The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has granted in-principle approval to the application of Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) for a Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) Satellite Services Operator Licence, paving the way for the state-owned company to formally operate satellite services under a dedicated regulatory framework.
The decision was taken at a recent commission meeting following detailed discussions on the application. During the meeting, the Managing Director of BSCL, Dr. Md. Imadur Rahman, presented the background, objectives and necessity of obtaining the licence.
According to BTRC, under Sections 35 and 55 of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2001, any entity providing telecommunication services is required to obtain a licence from the commission. In line with the legal provisions, BSCL submitted its application for a Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) Satellite Services Operator Licence on June 1, 2026.
Following a comprehensive review, the commission's relevant divisions examined the application and submitted their observations. Based on those assessments, the commission recommended forwarding the proposal to the Posts and Telecommunications Division for the government's policy approval.
The commission also gave preliminary approval to the draft satellite operator licence prepared for BSCL and decided to send the proposal to the ministry to obtain the necessary policy clearance.
Once the government grants its approval, BTRC will complete the required amendments and regulatory formalities before issuing the Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) Satellite Services Operator Licence to Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited.
Officials said the application has already been scrutinised by the commission’s concerned departments, which have completed the required technical and regulatory evaluations and provided their recommendations.
The Daily Industry Insight: The Daily Industry said the regulator’s in-principle approval is a significant step toward strengthening Bangladesh’s satellite communication ecosystem and establishing a clearer regulatory framework for space-based telecommunications services.
“The proposed GSO Satellite Services Operator Licence will enable BSCL to operate under a dedicated legal and regulatory structure, improving governance of satellite resources and enhancing the country’s digital communication capabilities,” The Daily Industry observed.
The newspaper noted that the initiative is expected to support the expansion of satellite-based broadband, broadcasting, emergency communications, e-government services and other strategic digital infrastructure.
It added that a formal licensing regime would also increase regulatory transparency, encourage future investment in the satellite sector and reinforce Bangladesh’s long-term ambitions in space and telecommunications development.
