Bangladesh allows Starlink to route regional internet traffic via its network

Bangladesh has cleared the way for Starlink to route international internet traffic through its telecommunications network to neighbouring countries, introducing a policy change that could expand the country's role in regional digital connectivity.

The approval allows the satellite internet provider to use unfiltered International Private Leased Circuit (IPLC) connectivity sourced from Bangladesh exclusively for customers outside the country. It is the first such authorisation granted to a non-geostationary satellite operator.

The decision followed approval from the Posts and Telecommunications Division (PTD), after which the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued the necessary regulatory clearance to Starlink.

Under the arrangement, Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL) will provide the required international bandwidth through an existing three-year agreement with the company.

Should BSCCL be unable to meet demand, Starlink will be permitted to obtain capacity from other submarine cable companies.

Starlink first sought permission in August 2025 to use Bangladesh-based IPLC links and unfiltered IP transit to serve subscribers in neighbouring countries.

The proposal subsequently underwent technical scrutiny involving the BTRC, the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) and other government agencies before receiving final approval.

As part of the authorisation, Starlink must ensure that the exported bandwidth is used solely outside Bangladesh. The company has also been required to maintain complete segregation between domestic and international traffic, submit detailed network architecture, and facilitate regulatory monitoring through compliance systems and lawful interception arrangements.

Bangladesh connects to the global internet through two submarine cable systems and seven international terrestrial cable operators.

Regulatory documents also note that Bangladesh has previously exported unfiltered international bandwidth. Between 2020 and 2025, BSCCL supplied up to 20 Gbps of unfiltered IP transit to India's BSNL under separate commercial arrangements.

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