Bangladesh stands on the brink of a digital revolution — a chance to reshape lives and bridge the persistent digital divide. Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) networks, such as Starlink, have the potential to redefine connectivity for even the most remote corners of our nation. These satellites, renowned for their high-gigabit capacity, low-latency performance, and ability to serve hard-to-reach areas, offer more than just internet access — they offer a lifeline, a pathway to education, economic growth, and social inclusion. However, for this transformative opportunity to become a reality, we must strike a balance between fostering innovation and regulation to maintain surveillance infrastructure.

Bangladesh's Nationwide Telecommunications Transmission Networks (NTTNs) and its complex layered gateway architecture present formidable barriers to achieving truly accessible and cost-effective connectivity. Key layers, including submarine cables, ITCs, IIIGs, and NTTNs, create constraints that stifle competition, inflate costs, and introduce bottlenecks that hinder market efficiency. For too long, these inefficiencies have left the nation's rural and underserved areas disconnected while costs for consumers remain unnecessarily high.

NGSO satellite networks offer a way to break free from these bottlenecks. With their ability to bypass extensive terrestrial infrastructure, NGSO solutions present a more seamless, scalable, and affordable approach to connectivity.

NGSO satellites are uniquely equipped to provide cellular backhaul services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where existing infrastructure falls short. This capability ensures that mobile network operators and local ISPs can extend their coverage and deliver high-speed connectivity to remote populations without being encumbered by the inefficiencies of a layered gateway architecture. By supporting cellular backhaul through NGSO services, Bangladesh can enhance mobile connectivity, improve resilience during emergencies, and create new opportunities for socio-economic development in isolated regions.

The satellite communications sector is evolving rapidly, yet existing regulations often act as barriers to progress. Requiring physical gateways for every country introduces high costs, delays deployments, and discourages smaller operators from entering the market. The BTRC has the opportunity to embrace a more flexible regulatory approach — one that allows operators to leverage regional hubs, virtual gateways, or their preferred international data routes while maintaining stringent security and compliance standards. By reducing dependence on restrictive local architectures, BTRC can unlock the full potential of NGSO networks, empowering innovation and lowering costs for consumers.

Affordability is key to digital transformation. In Kenya, Starlink's low-cost models — user kits priced affordably and monthly plans starting at just $10 — have made high-speed connectivity a reality for thousands. Bangladesh should follow suit by setting minimum cost thresholds for NGSO services and exploring rental-based models for user terminals. This approach ensures that even the most underserved communities can access the digital world, fostering economic growth and social inclusion.

Picture a single Starlink system that is shared and supports hundreds of devices in a rural Bangladeshi village provided by a local ISP — businesses thriving, families staying connected, and students excelling.

Ensuring national security and digital sovereignty is essential, but rigid regulations mandating local gateway stations risk leading to inefficiencies and duplicative infrastructure. International best practices show that robust security can be maintained through alternative mechanisms, such as data-sharing agreements, virtual gateways, and centralised data management solutions. This approach allows for compliance with security requirements without imposing excessive costs and complexity on service providers.

The time is now for Bangladesh to embrace NGSO satellite services and modernise its digital infrastructure. By adopting flexible regulations that encourage competition and innovation, we can transform connectivity for millions. This is about more than technology — it's about opening doors to better healthcare, enhanced education, stronger businesses, and resilient communities.

The author is a telecom policy analyst