Starlink Seeks Transit Approval in Bangladesh, Dropping Singapore Hub

Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture Starlink has expressed interest in routing data traffic through Bangladesh to serve Bhutan and other neighboring countries, instead of relying on Singapore as a transit hub.

On August 13, the company submitted a formal request to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), asking permission to establish Bangladesh as a regional hub for international data movement.

In its proposal, Starlink explained that it plans to connect a Point of Presence (PoP) in Bangladesh with its existing hubs in Singapore and Oman. To facilitate this, the company requested authorization to use International Private Leased Circuits (IPLCs) and unfiltered IP services.

The letter emphasized that Starlink’s top priority is network resilience and redundancy. According to the company, the proposed international links will be used solely for enhancing Starlink’s global network stability and security—not for handling the domestic internet traffic of Bangladeshi users.

Starlink also assured regulators that all internet traffic from local subscribers would continue to be routed through the country’s licensed international internet gateways. It further committed to complying with Bangladesh’s policies on security, lawful interception, and content regulation.

For technical implementation, the company said it would source IPLC services from government-approved local providers, including Fiber@Home and the Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company.

In its communication, Starlink urged BTRC to grant approval without delay, noting that a swift decision would allow smoother integration into its global network.

It is worth noting that Starlink officially launched its services in Bangladesh in May of this year, becoming the first international satellite internet operator to do so.