The interim government is poised to introduce satellite internet in Bangladesh, with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) seeking public feedback on draft guidelines to finalize regulations for Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) services.

Officials suggest the move could bridge the digital divide, improve disaster management, and enable advanced data utilization, potentially opening the market to global players like Elon Musk’s Starlink.

The draft guidelines, made public on October 29, outline the framework for licensing NGSO Satellite Service Operators. Stakeholders have until November 18 to submit their opinions, marking a step toward revolutionizing the country’s data services.

The guidelines specify that proprietorships, partnerships, and companies registered under the Companies Act 1994 can apply to build, own, and operate NGSO satellite systems in Bangladesh.

Provisions allow for 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), foreign partnerships, joint ventures, or investments from Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs).

Licenses, valid for five years, will authorize services such as broadband internet, intranet, Internet of Things (IoT), machine-to-machine communication, and earth exploration satellite services. However, operators are prohibited from providing direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting, satellite IMT-based, or general telecommunications services.

The fee structure includes a Tk 0.5 million application fee, a $10,000 acquisition fee, and an annual fee of $50,000. Licensees must also share 5.5% of annual gross revenue with the BTRC and contribute 1% to space industry development.

Operators must establish at least one gateway system in Bangladesh before commencing services, with the BTRC encouraging additional gateways. All user terminals within Bangladesh must connect through these local gateways, ensuring traffic remains routed through domestic infrastructure for services within the country.

The gateways will connect to international internet gateways to handle global data traffic, streamlining the country’s integration into global satellite networks.