Telesat has partnered with ADN Telecom to deliver its Lightspeed low earth orbit (LEO) connectivity solutions across Bangladesh and South Asia. This collaboration will enhance ADN Telecom’s offerings, including enterprise, maritime, and government services, with full deployment expected by late 2027, featuring high-speed, reliable connectivity and industry-leading SLAs.
Telesat has partnered with ADN Telecom to deliver LEO connectivity solutions in Bangladesh and South Asia through the Telesat Lightspeed network. ADN Telecom will offer customized services to enterprise, maritime, and government clients, with full services set to begin in late 2027. The collaboration enhances network resilience and service flexibility.
**Bangladesh Satellite Company Explores Partnership with Starlink to Accelerate Market Entry**
Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL), the country’s exclusive satellite provider, recently held discussions with Starlink officials to explore partnership opportunities aimed at fast-tracking Starlink’s entry into the Bangladesh market in the coming months. The meeting took place on Sunday, as reported by the Daily Star.
BSCL proposed a strategic collaboration, offering services such as sales and marketing, post-sales customer support, distribution of Starlink kits, and revenue collection through its banking channels. Additionally, the proposal includes hosting Starlink’s gateway at BSCL’s ground stations in Gazipur and Betbunia.
The BSCL also highlighted the advantages of its infrastructure for a potential Starlink partnership, including uninterrupted power supply, redundant fiber connections, 24/7 maintenance, and highly secured facilities.
In a related development, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Prof Muhammad Yunus, held an online meeting with SpaceX and Starlink CEO Elon Musk last month to discuss the possibility of bringing Starlink services to Bangladesh. BSCL’s managing director, Muhammad Imadur Rahman, mentioned that Yunus aims to launch Starlink services by May 2025.
Discussions between BSCL and Starlink have been ongoing since May 2023, with successful tests of Starlink kits conducted in Dhaka, Rangpur, Hatia, and the Bay of Bengal.
On the regulatory front, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) began working on guidelines last year to regulate LEO and MEO satellite broadband service providers, including provisions allowing wholly owned foreign companies to obtain licenses. The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology has also proposed a 25% rebate on fees for foreign satellite companies partnering with local operators. The first draft of these guidelines was completed in October 2024, but they have yet to be finalized.
NileSat reported a 31.83% year-on-year increase in net profits for 2024, reaching $57.681 million. The company’s operating revenue slightly decreased to $101.140 million. For the first nine months, net profits after tax grew by 26.77%, reflecting the company’s strong performance in satellite broadcasting and broadband services.
Veon is negotiating with SpaceX to bring Starlink satellite services to Bangladesh, aiming to expand satellite internet access across several emerging markets. The partnership could provide essential connectivity during crises and offer telecom access to underserved regions.
Arabsat has partnered with ZainTech to provide satellite-powered cloud, IoT, AI, and data services across the MENA region. The partnership combines ZainTech’s secure cloud infrastructure with Arabsat’s satellite network, offering scalable solutions for businesses, especially in remote areas, as part of Arabsat’s expansion into new markets.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is inviting public feedback on draft guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Service Operators. The guidelines, available on BTRC’s website, aim to regulate satellite-based services in Bangladesh, with feedback due by 18 November. No licenses have yet been granted for NGSO services.
