US telecom giant Starlink has signed agreements with several Bangladeshi companies to establish ground earth stations, aiming to deliver high-speed internet across the country.
The deals, inked during a visit by a Starlink team, involve local firms providing space, construction support, and ongoing infrastructure maintenance.
Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, confirmed the partnerships. “The Starlink team is identifying potential sites with local companies,” he said.
Some firms are offering their own properties, while others may utilise land from the Hi-Tech Park. Discussions on specific locations and implementation are ongoing.
Faiz Ahmed Tayeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, hailed the collaboration as a game-changer. “Starlink will ensure uninterrupted, high-quality internet in cities, remote areas, northern regions, and coastal zones—unaffected by load shedding or natural disasters,” he said.
“With limited telecom-grade fiber coverage and power challenges in rural areas, this will boost entrepreneurs, freelancers, NGOs, and SMEs, accelerating daily activities and digital economic growth.” Tayeb added that a “rational model” for implementation is targeted within 90 days.
The initiative follows a February 13 phone call between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, where they discussed launching Starlink’s satellite internet in Bangladesh.
On February 19, Yunus invited Musk to visit, noting the technology’s potential to benefit Bangladeshi youth.
Yunus has tasked his High Representative, Dr Khalilur Rahman, with coordinating with SpaceX to roll out services within 90 working days.
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