FE Report
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has announced that satellite internet provider Starlink will be granted an "unfiltered" data facility for data transit in Bangladesh, signalling a significant shift in the country's evolving internet governance framework.
The announcement was made by BTRC Chairman Md.Emdad ul Bari at the closing session of the 21st conference of the Bangladesh Network Operators Group, held at a hotel in city on Sunday.
The event brought together network engineers, policymakers and industry stakeholders from across the country.
Speaking at the session, the chairman highlighted the emergence of a new global dimension of connectivity driven by advanced networking technologies. He noted that while the regulator is considering easing certain licensing barriers, a complete removal is not immediately feasible.
"We want all stakeholders in the sector to receive fair value. Through cooperation and coordination, we expect the industry to grow stronger," he said.
He also disclosed plans to form a committee comprising business stakeholders to support policy coordination and sectoral development.
In a move aimed at modernising the country's digital infrastructure, the BTRC chief said the commission is considering making IPv6 mandatory for government web portals and public procurement systems.
Industry insiders believe such a step could significantly enhance network scalability and future readiness.
At the conference, Razzakul Islam, joint secretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Director of BPC, assured full government support to the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh in conducting surveys and studies to assess the current state and future prospects of the ISP industry.
He emphasised the need to strengthen data protection capabilities while enabling greater openness in data access.
Moderating the session, Borkotul Alam Biplob, general secretary of bdNOG, underscored the importance of a collaborative dialogue in shaping the country's internet ecosystem.
Meanwhile, ISPAB Secretary General Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan stressed the need for stronger interconnection among local Network Internet Exchanges (NIXs) and called for reducing dependence on India-based Content Delivery Network (CDN) systems.
ISPAB President Aminul Hakim urged participants to apply for fellowships by 15 May to attend the 44th conference of the South Asian Network Operators Group, scheduled to be held in Nepal.
Among others, BTRC Director General Shafiul Alam Parvez attended the event as a special guest.
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