MAHMUDUL HASAN

Banglalink and Elon Musk’s SpaceX have jointly applied to the telecom regulator in Bangladesh to launch trials of telecom services through satellite, allowing users’ smartphones to connect directly to satellites through a mobile operator’s network.

In a recent letter seen by The Daily Star, the companies sought approval from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for an initial 60-day test and trial period to integrate satellite connectivity into Banglalink’s network.

“This system will provide supplemental mobile connectivity using over 650 Starlink Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellites, which initially will deliver SMS and, at a later stage, light-data capabilities to Banglalink subscribers, particularly during periods when terrestrial networks are damaged or unavailable,” the letter said.

It said the commercial arrangement will integrate Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity into Banglalink’s mobile network in Bangladesh.

The letter describes the initiative as a first-of-its-kind partnership in Bangladesh aimed at expanding connectivity, particularly in disaster-prone and remote areas where conventional terrestrial networks are unavailable.

The companies said the proposed service would help address long-standing coverage gaps.

This development comes after Kaan Terzioglu, chief executive officer of Veon, told The Daily Star last month that the company aims to replicate the technology it is already using in Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

To prepare for a commercial rollout, Banglalink and SpaceX requested regulatory support.

The testing will use mobile frequencies authorised for Banglalink’s operations, specifically the 2110–2115 MHz downlink range and 1920–1925 MHz uplink range, where Banglalink is the sole authorised spectrum user.

The companies said the service would initially be offered as a supplementary service under Banglalink’s existing licence and would comply with regulatory obligations, including Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.

“Subject to regulatory approval, the testing is expected to commence in April 2026 and will focus on integrating Banglalink’s terrestrial mobile service with Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellites in Bangladesh. No commercial service will be offered to Banglalink’s customers during the testing phase.”

Alongside the trial, the companies also urged the regulator to support necessary regulatory changes to enable satellite-based mobile services.

The trial demonstrations will take place at mutually agreed locations within Banglalink’s licensed service areas in Bangladesh and will operate within Banglalink’s authorised frequency ranges.

The companies highlighted the potential of satellite-to-mobile services to bridge the digital divide and ensure connectivity during emergencies.

They added that the system would allow users to connect via widely available LTE devices. LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is a 4G mobile network technology that provides high-speed data for smartphones.

Citing global use cases, the companies said the system had already been deployed in emergency situations.

They also requested the commission to grant approval for the commercial launch immediately after the test and trial.

Md Emdad Ul Bari, chairman of the BTRC, said they are assessing the letter and that a decision will be taken after obtaining the government’s opinion on the matter.

Unlike traditional mobile networks that rely on ground-based towers, Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology uses satellites as cell towers in space. This allows ordinary mobile phones to connect directly, expanding coverage to areas with little or no ground infrastructure.

In a statement yesterday, Banglalink announced a collaboration with Starlink Mobile to introduce the satellite-to-mobile service.

Johan Buse, chief executive officer of Banglalink, said, “Connectivity is about care -- it matters most when it reaches people wherever they are. Some communities remain beyond the reach of traditional networks because of our unique geography.

“By providing satellite-enabled coverage with Starlink, we aim to bridge those gaps and ensure people can stay connected, even in the most remote parts of the country.”