Banglalink has sought regulatory approval to commercially launch its Direct-to-Cell (D2C) service in Bangladesh after completing a proof-of-concept (PoC) phase, with a recent field test showing that ordinary LTE-enabled mobile phones can connect to satellite networks in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage.
In a letter sent to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) on 12 August, the operator said it had completed the technical, operational and regulatory assessments required during the PoC phase and was ready for commercial deployment. It has initially sought approval to offer SMS and Lite Data services through the technology under its existing Cellular Mobile Services Operator License.
Banglalink conducted a field demonstration of the service in Cox’s Bazar on 2–3 August, attended by BTRC officials and representatives of relevant law enforcement agencies. During the demonstration, Banglalink said it successfully validated not only basic connectivity but also several regulatory and security features, including SMS and Lite Data connectivity, CDR and IPDR generation, lawful interception readiness and geolocation mechanisms.
The operator said the successful demonstration showed that users can access the satellite-based service using standard LTE-enabled mobile devices without needing a dedicated satellite phone. According to a BTRC document dated 21 May, Banglalink proposed combining its terrestrial mobile network with the NGSO satellite network of Starlink to provide connectivity to customers in areas without mobile coverage.
The technology is designed to fill gaps in terrestrial mobile coverage. Under the proposed service, Banglalink customers in remote, coastal, maritime and disaster-prone areas could remain connected through a satellite network when conventional mobile coverage is unavailable.
Banglalink said the service could be particularly useful during natural disasters, when mobile towers or other terrestrial infrastructure may become unavailable, as well as for fishermen and other users operating beyond conventional network coverage.
The company said D2C would work as an additional layer of connectivity alongside its existing terrestrial network rather than replacing it. It also said the service could support emergency communications, improve digital inclusion and strengthen the resilience of the country’s communications infrastructure.
For the trial, Banglalink proposed using its allocated IMT spectrum in the 1920–1925 MHz and 2110–2115 MHz bands, with a total bandwidth of 5 MHz, through Starlink’s satellite network. BTRC allowed the spectrum only temporarily for the PoC, making clear that the arrangement would not set any precedent for spectrum ownership, transfer or sharing and would expire after the trial.
The regulator required D2C to operate only where terrestrial cellular coverage was unavailable, with users automatically reconnecting to conventional networks once coverage returned. The PoC also had to remain within Bangladesh’s lawful interception framework, while BTRC monitored traffic, signalling, authentication and spectrum use. A temporary PLMN code was allowed for the trial and was set to expire after completion.
BTRC said D2C brings together mobile and NGSO satellite services operating under different regulatory and commercial arrangements, requiring assessment of its long-term impact on the telecom sector, including mobile operators’ investment and terrestrial network expansion.
The regulator also raised concerns over the use of IMT spectrum for satellite connectivity, citing existing shortages of low- and mid-band spectrum and saying the development could require a reassessment of spectrum allocation and pricing. It also flagged potential implications for government revenue, consumer interests and cross-border interference, while referring to the international regulatory framework and WRC-2027 discussions on mobile and satellite spectrum use.
BTRC clarified that the PoC approval was experimental only and did not constitute approval or a guarantee for future commercial services. Banglalink has now sought commercial approval under its existing mobile operator licence and said it is ready to comply with any additional conditions imposed by the regulator.
