Mobile operators and other stakeholders have welcomed the opening of doors to satellite internet, calling on the telecoms regulator to consider a collaborative approach and non-discriminatory treatment for successful integration of this service into the landscape of telecommunications in the country.

They said the initiative could open up new opportunities to bridge digital divides, alongside backhauling, disaster management and the use of customer data.

However, operators and stakeholders are meticulously reviewing the draft guidelines for non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite service to assess its possible impact on the industry, as it could pave the way for entirely foreign companies to obtain licenses such as that of Elon Musk. Starlink and similar companies will enter Bangladesh.

On October 29, the telecom regulator – the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) – uploaded the draft regulatory and licensing guidelines for NGSO satellite service operators on its website, seeking feedback by November 18 to finalize the guidelines.

Speaking to BSS, Shahed Alam, Managing Director and Head of Regulatory Affairs, Robi Axiata, said: “We welcome the initiative to introduce satellite internet in our country, recognizing its potential to revolutionize data services . »

He noted that these advances could pave the way for new opportunities in areas such as backhauling, disaster management and the use of customer data.

On the contrary, Shahed Alam expressed concerns over the proposed guidelines and the existing ecosystem for implementing such services, as they may prove impractical.

He said: “We believe a collaborative approach is essential to ensure the successful integration of satellite internet into our telecommunications landscape. »

Taimur Rahman, Director of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at Banglalink, said: “The regulator’s initiative to conduct a public consultation before introducing this new service is commendable, which we appreciate. »

He added: “We are confident that this process will provide essential information to help shape its future direction. »

As this service is new in Bangladesh, Taimur Rahman said, they are diligently reviewing the BTRC guidelines to assess its impact on the telecom sector and foreign direct investment (FDI) in the short and long term.

“After a thorough assessment, we will submit our comments to the BTRC,” he said, adding: “It is essential that we consider the interests of all stakeholders in the digital ecosystem.”

Sharfuddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Head of Communications at Grameenphone, said: “Grameenphone welcomes any new technology that brings positive change in people’s lives, in society, in the economy and in the country as a whole. »

However, the introduction of any new license should ensure non-discriminatory treatment promoting market competitiveness among all players, including existing ones, along the value chain, he added.

Sharfuddin emphasized: “It is important to carefully assess the security implications of all aspects of the new technology and incorporate the necessary provisions into licensing obligations to address these concerns. »

Thanking the BTRC for initiating the consultation process, he said: “We are currently reviewing the draft guidelines and will respond to the BTRC.”

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), a platform of companies engaged in providing internet services to customers, is also ready to welcome any new technology. Before that, he stressed that one must first identify the need for this technology before moving on to it.

ISPAB President Md Emdadul Hoque told BSS that they always welcome new technologies if it is suitable for the country and the industry.

“We have no objection to welcoming new technologies, but the priority must be to determine whether the technology is suitable for the country and its people,” he said.

The ISPAB president suggested the telecom operator consult stakeholders before moving to the new service as foreign companies would take money out of the country.

The draft guidelines state that sole proprietorships, partnerships and companies registered with the “Register of Companies and Joint Stock Companies” under the Companies Act, 1994 are eligible to apply for the license to construct, own, maintain and operate NGSO satellite systems and services in Bangladesh.

He also mentioned that 100 percent FDI or foreign partnership or joint venture or investment from Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) are permitted to construct, own, maintain and operate NGSO satellite systems and services.

According to the draft guidelines, the license will be valid for five years.

It adds that the licensee is authorized to provide the following non-GSO satellite services: broadband Internet services, intranet services (national data communications), Internet of Things and machine-to-machine communication, earth station service in motion, Earth exploration by satellite, remote service. sensing/meteorology services and any other services approved by the BTRC.

However, operators are not permitted to provide direct broadcast services, broadcasting services, satellite IMT-based services or telecommunications services.

The application/processing fee has been set at Tk 5 lakh, with an acquisition fee of $10,000 and an annual fee of $50,000. Additionally, an annual station/terminal fee per terminal is set at $20.

The licensee will also have to share 5.5 percent of its audited annual gross revenue with the BTRC. Another 1 percent of gross revenues must be paid as part of the “contribution to the development and management of the space industry”.

The Licensee must establish at least one gateway system in Bangladesh before commencing the Services. However, the BTRC encouraged the incumbent to establish additional gateways.

Any user terminal placed within the geographical boundary of Bangladesh must be authenticated and served through this local gateway. All traffic originating from these terminals must be routed through this local gateway for services in Bangladesh, according to the project.

The NGSO gateway must connect to international Internet gateways to handle international Internet data traffic.