Banglalink seeks BTRC approval to launch commercial satellite-based Direct-to-Cell service with Starlink

Mobile operator Banglalink has formally applied to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for commercial approval to launch “Direct-to-Cell” (D2C) services. The proposed initiative, in partnership with Starlink, aims to provide connectivity to remote areas, islands, and offshore regions currently beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile towers.

The D2C technology enables standard 4G-enabled mobile handsets to connect directly to satellites orbiting in space, bypassing the need for traditional ground-based towers or specialized satellite hardware. In the event that a cellular network is unavailable or infrastructure is damaged during natural disasters, the phone automatically attempts to establish a link with the satellite, which then transmits signals to a ground station to facilitate data exchange.

Banglalink conducted a two-month “proof of concept” trial that concluded in May. The pilot program, which tested connectivity in regions such as Bandarban and Sandwip, successfully demonstrated the ability to transmit SMS, OTT-based messaging, and OTT voice calls. Following these trials, the operator has sought permission to integrate the service into its existing cellular mobile services license, initially focusing on SMS and lightweight data services before eventually scaling to full voice and data capabilities.

The operator emphasized the critical role this technology could play during natural disasters, noting that it provides a vital communication lifeline for maritime professionals and fishermen operating in deep-sea areas where conventional infrastructure is absent or financially unviable to maintain.

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Taimur Rahman, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer at Banglalink, stated that the company is prepared to adhere to all regulatory directives and is currently awaiting approval to roll out the technology commercially.

Despite the successful pilot, regulatory hurdles remain. Current BTRC guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellite services prohibit the integration of satellite and ground-based IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) services. Furthermore, global standards for utilizing IMT bands for satellite-to-mobile services are still under negotiation by the International Telecommunication Union, with final decisions expected at the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference.

BTRC Chairman Major General (Retd) Emdad Ul Bari noted that the commission has yet to receive the formal report regarding the pilot program. He stated that the regulator would review the findings before making any definitive decisions regarding the commercial deployment of the technology.