BTRC, the regulatory body of the telecommunication sector, is collecting opinions on a draft guideline prepared to finalize the policy of satellite based internet services in Bangladesh.
Starlink has been trying to enter the Bangladesh market with this service for several years. Recently, a group of them came to Dhaka and held a meeting with the Board of Investment.
Basically, Starlink is able to provide services where normal internet services cannot reach. Five years ago, Starlink launched an artificial satellite into space to provide global Internet services.
Analysts say the draft guidelines to finalize the regulatory and licensing policies for such institutions include surveillance and censorship, and if it is upheld, the government’s current oversight of internet services will not change.
The internet service providers or ISP businessmen who are now providing internet services using fiber optic or cable say what kind of conditions are there in the licensing of satellite based internet services – that will determine how or how much the effect will be on the internet business sector of the country.
BTRC did not comment on the matter. An official said that after collecting everyone’s opinion, the final policy will be made public through discussion.
What does satellite based internet service mean?
Muhammad Ershadul Karim, a lecturer in the Department of Law and Emerging Technologies at the University of Malaya in Malaysia, says that the internet is now available in Bangladesh through submarine cables, which basically connect users through cables or wires.
As a result, internet service cannot be provided in areas where cable is not available.
Internet service can be provided through satellite where cable is not available in the water, land and air borders of the country. As many people are now getting the benefit of browsing even sitting on the plane,’ he was saying to BBC Bangla.
Basically, just like many people use sky antenna to easily watch foreign channels, to get satellite internet service, you need to use an antenna or device, which is connected to the artificial satellite to ensure uninterrupted internet service.
BTRC said at the end of last year, the number of internet subscribers in Bangladesh is 13 crores and 10 lakhs. However, 11 crore 84 lakh 90 thousand of them are mobile internet users.
Can the government control?
Analysts say that satellite-based Internet service providers operating in a country must meet the necessary conditions and get a license. If Starlink or any such organization wants to enter the borders of Bangladesh, they have to work with a license.
After the finalization of the policy in Bangladesh, it will be understood which conditions the companies have to fulfill to get the license.
Muhammad Ershadul Karim says what has been kept in the draft guidelines so far, if the government thinks it is becoming a threat, it can stop it.
Technician Sumon Ahmed Sabir says that even if Starlink comes, it will have to use the Bangladesh hub as a gateway as per the guidelines.
“If the companies agree to it, then the government can easily control it,” he told BBC Bangla.
Karim, however, says that in all countries its control power rests with the government. However, many countries have legal systems to protect citizens, which Bangladesh does not have.
‘Star Link should enter using the gateway of Bangladesh. He has to enter through a gateway owned by the government. So Star Link can actually be an option. But the control will remain in the hands of the government as before,’ said Karim.
Incidentally, there are often complaints against the government or authorities in Bangladesh, such as internet surveillance or surveillance of citizens.
Karim says the authorities’ intervention must be specific, legal and rational.
‘It should not be that the government keeps it open if it wants, and stops it if it wants. A transparent process should be followed. If someone is harmed, there should be a mechanism to compensate him. Customers need to ensure data security,’ he added.
Incidentally, there was a recent internet shutdown during Sheikh Hasina’s anti-government protests, which sparked outrage across the country.
What are the guidelines?
Muhammad Ershadul Karim and Sumon Ahmed Sabir – both say that the draft guidelines ensure government control.
The guideline, titled ‘Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operators’, states that the license holder must have a system to identify persons who may pose a threat to national security, so that government authorities can obtain the necessary information.
Apart from this, just as the government authorities now have the right to access the gateways of Bangladesh at any time, there should be a system of ‘giving data to the Aripata process’. That is, through this, there will be an opportunity to influence the customers.
Apart from this, according to the draft guidelines, the institutions should also follow the government’s policy regarding fraud. Besides, the instructions of the authorities should be obeyed to take technical measures to detect illegal activities or sabotage.
However, many are curious about whether companies like Starlink will finally agree to take a license after accepting the instructions of so many obligations and monitoring systems on customers.
What will be the difference with now?
Experts and businessmen say that even if Starlink or similar organizations come with the final approval of the government, it will not have much impact on internet service providers in Bangladesh.
As the reason for this, they say that the cost of getting satellite or artificial satellite internet service will be a bit higher, so they do not think that there will be much change in the case of home users.
However, corporate and commercial establishments will be connected to satellite based internet services as a backup. All in all, I don’t think there will be much impact on the local ISPs,’ said Suman Ahmed Sabir.
However, Ershadul Karim says that now some companies are working in the market and he thinks that if Starlink comes, it will affect the market to some extent.
Incidentally, there are about 3,000 small and big companies working as Internet service providers in the market, who are mainly serving home users.
Anwarul Azim, a vice-president of the Internet Providers Association, says that the cost of satellite-based Internet is high, but the impact at the home user level is less, but corporate customers may lean towards it.
‘In that case ISPs will lose some customers. But it has to be seen that at what stage the government decides to give license with what kind of restrictions. It should also be taken into account that satellite based internet is required for shipping and remote areas. We will see how that is planned,’ he said.
However, Ershadul Karim says that better service will be ensured if Starlink or such companies come because technically these companies are much more advanced.
But these reasons can create over-reliance on them. Besides, other companies will face challenges due to Starlink’s technical prowess. As a result, competition and market balance may be lost,’ he said.
Incidentally, Starlink has operations in at least 50 countries around the world. Starlink’s technology was tested in Bangladesh in July last year. The aim of the organization is to ensure high speed internet services in rural and remote areas worldwide.
Source: jugantor