Banglalink launches Starlink-powered satellite-to-mobile service in Bangladesh

Banglalink has launched a satellite-to-mobile service powered by Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology, formally announced on Tuesday 6 October 2026, which the operator says makes Bangladesh the first country in South Asia to introduce the service (https://en.prothomalo.com/corporate/lo2p7oey39).

The service connects ordinary 4G-enabled phones carrying a Banglalink SIM directly to Starlink satellites beyond the reach of terrestrial networks — no separate handset, satellite dish or additional installation is required. Initially it offers SMS, data messaging and WhatsApp calls, with essential apps and location services outside conventional coverage (https://tob.news/banglalink-to-connect-users-with-starlink-on-4-october/).

Banglalink says the service targets fishermen and people working at sea — including deep-sea locations within Bangladesh’s Exclusive Economic Zone — as well as remote and coastal communities, travellers and the hill tracts. It is designed to keep communications running during cyclones, floods and prolonged power outages when terrestrial networks fail.

Customers get the service free with any internet or mixed bundle pack in the first month; from the second month it is free with selected monthly packs, plus five free satellite SMS per month.

The operator secured approval from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) before launch, having pre-announced the service on 24 September for a 4 October target (https://telecomlead.com/news/telecom-news-meo-eutelsat-oneweb-leo-banglalink-spacex-starlink-amazon-kuiper-127851).

Bangladesh is VEON’s third market for Starlink Mobile after Kyivstar — where more than 5 million customers have connected since November 2025 — and Beeline Kazakhstan’s testing in December 2025; VEON’s framework agreement spans five markets and more than half a billion people (https://marketwirenews.com/stock/veon/news/veon-s-banglalink-to-bring-starlink-mobile-to-custom-6681380684659822.html).

“Distance should not have to mean disconnection,” said Banglalink CEO Johan Buse.

Sources

• Prothom Alo English — Banglalink launches Starlink-powered satellite-to-mobile service
• TOB News — Banglalink to connect users with Starlink on 4 October
• Digi Bangla — Banglalink Starlink Launch Satellite To Mobile Service
• TelecomLead — Banglalink to Launch Starlink Direct-to-Cell in Bangladesh on October 4
• VEON press release via MarketWireNews — VEON’s Banglalink to Bring Starlink Mobile to Customers