Bangladesh has allowed Starlink to extend internet bandwidth through its network to neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan. Whereas in India, commercial launch is still pending due to lack of security clearance and spectrum allocation.
Dhaka: Starlink has received approval for cross-border internet connectivity from the telecom regulator of Bangladesh. Under this decision, the company will be able to provide satellite internet to countries like Nepal and Bhutan using the network infrastructure of Bangladesh. On the other hand, in India the service is likely to start only after the necessary security clearances and spectrum process is completed.
Starlink Internet will reach Nepal-Bhutan via Bangladesh
Bangladesh has given an important permission to Elon Musk’s company Starlink, which provides satellite internet services. After this decision, the company will be able to provide high-speed internet bandwidth to Nepal, Bhutan and other neighboring countries using the telecom infrastructure of Bangladesh. For the first time in South Asia, a satellite internet company has received approval for such cross-border internet service. However, this facility will be only for international internet transit and will not be used to provide internet to domestic users of Bangladesh.
Cross-Border Internet Network will start with the approval of BTRC
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has given permission to Starlink to send internet data to neighboring countries through International Private Leased Circuit (IPLC). Under this arrangement, the government company Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL) will provide primary internet bandwidth to Starlink for the next three years. If the government network is not available due to any technical reason, the company will also be allowed to take bandwidth from private internet service providers.
The Bangladesh government believes that this arrangement will provide additional business to the country’s telecom companies and will also create a new opportunity to earn foreign exchange. Additionally, Bangladesh will be able to strengthen its role as a regional Internet transit hub.
Nepal and Bhutan will get better internet connection
The main objective of this agreement is to provide internet to neighboring countries through Bangladesh’s network. According to reports, Starlink will provide better internet connectivity to countries like Nepal and Bhutan by using Bangladesh’s available bandwidth with its satellite network.
It is being told that this international internet traffic will be transferred without local filtering or additional blocking. However, this does not mean that citizens of Bangladesh will be able to use this service directly. This entire system is designed only for international data transmission and will have no connection with domestic internet services.
Why is there a delay in starting Starlink service in India?
Starlink has received the in-principle license in India and the company is working on various technical and regulatory processes with the government. But before commercial launch, it is necessary to follow security clearance, spectrum allocation and other rules.
The Indian government and security agencies are reviewing in detail aspects related to foreign satellite terminals, monitoring of data traffic, national security and network control. Unless all these processes get final approval, the company will not be able to start its services.
At present, the launch date of Starlink in India has not been officially announced. However, experts believe that after getting all the regulatory approvals, the company can take a big step towards providing high-speed satellite internet in remote and less networked areas of the country. On the other hand, Bangladesh’s new policy is considered important for strengthening regional internet connectivity and expanding digital infrastructure in South Asia.
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