Starlink Sees New Route to Nepal Through Bangladesh, But Regulatory Barriers Still Stand

10 July | Kathmandu, Nepal may be a step closer to receiving Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, after Bangladesh granted approval for cross-border satellite bandwidth exports. However, the existing telecommunications laws and licensing requirements in Nepal continue to delay the company’s commercial entry into Nepal despite the new technical opportunity.

Following Bangladesh’s decision, Starlink could potentially offer services to users in Nepal but the company will still have to adhere to Nepali rules before launching operations, according to industry experts.

🌐 Bangladesh opens new gateway

Bangladesh’s telecoms regulator has approved Starlink to sell internet bandwidth to neighbouring countries via its satellite network.

This may permit:

• Bangladesh to help Nepal get satellite internet

• Bangladesh to emerge as a regional satellite internet hub

• Improved connectivity of landlocked countries like Nepal and Bhutan

Starlink’s low-earth orbit satellite system can deliver internet directly to users with little ground infrastructure, experts say, once local regulatory approval is secured.

🇳🇵 Why Starlink is not available in Nepal yet

But even with this new regional opportunity, Starlink cannot legally operate in Nepal without getting the required licenses from Nepal authorities.

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has directed the company to:

• Register a legal entity in Nepal

• Get the necessary telecommunication licenses

• Provide services to clients as per national regulations

Nepali officials also say Nepali ISPs are still free to buy international satellite bandwidth from licensed operators, including those operating through Bangladesh.

⚖️ Foreign Ownership Is Still the Biggest Problem

One of the main problems delaying the entry of Starlink is the foreign investment policy of Nepal.

Current regulations require the following:

• up to 80% foreign owned

• Minimum 20% Nepali partner shareholding

Reports say that Starlink prefers to fully own its operations, which is a major hurdle in talks with the government. Previous talks have not yet led to a finalized agreement between company representatives and Nepal’s Ministry of Communications.

🚀 Why Starlink is a Big Deal

Starlink uses thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit unlike traditional satellite internet providers which use geostationary satellites.

Possible benefits include:

• Speed of internet faster

• Reduced latency

• Improved connectivity for remote and mountainous areas

• Enhanced access to the internet for trekkers, tourists and rural communities

The service could be a boost to digital connectivity in areas where it is difficult to lay traditional broadband infrastructure, technology experts say.

⚠️ Illegal Use Sparks Concerns

Officials have also raised concern over the reported unauthorized use of Starlink devices in Nepal’s Himalayan region.

Some industry officials said foreign trekkers and expedition teams have been using satellite internet equipment without official approval.

Officials warn illegal satellite services could create:

• Security problems

• Revenue loss to the government

• Difficulties in monitoring communications

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority has already issued a warning against illegal use of foreign satellite communication devices.

🏛️ Government Stand

Nepal’s communications officials say the country welcomes advanced technology companies such as Starlink, provided they comply with existing laws.

But the government has insisted it will not change the rules just because of one company, noting that all service providers must operate under the same legal framework.

🔮 What comes next?

Bangladesh’s latest move opens a technical path that could assist Starlink in expanding its reach in South Asia.

The satellite internet service is yet to get regulatory approval, licensing and foreign ownership rules in Nepal to be officially launched in the country. Until those issues are sorted, Starlink’s commercial rollout in Nepal will continue to be delayed.

📌 Résumé

The approval of cross-border bandwidth exports from Starlink in Bangladesh has opened up a new possibility for satellite internet access in Nepal. “We have the technical pathway but we still cannot enter the market in Nepal because of licensing and restrictions on foreign ownership,” he said. The future of Starlink in Nepal will depend on the company and the government finding common ground within the existing legal framework.

Tags: Starlink Nepal, Elon Musk, SpaceX, Satellite Internet, Nepal Telecommunications Authority, Bangladesh, Internet in Nepal, Technology News NepalTags: Starlink Nepal, Elon Musk, SpaceX, Satellite Internet, Nepal Telecommunications Authority, Bangladesh, Internet in Nepal, Technology News Nepal

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