Govt allows Banglalink to test Starlink-backed satellite mobile service nationwide

The government has granted Banglalink permission to conduct trial of satellite-based Direct-to-Cell (D2C) mobile service in areas without conventional cellular network coverage, marking Bangladesh's entry into the emerging global satellite-to-mobile connectivity landscape, reports BSS.
The approval was given by the Posts and Telecommunications Division following a proposal from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), according to an official order on May 12.
It said the permission has been granted for a two-month Proof of Concept (PoC) operation for from the date of approval.
The experimental service will be conducted by Banglalink in collaboration with Starlink, the satellite internet network operated by US-based SpaceX, under a non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) framework aimed at extending mobile connectivity to uncovered and remote areas.
Confirming the permission, Banglalink Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer Taimur Rahman on Wednesday told BSS that the Starlink-backed testing would continue throughout June.
"Banglalink is set to D2C connectivity for the first time in Bangladesh to help reduce coverage gaps in hard-to-reach areas, including hill tracts, chars, coastal islands, and offshore waters," he said.
He added, "By complementing our nationwide network with satellite connectivity, we aim to strengthen communication for underserved communities and support connectivity during emergencies and natural disasters."
He continued "Once commercially launched, the service is expected to provide coverage across Bangladesh, including up to 22 nautical miles into the Bay of Bengal, helping deep-sea fishermen stay connected beyond coastal cellular coverage areas."
Initially, the service will support OTT-based messaging services through satellite connectivity, revealed Taimur.
According to the government order, the approval would be treated solely as permission for experimental service and could not be considered as approval or assurance for any future commercial operation.
The order said BTRC would submit a detailed report to the Posts and Telecommunications Division within three months after reviewing all technical, operational and regulatory aspects of the trial.
Under the approval conditions, BTRC will ensure online and offline monitoring facilities during the PoC period, including oversight of traffic, signalling, authentication and spectrum usage through collection of necessary information from Banglalink.
The order said the D2C facility would remain a supplementary service under Banglalink's mobile operator framework during the trial period, while all operational liabilities related to the service would rest with the operator under BTRC supervision.
As part of the temporary arrangement, spectrum allocated to Banglalink in the 1920-1925 MHz and 2110-2115 MHz bands will be allowed for limited use in Starlink's network during the PoC period on special consideration.
The order clarified that the approval would not create any precedent regarding spectrum ownership, transfer or sharing in future and would automatically expire after completion of the trial.