The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has given permission to Starlink, a satellite internet company started by Elon Musk, to begin providing internet service in Bangladesh for 90 days — even though its local gateway is not yet ready. This special permission will help the company start its work while it builds the needed equipment and systems in the country.
What Usually Happens
Normally, satellite internet companies must follow a rule. They need to send all their internet traffic through a local gateway (a kind of station or point inside the country). The transmission then connects to an International Internet Gateway (IIG), which provides access to the world wide web. This aids in data monitoring and security assurance for the government.
The Predicament of Starlink
In Bangladesh, Starlink’s gateway is still not operational. Since the company intends to start providing internet services soon, it asked BTRC for a temporary exemption from this rule. Its scheduled launch time was approaching when this request was made.
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The BTRC’s Decision
In order to assist the government in achieving its objective of swiftly launching satellite internet service, the BTRC Chairman, Md. Emdadul Bari, stated that Starlink will be granted ninety days to function without a gateway. This step will let Starlink begin operations now while continuing to build its infrastructure.
Key Dates and Office Location
Starlink received its official license to operate on April 29.
The company’s office in Bangladesh is located in Dhaka’s busy business sector, Karwan Bazar.
And What Happens Next?
During the next ninety days, Starlink is expected to:
- Provide satellite internet to individuals in Bangladesh.
- Complete the construction of its local gateway.
- Observe all additional regulations and technical guidelines established by the government.
For Bangladesh’s digital development, this is a significant step. With Starlink’s satellite internet, people in remote or rural areas—where internet service is often poor or unavailable—may get faster and more reliable internet access.
In summary: BTRC is giving Starlink a chance to start helping people in Bangladesh right away, while making sure the company builds what’s needed to follow the rules in the near future.
Source: TBS
