[🇧🇩] ICT Industry in Bangladesh

[Saif]

ISPAB likely to appoint overseer

The Internet Service Providers' Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), one of the five major IT-related commercial organisations along with BCS, e-CAB and BASIS, is now set to appoint an administrator. Despite a year in office, the current executive committee's announcement of a new election date has

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

ISPAB likely to appoint overseer
FE REPORT
Published :
Mar 07, 2025 08:24
Updated :
Mar 07, 2025 08:24

The Internet Service Providers' Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), one of the five major IT-related commercial organisations along with BCS, e-CAB and BASIS, is now set to appoint an administrator.

Despite a year in office, the current executive committee's announcement of a new election date has not resolved the issue.

Following an application from an ISPAB member, commerce ministry is organising a hearing on March 09 to discuss the dissolution of the incumbent committee and the appointment of an administrator.

A letter from the ministry's commercial organisation-02 (DTO) has been sent to committee chairman Emdadul Haque, office secretary Md Asaduzzaman, director Fuad Mohammad Sharfuddin, and members Talha Ibn Alauddin and Md Mizan, notifying them of the hearing.

Mr Haque confirmed receiving the letter, mentioning that the next ISPAB election was already scheduled for May.

"Some people have tried to make the election controversial, and they might have sought an administrator for ISPAB," he said.

Signed by deputy secretary Shukria Parveen, the letter requires the mentioned individuals to appear before the WTO director general, the registrar of the Joint Stock Companies and Firms, and the FBCCI administrator.

On February 06, the election schedule for the ISPAB's 2025-2027 executive committee was sent to members.​

 

[Saif]

Ensuring data interoperability a top priority

Ensuring interoperability of data across all ministries will be a top priority for the government to deliver seamless public services, said Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb,

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Ensuring data interoperability a top priority
Says Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Yunus’s special assistant for ICT, posts and telecom

Ensuring interoperability of data across all ministries will be a top priority for the government to deliver seamless public services, said Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, the newly appointed special assistant to chief adviser with executive authority over the ministry of posts, telecommunications and ICT.

"I have met the chief adviser and there is a clear directive from him to establish interoperability among ministries to streamline service delivery -- achieving data interoperability is my foremost responsibility," he told The Daily Star on Wednesday.

To achieve this, he plans to engage with all ministries to explore digital transformation strategies and implement interoperability for more efficient services.

"I have worked with Muhammad Yunus for a few days now and found that his ideas are focused on simplifying systems to improve public services. I initially started working on ICT initiatives, and now that I have been given executive authority over these ministries, I will accelerate the execution of key reforms."

In November, Taiyeb, an electrical engineering graduate of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, was appointed as ICT policy adviser.

He has extensive experience in the global telecom industry, having worked for companies like Vodafone Ziggo Netherlands, Ericsson and MTN Communications.

He said that he will continue pushing for reforms in the ICT sector.

"For the postal division, digitising the postal system is the biggest challenge, and we are committed to tackling it."

Certain vested business groups have gained undue control over the telecommunications sector and his administration will act swiftly to restore order.

"We will focus on current projects that enhance data speed and will undertake new projects if necessary. The fibre network will be optimised by eliminating monopolistic control, unlocking economic potential and making data more affordable -- something the public has long demanded."

When asked about steps to investigate allegations of massive corruption under the previous administration, Taiyeb revealed that a committee for a white paper on ICT has already been formed, involving ICT experts, legal professionals and journalists.

"They have already started their background work and an official gazette will soon be published to formalise the committee."

Discussions would take place with government advisers regarding the formation of a separate committee to investigate corruption in the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and the Posts and Telecommunications Division.

"In ICT, where I have worked for the past three months, we have paused and suspended several unnecessary and questionable projects."

The white paper committee will also examine corruption in project components and subcomponents.

"Alongside the Anti-Corruption Commission team, which has already begun its work, my priority is to facilitate and extend the highest level of support to their efforts."

When asked about unnecessary licences in the telecommunication sector, Taiyeb said that no businessman would be forced out of the industry.

However, he emphasised the need to dismantle monopolistic structures within the licensing regime.

"This must be addressed at any cost, as without breaking these monopolies, we cannot ensure accessible telecom and ICT services for the people. To achieve this, we will abolish the layers that create monopolistic barriers."

There are two key measures to eliminate monopolies: first, fostering competition where monopolies exist, and second, streamlining the licensing process by reducing the current seven to eight licensing stages to just two or three.

This discussion began during the tenure of former Telecom and ICT Adviser Nahid Islam.

"And I intend to revive it."

Several licenses had been issued but were not yet operational.

"We will take measures to revoke inactive licences and reallocate them to businesses that can actively contribute to the sector."

Regarding the alleged mismanagement of the social obligation fund, Taiyeb emphasised that a stakeholder discussion will be held to evaluate whether a committee should be formed to investigate corruption or policy missteps in handling this significant amount of public money.

When asked whether he would take steps to restore the BTRC's independence, Taiyeb stressed the need for both autonomy and accountability.

"I want to see the BTRC as a capable and independent commission. However, an organisation only becomes truly independent when it is held properly accountable. We may arrange a public hearing to determine how BTRC should be made accountable."

Stakeholders -- including civil society, the judiciary, political parties and businesses -- should participate in the process to ensure both independence and accountability.

During the previous administration, the BTRC chairman, vice chairman and commissioners wielded excessive power, allowing them to violate regulations without oversight.

The BTRC has issued numerous directives that unfairly benefited certain business entities, and many of these directives remain unreviewed.

"If you grant full independence to the BTRC without ensuring accountability, corrupt officials may exploit their authority, undermining the very purpose of providing uninterrupted data and voice services to the public."

In 2010, an amendment to the telecom act stripped BTRC of its authority and transferred power to the ministry. And as the secretary of the ministry serves as a board director for multiple state-run telecom organisations that BTRC regulate, it has been creating regulatory challenges.

The BTRC has been unable to take action against these state-owned entities since the ministry itself became the commission's regulator after the amendment that empowers ministry to preapprove all the key decisions of the BTRC.

Asked about it, Taiyeb said: "There will be an effort to establish a balance of power between the ministry and the BTRC. If the public hearing recommends reducing the secretary's authority in this matter, we will act accordingly."

He emphasised that achieving the right balance would require public engagement.

Addressing concerns over slow reforms and ministry interference in the BTRC's initiatives, he assured that he would closely monitor progress and work to overcome bureaucratic hurdles.​

 

[Saif]

CA asks to digitise 2 ministries, NBR, BRTA on priority basis

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed two ministries and two government departments to prioritise the digitisation of their daily activities, including public services

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CA asks to digitise 2 ministries, NBR, BRTA on priority basis

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed two ministries and two government departments to prioritise the digitisation of their daily activities, including public services.

The targeted entities are the ministries of land and commerce, National Board of Revenue (NBR), and Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).

To this end, the chief adviser has instructed his Special Assistant, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, to take necessary actions, according to Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser.

To achieve this goal, the government plans to automate internal workflows, ensure 100% adoption of electronic files, implement enterprise resource planning (ERP), and introduce a digital signature system.

Prof Yunus emphasised the need for data interoperability among ministries to streamline service delivery. He also instructed authorities to enable secure API-based data exchange instead of manual form submissions.

Taiyeb noted that ministries have developed isolated digital systems (silos), making interoperability a pressing priority. He stressed that the government must act urgently to integrate these systems.

Following the chief adviser's instructions, pilot programmes will be launched within the next three months in key ministries, he added.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladeshi firms partner with Starlink

Several Bangladeshi firms have partnered with Starlink to support the setup of ground earth stations in Bangladesh.

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Bangladeshi firms partner with Starlink

Starlink terminal

Several Bangladeshi firms have partnered with Starlink to support the setup of ground earth stations in Bangladesh.

The firms have signed contracts with Starlink for collaboration as a team from the US telecommunications service provider is currently visiting Bangladesh.

The collaboration includes space allocation, construction support, and ongoing infrastructure maintenance.

The visit of the Starlink team helped Bangladeshi firms learn about some of Starlink's interest.

At some places, firms are providing support using their own properties, while at some locations, Starlink is considering the Hi-Tech Park property.

Discussions on locations and implementation details are ongoing, said Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser.

Taiyeb hoped that Starlink would ensure reliable and high-speed internet in Bangladesh's cities, remote areas, northern regions, or coasts, free from the hassle of load shedding or natural disasters.

"It will ensure uninterrupted and high-quality service. Since the coverage of telecom-grade fibre networks in Bangladesh is limited and remote areas still have problems with load shedding, Starlink will accelerate the daily activities and digital economic initiatives of our entrepreneurs, freelancers, NGOs, and SME businesspeople," he said.

"We will continue to try to implement a sensible model with Starlink in the next 90 days," he added.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, in a letter to Musk on February 19, invited the top US businessman and Chief Executive Officer of SpaceX to visit Bangladesh and launch the Starlink satellite service in the country.

The Chief Adviser told Musk his visit to Bangladesh would allow him to meet young Bangladeshi men and women who will be among the main beneficiaries of this leading technology.

The Chief Adviser asked his High Representative, Khalilur Rahman, to coordinate closely with the SpaceX team to ensure completion of the necessary work to make Starlink ready for launch in Bangladesh within the next 90 working days.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/views/columns/starlinks-pomise-for-bangladesh

Starlink's pomise for Bangladesh
SYED MUHAMMED SHOWAIB
Published :
Mar 14, 2025 21:41
Updated :
Mar 14, 2025 21:41

On July 27, 2024 in the midst of nationwide student-citizen uprising, then-State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak made a claim that disastrously backfired. Referring to the ongoing internet blackout, he stated that the government did not order the shutdown and that it was brought on by burning of data centres and cables in Mohakhali. His words fell on deaf ears. The public didn't believe him. The truth, known by everyone despite the government's narrative, was that a panicked Awami League government had deliberately pulled the plug on the internet, hoping to cut off communication among protesters. They thought that without the internet, the movement would falter. According to Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumer Association (BMPCA), mobile internet was blocked for 13 days, broadband for 8 days, and social media for 15 days during that period.

This was not an isolated incident. Autocratic regimes worldwide had long used internet shutdowns as a tool to suppress dissent, often without regard for the hardships it caused. These blackouts disrupted essential services, affecting everything from financial transactions and online businesses to education and daily communication. Protesters and non-protesters alike were left desperate for an internet service that could not be so easily turned off.

But it's not just autocratic regimes that disrupt internet access. On April 19, 2024, the submarine cable SEA-ME-WE 5-the largest supplier of international bandwidth to Bangladesh-was severed between Singapore and Malaysia. The country suffered slow, and at times, completely absent internet connectivity for a month. Such outages are frequent: 95% of global data flows through undersea cables, which are prone to damage from ship anchors, fishing, or natural disasters. When these cables fail, entire nations can be left disconnected.

This is where satellite-based internet provider Starlink comes in as a lifesaver. Unlike traditional internet infrastructure which relies on physical wires, Starlink sends data via a constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Elon Musk's SpaceX owns Starlink, which now provides high-speed, off-grid internet connectivity in 98 countries. Its resilience to ground-based disruptions is proven. In Ukraine, it became indispensable after Russia jammed traditional networks. Even last Sunday, Elon Musk stressed its strategic value on X, stating that without Starlink, "Ukrainian lines would collapse, as the Russians can jam all other communications." The system's resilience to manipulation makes it a promising solution for countries like Bangladesh, where internet shutdowns-whether political or technical-have become all too prevalent.

The Bangladesh government has recognized Starlink's potential and is actively working to bring the service to the country. One of the main motivations behind allowing Starlink, according to interim government press secretary Shafiqul Alam, is "to stop the business of internet shutdown forever." Several Bangladeshi firms are already collaborating with Starlink to establish ground stations, while the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has drafted guidelines to help the company start. Technical tests have proved Starlink's capacity to provide high-speed internet access even in remote places. This is a significant development for a country that has long suffered with insufficient internet infrastructure.

Starlink's potential benefits for Bangladesh are substantial. Its decentralized network is nearly impossible to fully disable, making the claim that the government wouldn't be able to shut down the internet largely true. Traditional blackouts rely on centralized control points-fibre hubs, mobile towers-but Starlink's dispersed ground stations and satellite links bypass these vulnerabilities. For Bangladesh's 650,000 freelancers, who contribute $1 billion annually to IT exports, this means uninterrupted work. Internet shutdowns often cause freelancers to lose clients permanently, and with Starlink, their livelihoods would be protected from political instability.

Beyond its ability to circumvent censorship, Starlink would provide connectivity to those living in Bangladesh's most isolated areas. In coastal places such as Bhola, communities in the Sundarbans and inaccessible mountainous locations like the Chattogram Hill Tracts where fibre is a distant dream, this technology has the potential to improve the lives of those often left behind.

The arrival of Starlink will inject much-needed competition into Bangladesh's telecommunications landscape as well. Currently, consumers often face subpar service from local ISPs and mobile network operators. Starlink's entry would force these providers to improve the quality of services or risk losing customers. This will serve to improve the nation's telecommunications infrastructure, and to drive down costs.

However, introduction of Starlink has prompted discussions about potential vulnerability of Bangladesh's communications infrastructure to foreign influence. Critics point to the company's links to US military and intelligence agencies, expressing apprehension about potential surveillance and data interception. While these concerns warrant consideration, they are, at this stage, largely speculative. If Starlink proves to be unreliable, Bangladesh can always seek alternatives. Moreover, if foreign surveillance were the goal, U.S. intelligence agencies already have access to vast amounts of data through tech giants like Facebook, Google, Apple, and Microsoft. Therefore, it is crucial to have a balanced perspective, one that recognizes potential risks without hindering the adoption of beneficial technological advancements.

Another potential concern is the cost of Starlink's service which varies considerably by region. In the US, the price for the Starlink Standard Kit is $349, with a monthly fee of $120. In Africa, prices are lower, with kits ranging from $178 in Kenya to $381 in Nigeria, and monthly fees as low as $10. While Starlink may present a higher upfront and monthly cost compared to traditional internet, its ability to connect underserved areas, or provide exceptionally reliable connections, offers practical value. It addresses the needs of those niche markets that traditional providers find economically challenging to serve.

In this day and age, dependable internet is no longer optional-it is a requirement for education, healthcare, and democracy itself. Starlink may not be a perfect solution, but it is a necessary one that provides people with a service that others cannot or will not provide.​

 

[Saif]

Satellite company seeks partnership to fast-track Starlink’s entry

Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) is seeking a partnership with Starlink to facilitate the launch of satellite internet services in Bangladesh.

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Satellite company seeks partnership to fast-track Starlink’s entry

Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) is seeking a partnership with Starlink to facilitate the launch of satellite internet services in Bangladesh.

As part of the effort, the country's sole satellite company has proposed hosting Starlink's gateway at its ground stations in Gazipur and Betbunia, according to documents seen by The Daily Star.

At a meeting with Starlink officials in Dhaka yesterday, BSCL proposed a strategic collaboration and gave a presentation on its capabilities.

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, attended the meeting.

Rebecca Slick Hunter, director of Starlink Global Licensing and Market Activation, led the Starlink team.

"We have elaborated on BSCL's technical capabilities and the range of services it can provide to support Starlink's service delivery," Imadur Rahman told The Daily Star.

"Since the chief adviser aims to launch Starlink's service within 90 days from February this year, we are leveraging our capacity to expedite Starlink's entry into Bangladesh," he added.

In a virtual meeting in mid-February this year, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus discussed potential collaboration with Elon Musk to advance the introduction of Starlink's satellite internet service in Bangladesh.

Prof Yunus invited Musk to visit Bangladesh for the potential launch, to which Musk responded positively, saying, "I look forward to it".

At yesterday's meeting, BSCL's presentation to Starlink officials highlighted the advantages of leveraging its infrastructure, including uninterrupted power, true-redundant fibre connections with 99.99 percent availability and round-the-clock maintenance by highly skilled personnel.

The company also emphasised that its facilities offer the highest level of security, classified under the government's Key Point Installation (KPI) Category A.

"Starlink was amazed by BSCL's capacity and said they would convey the proposal to their headquarters," said a satellite company official familiar with the developments.

Under the proposed partnership, BSCL would provide services, including sales and marketing, post-sales customer support, user terminal import and distribution and revenue collection through banking channels.

Besides, the collaboration is expected to streamline regulatory approvals from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and relevant ministries.

The partnership's potential benefits include enhanced nationwide sales and marketing, efficient distribution channels, on-site installation and troubleshooting and a reliable revenue collection mechanism under the government framework.

BSCL also guarantees a secure storage facility for Starlink kits within its KPI-enlisted premises.

PROGRESS SO FAR

BSCL and Starlink have already made significant progress in potential collaboration, according to officials.

A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) was signed with SpaceX on May 12, 2023, followed by successful testing of five Starlink terminals in Bangladesh.

These tests, conducted in Dhaka, Rangpur, Hatia and the Bay of Bengal, demonstrated Starlink's strong performance in various environments.

BSCL has since submitted a report to BTRC affirming the commendable functionality of Starlink's service across all test locations.

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

"With technical expertise, infrastructure, an existing ground station, priority power supply, backup power and a data center, BSCL can ensure a seamless rollout of Starlink's services," he said.

As a single point of contact and system integrator, BSCL can provide end-to-end integration, management, marketing and distribution for Starlink in Bangladesh, leveraging its industry presence and regulatory expertise, Hussain said.

This partnership, he believes, could drive digital connectivity, bridge service gaps and accelerate Bangladesh's digital transformation.

REGULATORY UPDATES

In October last year, BTRC drafted guidelines for satellite internet service operators, permitting wholly owned foreign companies to obtain licences -- paving the way for Starlink and similar companies to enter Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the telecom ministry has recommended that BTRC include a clause granting satellite internet service providers a 25 percent rebate on fees and charges if they operate in partnership with a local satellite operator.

However, the guideline has not yet been finalised.

In a formal letter sent to Elon Musk on February 19, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus outlined the potential of Starlink's connectivity, particularly for young entrepreneurs, rural communities and underserved populations in Bangladesh.

Several local telecom infrastructure companies and operators are competing to become Starlink's local partner, according to sources.

Richard H Griffiths, a senior adviser at SpaceX, the parent company of Musk's satellite venture, told The Daily Star that after obtaining spectrum and licensing, Starlink would work with multiple local operators for partnerships.

"Once you're licensed in the country, you'll see many. It's a very open model, so you'll see many businesses then able to cooperate with Starlink and SpaceX," he said.​

 

[Saif]

Starlink to demonstrate internet service at Bangladesh Investment Summit

Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, is set to conduct a demonstration of its services at the upcoming Bangladesh Investment Summit, scheduled to take place from April 7 to April 10 in Dhaka.

www.thedailystar.net

Starlink to demonstrate internet service at Bangladesh Investment Summit
Over 550 foreign investors from 50 countries have registered to participate alongside more than 2,300 Bangladeshi investors.

The announcement was made by Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury during a press briefing held on 23 March at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. Image: CA Press Wing.

Elon Musk's satellite internet service Starlink will conduct a demo testing of its internet services on April 9 at the upcoming Bangladesh Investment Summit, said Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury at a press briefing on March 23 at Foreign Service Academy.

However, this will not be the official launch of Starlink in Bangladesh as the commercial launch of Starlink will take more time.

Bangladesh Investment Summit is scheduled to be held from April 7 to April 10 at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka. The event has already attracted substantial interest, with over 550 foreign investors from 50 countries registering to participate alongside more than 2,300 Bangladeshi investors, says BIDA.

"We are very hopeful about the upcoming investment summit. Although investments will not increase by tenfold suddenly. However, we estimate at least 2 or 3 percent growth in investments," said Ashik Chowdhury.

Instead of focusing on seminars, the summit will focus more on networking and connection building. Government organisations like National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Ministry of Commerce etc. will get separate sessions with potential investors for relationship buildup.

According to BIDA, the summit will be attended by several business leaders, including Óscar García Maceiras, CEO of Zara Group; Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World; Rosy Winterton, Baroness and UK trade representative; Kyeongsu Lee, Vice President of Samsung C&T; JunSeok Han, CEO of Giordano; Steven Kobos, CEO of Excelerate Energy; Mike Orgill, Head of Public Policy for Uber Asia Pacific; and Sarim Aziz, Director of Public Policy at Meta. Additionally, leading venture capital firms such as B Capital, Gobi, Conjunction, Marubeni, and GFR will take part, focusing on startup investments and the expansion of the digital economy.

Mentioning that surge of local and foreign investments and their role in potentially creating more jobs, Ashik Chowdhury said, "We want to make the investors see the genuine picture of Bangladesh. We do not want to give them any false hopes." He added that the top participating countries in the summit include the US, China, UK, India, Singapore, and Japan.

As part of the summit's activities, major foreign investors, along with a 26-member delegation from South Korea, will visit key industrial sites, including Chattogram, Mirsarai, and the Korean EPZ, on April 7, according to BIDA. A startup showcase programme is also scheduled to take place on the same day at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka.

On April 8, leading foreign investors will visit the Japanese Economic Zone in Narayanganj, to explore investment opportunities. The day will conclude with a parallel evening programme at Hotel Intercontinental Dhaka.

On April 9, the Chief Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh will officially inaugurate the main event, joined by ambassadors, policymakers, and business leaders. The day's programme will feature the Youth Entrepreneurship Expo, highlighting emerging business talent, and a breakout session on renewable energy, hosted by the European Union and UNDP, according to BIDA. In the evening, a special cultural event will be organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture for investors.

On April 10, a series of breakout sessions will focus on key investment sectors, including the digital economy, led by Citi NA and UNDP; textiles, in collaboration with HSBC and BGMEA; agriculture and agro-processing, supported by the Dutch Embassy and LCP; and healthcare, featuring insights from Inspira, EBL, and the Sajida Foundation. The day's agenda will also include a matchmaking session, facilitating direct engagement between investors and industry leaders, along with a roundtable discussion on global investment best practices.

UNDP, FCDO, Grameenphone, the World Bank, and FICCI are key partners for the event, as per BIDA.​

 

[Saif]

Could Starlink solve the connectivity challenges in Bangladesh?

A business model is required to reduce the cost of initial setup and monthly subscription fee of Starlink services.

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Could Starlink solve the connectivity challenges in Bangladesh?

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Starlink satellites is seen over Sebastian Inlet after launching from Cape Canaveral, Florida, US, February 26, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS

Recently, I went on a business trip to Cox's Bazar, where I had to attend several meetings virtually. Unfortunately, I could not complete any of those meetings due to weak internet connectivity there. A few months earlier, I was visiting the Sundarbans area where I wanted to connect with friends and family, but there was no connection. In Bangladesh, while urban regions enjoy relatively good internet and mobile network coverage, vast parts of the country, especially in rural, hilly and coastal areas, struggle with limited or no connectivity, with some places still relying on 2G networks only. The prohibitive cost and complexity of building mobile phone towers and other infrastructure in sparsely populated regions make it difficult to improve coverage in these areas. According to the preliminary report of the Population and Housing Census 2022, approximately 6.5 crore people aged 18 and above in Bangladesh do not have internet access. This indicates a significant digital divide in the country.

To address the connectivity issue, the efforts to bring Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) networks, such as Starlink, in Bangladesh is a bold step by the government. Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, is becoming increasingly popular across the globe for providing connectivity, especially in remote or underserved regions where traditional ground-based networks are not available. Starlink, with its constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, can provide internet connectivity directly to users in these areas without relying on ground-based infrastructure. It is kind of a plug and play kit that includes a dish (user terminal) and a router. The dish connects to the Starlink satellites while the router connects to the dish and provides wi-fi in a home, community facility or business.

In regions with hilly or mountainous terrain, laying cables is difficult and expensive, as transporting construction equipment to remote sites can be challenging. Meanwhile, coastal regions and low-lying areas are vulnerable to flooding, and underground cables there need frequent maintenance and repair. In such areas, Starlink can provide a cost-effective satellite backhaul, ensuring that mobile networks stay connected. Through satellite backhaul, mobile operators can expand their network reach and provide better services in remote areas. Starlink can partner with telecom operators in Bangladesh to provide satellite backhaul for mobile towers.

We remember what happened when Cyclone Remal struck Bangladesh's southern coastal regions in May 2024. The cyclone's impact was particularly severe on the nation's telecommunications infrastructure. As the storm approached, power outages became widespread, with the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) reducing electricity generation by more than half to prevent accidents during the cyclone. This led to at least 10,000 mobile towers, or base transceiver stations (BTS), to go out of service. Millions of people were affected by this disruption in mobile and internet services. The widespread loss of connectivity severely hampered communication and coordination efforts during the disaster response. Relief operations faced challenges in reaching the affected communities, and people struggled to contact emergency services or inform relatives of their safety.

This situation underscored the vulnerability of essential communication infrastructure to natural disasters and highlighted the need for more resilient systems to ensure continuous connectivity during emergencies. In such circumstances, Starlink could play a critical role in mitigating communication disruptions as it doesn't rely on ground-based infrastructure and could continue to provide internet access even if local mobile towers or fibre connections were down. Starlink terminals can be quickly set up and deployed in emergency response zones as they are portable and can be activated with minimal effort.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is gradually gaining importance in Bangladesh, with applications in agriculture, healthcare, and smart city development. However, the coverage of IoT networks largely depends on the existing 3G and 4G mobile infrastructure, which remains limited in rural and remote regions. Expanding IoT applications requires better connectivity, especially outside urban areas. Mobile phone networks and NGSOs can work together to offer reliable connectivity for IoT devices in Bangladesh. While mobile networks are ideal for dense, urban environments, Starlink can provide connectivity for IoT devices in remote or rural areas.

However, Starlink networks face several technical challenges that include latency and handover. More importantly, the cost of Starlink service is a significant barrier for widespread adoption in countries like Bangladesh, where economic challenges persist for many people. A Starlink kit costs around $549 to $599. The cost for the monthly internet service varies based on location and specific plan, but generally it ranges between $110 and $120 per month. This is much higher than local data and broadband costs.

The government needs to be proactive in eliminating this cost barrier. A business model is required to reduce the cost of initial setup and monthly subscription fee of Starlink services. One possible solution is to offer monthly rental of devices with long-term contracts. The government can also establish community-based models, where people can pool their resources to share a single Starlink connection. In some cases, businesses may subsidise the cost of Starlink internet to provide connectivity in underserved areas. This could enable affordable internet access where other solutions are economically unfeasible.

Dr Sabbir Ahmad is a researcher, mentor, and a leader in project delivery and engineering.​