services for Starlink such sales and marketing, post-sales customer support, import and distribution of Starlink kits and revenue collection via its banking channels.
The proposal also includes hosting Starlink's gateway at BSCL's ground stations in Gazipur and Betbunia, the report said.
BCSL also pitched the advantages its infrastructure could bring to a Starlink partnership, such as uninterrupted power, redundant fibre connections, 24/7 maintenance, and highly secured facilities.
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus held an online meeting with SpaceX and Starlink CEO Elon Musk last month to discuss bringing Starlink to Bangladesh. BSCL managing director Muhammad Imadur Rahman told the newspaprr that Yunus aims for Starlink to be able launch services by May this year.
BCSL and Starlink have been in discussions for a potential partnership since May 2023, and have conducted successful tests of Starlink kits in in Dhaka, Rangpur, Hatia and the Bay of Bengal, the report said.
On the regulatory front, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) began hashing out guidelines for LEO and MEO broadband satellite service providers to operate in the country last year, to include allowing wholly owned foreign companies to obtain licences.
The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology has proposed that the guidelines include a provision under which foreign satellite players would be entitled to a 25% rebate on fees and charges if they partner with a local satellite operator.
The first draft of the guidelines were completed in October 2024. However, they have not yet been finalised, the report said.