Starlink wins Bangladesh licence, awaits ministry approval (2025)

SpaceX’s LEO satellite unit Starlink is one step closer to launching services in Bangladesh after the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) reportedly approved its application for a satellite internet licence.

According to the Daily Star on Monday, Starlink Services Bangladesh Ltd applied for the licence on April 7. The BTRC said it has reviewed Starlink’s documentation and recommended approval of the application.

The BTRC said it sent a letter to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology for final approval last week. Once the ministry gives the BTRC permission to grant the licence, Starlink will be able to start commercial services in Bangladesh as soon as it pays the licence fee, the report said.

Lauren Dreyer, VP for Global Engagement at SpaceX, said she expects to be ready to launch services sometime next month, the report added.

Starlink has been trying to enter the Bangladesh market since 2021. Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus held an online meeting with SpaceX and Starlink CEO Elon Musk in February 2025 to discuss bringing Starlink to Bangladesh by May 2025.

Last month, Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL), the country’s sole satellite company, met with Starlink officials to discuss partnership options for fast-tracking Starlink’s entry into the market.

Among other things, BSCL proposed a reselling arrangement with Starlink, as well as hosting Starlink's gateway at BSCL's ground stations in Gazipur and Betbunia.