Starlink is gearing up to roll out its satellite internet services in Bangladesh, with an official launch expected soon. This announcement comes on the heels of an agreement reached between Starlink and Veon Ltd, a telecommunications company headquartered in Dubai.
Veon has indicated that discussions are still ongoing to enhance its partnership with the satellite internet provider, representing a notable advancement in Starlink’s efforts to broaden its global footprint.
Veon, the parent company of Banglalink—Bangladesh’s third-largest mobile operator—intends to deploy satellite connectivity across several countries, including Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan.
Veon CEO Kaan Terzioglu remarked, “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 went on to discuss Veon’s comprehensive expansion initiative, which aims to provide telecommunications access to underserved regions in the area. This plan may extend to various sectors, including entertainment and finance, among others.
Once the partnership with Veon is solidified, Banglalink has indicated that Starlink will be able to provide its complete array of services in Bangladesh. However, these offerings will not be universally accessible at launch and will require regulatory spectrum allocation, a process that can often prove to be both intricate and costly.
Veon is also exploring prospects in emerging markets such as Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Mexico. Terzioglu noted, “We are continuously looking for under-performing assets in these countries.”
Last month, Veon’s Ukrainian arm, Kyivstar PJSC, entered a contract with Starlink to initiate satellite service offerings, starting with text messaging and later expanding to voice and data services. Starlink, which connects consumer devices through satellites, is still in the nascent stages of its commercial rollout.
The development will necessitate spectrum allocation, which tends to be both expensive and sometimes challenging to secure. Nonetheless, Veon’s overarching growth strategy includes extending telecom access to neglected markets before venturing into financial services and entertainment. The company is set on future expansions into markets like Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Mexico.
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