Elon Musk’s Starlink could soon be available in Bangladesh as Veon Ltd, a Dubai-based telecommunications company, is in talks with Starlink to expand its satellite-powered cellular services. Banglalink, Bangladesh’s third-largest mobile operator and a subsidiary of Veon, is set to provide the service if the partnership is finalized.
Veon aims to offer space-based connectivity in regions where traditional terrestrial networks do not reach, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. CEO Kaan Terzioglu emphasized that space-based connectivity is essential, especially in areas prone to natural disasters like floods and energy shortages, where terrestrial networks may fail.
Veon’s Ukrainian subsidiary, Kyivstar PJSC, also signed a deal with Starlink last month to offer satellite services, starting with text messages, followed by voice and data services. Starlink, a company using satellites to connect consumer smartphones, is still in the early stages of commercial availability.
The deal would require spectrum allocation, which can be costly and may not always be accessible. However, Veon’s broader growth strategy includes providing telecom access to underserved markets, before expanding into financial services and entertainment. Markets like Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Mexico are among the countries Veon is targeting for future expansion.
