Bangladesh could soon witness the launch of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite services, as Dubai-based telecommunications company Veon Ltd has confirmed that it is in talks to expand its partnership with the global satellite internet provider.
Veon, which owns Banglalink, the country’s third-largest mobile operator, aims to bring satellite-powered connectivity to markets in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
Veon’s CEO, Kaan Terzioglu, explained in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, “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.”
Terzioglu also noted that Veon’s expansion strategy includes offering telecom access to underserved markets, alongside further ventures into financial services and entertainment sectors.
A Banglalink official confirmed that the company would provide the service in Bangladesh if the partnership between Veon and Starlink is finalized. However, Starlink’s service is not yet commercially available in many markets and would require spectrum allocation, which can be costly and challenging to secure.
Veon is also exploring opportunities in other emerging markets, including Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Mexico. “We are continuously looking for under-performing assets in these countries,” Terzioglu added.
