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The Bangladesh government has approved the unrestricted export of Starlink satellite internet services from its territory to neighbouring countries, marking the first time a satellite internet provider has received such permission, according to a report by India-based India.com.
The move is expected to position Bangladesh as a regional internet connectivity hub in South Asia, allowing Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, to use Bangladesh’s infrastructure to deliver high-speed satellite internet bandwidth to neighbouring countries.
Under the approval, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has authorised Starlink to transmit internet data to neighbouring countries through an International Private Leased Circuit (IPLC).
As part of the arrangement, the Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited will provide Starlink with primary internet bandwidth for the next three years. If BSCCL faces operational difficulties, Starlink will be allowed to purchase bandwidth from private telecom operators in Bangladesh.
Officials expect the arrangement to generate foreign exchange earnings for Bangladeshi telecom companies while enabling internet connectivity to countries such as Nepal and Bhutan through Bangladesh.
A notable feature of the agreement is that the internet bandwidth transmitted through Bangladesh will remain unfiltered. The traffic will not be subject to government controls, firewalls or content restrictions while passing through the country.
The exported bandwidth will be used only for international connectivity and will not be available to domestic users or foreign visitors in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Starlink’s commercial launch in India remains delayed as authorities continue to review regulatory, security and spectrum allocation issues before granting final approval for nationwide commercial operations.
