Satellite firm seeks collaboration to accelerate Starlink’s launch

BSCL Seeks Strategic Partnership with Starlink to Accelerate Satellite Internet Deployment in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) is actively pursuing a partnership with Starlink to fast-track the introduction of satellite internet services in the country.

As part of this initiative, BSCL has proposed hosting Starlink's gateway at its ground stations in Gazipur and Betbunia, according to official documents. During a meeting with Starlink representatives in Dhaka, BSCL presented its technical capabilities and outlined a strategic collaboration plan.

The meeting was attended by 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.

"We have detailed BSCL's technical strengths and the range of services we can offer to support Starlink's operations in Bangladesh," Imadur Rahman told The Daily Star.

He further emphasized that BSCL is leveraging its infrastructure to expedite Starlink’s entry, aligning with the chief adviser's goal of launching the service within 90 days from February.

High-Level Discussions with Elon Musk

In a virtual meeting in mid-February, Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus explored collaboration opportunities with Elon Musk to accelerate Starlink’s deployment in Bangladesh. He invited Musk to visit the country for the potential launch, to which Musk responded positively, saying, "I look forward to it."

BSCL’s Proposal to Starlink

At the Dhaka meeting, BSCL highlighted its advanced infrastructure, including:

• Uninterrupted power supply

• True-redundant fiber connections with 99.99% availability

• 24/7 maintenance by highly skilled personnel

• Top-tier security classification under the government’s Key Point Installation (KPI) Category A

According to a BSCL official, Starlink officials were impressed with BSCL’s infrastructure and confirmed that the proposal would be conveyed to their headquarters.

Proposed Partnership Scope

Under the proposed collaboration, BSCL would manage:

• Sales and marketing

• Post-sales customer support

• Import and distribution of user terminals

• Revenue collection through banking channels

Additionally, BSCL would facilitate regulatory approvals from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and relevant government ministries. The partnership aims to enhance nationwide service delivery through efficient distribution channels, on-site installations, and reliable revenue collection under the government’s framework.

Progress on Collaboration

Significant progress has already been made toward a potential partnership:

• BSCL signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with SpaceX on May 12, 2023.

• Successful testing of five Starlink terminals was conducted in Dhaka, Rangpur, Hatia, and the Bay of Bengal.

• A report submitted to BTRC confirmed Starlink’s strong performance in all test locations.

"The collaboration between BSCL and Starlink presents a strategic opportunity to enhance satellite internet connectivity across Bangladesh," said telecom expert Mustafa Mahmud Hussain.

He noted that BSCL’s expertise, existing infrastructure, and regulatory know-how position it as a strong partner to facilitate Starlink’s seamless entry into the market.

Regulatory Landscape

In October 2023, BTRC drafted guidelines allowing foreign satellite internet providers to obtain licenses in Bangladesh. The telecom ministry has also recommended a 25% rebate on fees and charges for companies partnering with a local satellite operator. However, the finalization of these guidelines is still pending.

Meanwhile, multiple local telecom infrastructure companies are vying to become Starlink’s official partner.

Richard H. Griffiths, a senior adviser at SpaceX, stated that once Starlink obtains spectrum and licensing in Bangladesh, it will work with multiple local operators.

"Once you're licensed in the country, you'll see many businesses cooperating with Starlink and SpaceX," he told The Daily Star.

This potential partnership between BSCL and Starlink could revolutionize Bangladesh’s digital connectivity, bridging service gaps and supporting rural and underserved communities.