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Unlimited data will be flowing on the information superhighway for tapping in knowledge economy as Bangladesh steps into the era of satellite internet with the commercial launch of US business-baron Elon Mask's much-vaunted Starlink.
Terming historic Tuesday's event of the start of commercial operations of Starlink, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, told Tuesday's launching ceremony that subscribers would get unlimited data from now on through satellite-based internet.
Addressing a press conference, organised by the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser in the city, he said four other international companies have also applied for providing satellite internet services in Bangladesh.
He named Amazon Kuiper, Telesat, Satteloit, and OneWeb (UK) who have also shown interest in entering the Bangladeshi market.
"If they choose to do business here, we are prepared to offer them equal policy support," he affirms.
The government has taken measures to ensure national interest as well as the interests of the local ISPs before allowing Starlink to start its operation, he added.
Highlighting the advantages of Starlink services, he said there will be no discrimination in data speed in its service.
A subscriber at the Chief Adviser office and a subscriber in Khagrachhari hill district can get same speed from the Starlink, he said, explaining that usually the broad-band and mobile-internet providers cannot provide same data speed to all because of variation in coverage of optic fibre and mobile towers.
He was flanked by Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder at the briefing.
Mr Taiyeb said the operation of Starlink internet in Bangladesh will not hamper the country's data sovereignty as it will operate using local gateways to keep all data traffic within Bangladesh's jurisdiction.
He mentions that Starlink will pay the government $1.0 per device as revenue.
According to Mr Taiyeb, primarily Starlink had proposed a monthly subscription of Tk 7,000, but the government negotiated more affordable pricing.
Now, the company is offering two packages: Starlink Residential at Tk 6,000 per month and Residential Lite at Tk 4,200 per month. Both plans will require a one-time installation fee of Tk 47,000.
Subscribers will benefit from unlimited data and internet speeds of up to 300Mbps, with coverage extending across 20-30 meters and capable of penetrating 2-3 rooms in multi-story buildings.
He mentions that the country issued its first Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) licence within 90 days, which is a record in telecommunications licensing.
He also said Starlink's usage is fully compliant with legal frameworks as it can be used in residential setups via WiFi and is also suitable for ISP operations due to its integrated router system.
He said the government is working to create a financial package to make Starlink available to those who will provide citizen services. "We are planning to facilitate financing through microcredit authorities, financial organisations and banks."
Mr Taiyeb also notes that Starlink's entry would not disrupt ongoing broadband-infrastructure projects, including those in partnership with Chinese companies.
Responding to a question, he mentioned that the launch of Starlink will not impact Bangladesh despite the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China.
"Chinese technology is currently being used in establishing the country's 4G and 5G network infrastructure and backbone systems."
In addition, several projects are underway under Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) and Teletalk with Chinese funding and engineers, he added.
"We want both Chinese and American companies to be able to operate here freely, by respecting our national interests," Taiyeb said. "If a Chinese company like GW wishes to enter the market, it will receive the same policy support."
The state-of-the-art service is expected to boost internet access in remote regions and empower entrepreneurs with high-speed, reliable connectivity.
He also points out that the Starlink service will help in creating 'internet lady' in rural areas because women can start internet business by subscribing this service through borrowing microcredit.
He also mentions that before starting their operations in Bangladesh the company of Starlink took necessary approval from the BIDA and the BTRC by paying due fees.
"Though there is a criticism that the Starlink services are costlier here than in other countries, in fact its tariff in Bangladesh is the cheapest in the region," he told the journalists.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com