Bangladesh’s internet regulator has given the green light for Starlink to obtain a satellite internet licence, with the telecom ministry’s final approval pending. Last week, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) sent a letter requesting approval from the ministry, following which the licence will be issued upon fee payment.
Starlink Services Bangladesh Ltd applied for the licence on April 7, under the BTRC’s “Guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operators in Bangladesh.” The company’s local office is based in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka. Following the application, the BTRC set up a seven-member committee to evaluate the request. The committee validated the authenticity of all documents and recommended granting Starlink the licence.
This marks the fastest recommendation for such a licence by the BTRC, according to an official. A two-member BTRC team also visited Starlink’s Bangladesh office and endorsed the recommendation. The development comes after Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus instructed authorities in March to ensure Starlink’s commercial launch within 90 days.
Starlink has been aiming to enter Bangladesh since 2021. In April 2024, the BTRC approved the creation of a committee to draft guidelines for satellite-based internet services. These guidelines were finalized in March 2025. Earlier, on March 29, Starlink received approval from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority to begin operations.
Now, the final obstacle for Starlink is securing regulatory approval from the telecom ministry, after which it can launch its services. Globally, Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, competes with other satellite internet providers such as Amazon’s Project Kuiper, OneWeb, and Telesat. With over 6,000 satellites in orbit and more than three million users worldwide, Starlink is a major player in providing broadband services to remote and underserved areas.
Pricing for Starlink’s services varies, with US residential plans typically costing around $120 per month. In some developing countries, including parts of Africa, Starlink has introduced subsidized rates as low as $30-$40 per month. However, the initial equipment cost, including the satellite dish and router, remains a significant barrier, typically ranging between $200 and $500.
Starlink’s success in Bangladesh will depend on its final pricing strategy and regulatory conditions. If the telecom ministry grants approval, Starlink could begin offering services within a few months, making a significant impact on the country’s digital connectivity.
