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Starlink is set to launch its satellite internet services in Bangladesh, with the official rollout expected soon. The service will be available following the finalization of a partnership between Veon Ltd, a Dubai-based telecommunications platform, and Starlink.
Veon has officially announced that negotiations are currently in progress to enhance its partnership with the satellite internet provider, representing a pivotal advancement in the effort to broaden Starlink’s global coverage.
Veon, the parent company of Banglalink, the third-largest mobile operator in Bangladesh, intends to introduce satellite-enabled connectivity to various nations, including Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and others.
Veon CEO Kaan Terzioglu said, “It’s not only about the war situation. Terrestrial networks have their limits. During times of floods or energy deficiencies, which our markets are exposed to, we truly believe that markets need both space-based and terrestrial network coverage.”
He further outlined Veon’s broader expansion strategy, which includes providing telecom access to underserved areas of the region. This approach also encompasses potential ventures across various sectors, such as entertainment and finance, among others.
According to Banglalink, Starlink is set to provide its complete suite of services in Bangladesh once the partnership with Veon is finalized. However, these services are not currently available in all markets and will necessitate spectrum allocation, a process that can be both expensive and challenging to navigate.
Veon is also exploring opportunities in growing markets such as Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Mexico. “We are continuously looking for under-performing assets in these countries,” Terzioglu added.
Veon’s Ukrainian subsidiary, Kyivstar PJSC, also signed a deal with Starlink last month to provide satellite services, beginning with text messages and progressing to voice and data services. Starlink, a business that uses satellites to connect consumer devices, is still in its early phases of commercial availability.
The transaction would necessitate spectrum allocation, which can be costly and may not always be available. However, Veon’s overall growth strategy includes giving telecom access to neglected markets before diversifying into financial services and entertainment. Veon plans to expand into markets such as Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Mexico in the future.
