Starlink has been exploring entry into the Bangladeshi market for several years,

 Is Satellite-Based Internet Coming? How Will It Differ from Current Services?

Bangladesh's telecommunications regulator, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), is seeking public opinions on a draft guideline for satellite-based internet services. Once finalized, companies like Elon Musk's Starlink and similar providers may have the opportunity to offer internet services in Bangladesh using satellites.

Starlink has been exploring entry into the Bangladeshi market for several years, and a recent team visit to Dhaka included meetings with the investment board.

Starlink’s internet service is especially suitable for remote areas, where traditional internet infrastructure cannot reach. Launched five years ago, Starlink satellites can provide high-speed internet in challenging locations like deep sea and mountainous regions, supporting gaming, streaming, and rapid downloads.

Experts note that the draft guidelines include regulatory and licensing provisions for these services, along with monitoring and interception capabilities. If finalized in its current form, these policies will maintain the government's control over internet services without changing the existing regulatory landscape.

Current internet providers in Bangladesh, which rely on fiber optic and cable, are observing the proposed guidelines. They believe the impact of satellite-based internet on the market will depend on the conditions set by BTRC.

The satellite-based internet service concept allows internet connectivity in areas inaccessible by cables, such as certain water, land, and air spaces. For example, similar technology allows in-flight browsing on planes.

BTRC has reported that Bangladesh currently has 131 million internet users, with 118.49 million using mobile internet.

Governmental Control and Concerns

Analysts say satellite-based providers must obtain licenses according to the host country's regulations, meaning Starlink would need a license to operate within Bangladesh. The final guidelines will specify the requirements that companies like Starlink must meet to be licensed.

The draft also states that operators must have systems to identify individuals who could pose threats to national security and provide such data to the government when needed. Additionally, the draft requires companies to comply with lawful interception policies.

Experts are curious about whether companies like Starlink will accept these restrictions, which include surveillance capabilities and data-sharing requirements for security.

Potential Impact on Bangladesh’s Internet Landscape

Experts and industry players believe that satellite-based internet providers will not significantly affect Bangladesh’s internet service providers (ISPs) serving home users, mainly because of the higher cost of satellite internet. However, corporate clients may use satellite-based internet for backup connections.

For ISPs, the primary effect will likely be on corporate users rather than individual households. According to Sumon Ahmed Sabir, a tech expert, satellite services may serve as backups for corporations, but local ISPs may not see a dramatic impact.

Ershadul Karim, a law and technology professor, points out that companies like Starlink may bring better service quality due to their technological expertise, but he warns that over-reliance on these providers could disrupt market competition and balance.

Starlink’s primary goal is to deliver high-speed internet to rural and remote areas worldwide, and it already operates in over 50 countries. The company conducted technology 

trials in Bangladesh last July.