Bangladesh regulator backs Viasat in-flight internet for foreign carriers

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has recommended allowing US company Viasat to supply satellite internet to passengers on foreign airlines using Bangladesh airspace, a BTRC document shows. The recommendation would permit in-flight connectivity over Ka-band spectrum on a shared, non-exclusive basis, subject to security clearance.

The authorized frequencies would be 27.5–30 GHz uplink and 17.7–20.2 GHz downlink. Service would be limited to the aircraft cabin. Viasat would be barred from building any telecommunications infrastructure inside Bangladesh or connecting to a public network there. Ground terminals could run at Bangladeshi airports only during short periods while an aircraft is on the tarmac, and the network could not be used for emergency or life-saving purposes in flight. The company must also meet technical specifications, including ITU radio recommendations S.2233, S.2357 and S.524, and European standard ETSI EN 303 978.

The proposed annual fee is USD 2,000 plus applicable value-added tax. The Spectrum Management Committee has asked the commission to review that earlier fee in light of current conditions, so the figure may not be final. Payment can be made in US dollars or the taka equivalent, using the foreign-currency selling rate Bangladesh Bank publishes on the date of payment.

The authorization would depend on security clearances from the relevant agencies and the Ministry of Home Affairs, and on payment of demand note charges. Viasat would file annual and quarterly reports to the BTRC on how many aircraft used Ka-band in-flight connectivity in the country's airspace. The regulator could change technical parameters, adjust annual fees and levies, or suspend or cancel the authorization at any time.

Viasat, based in Carlsbad, California, applied to the BTRC to offer the connectivity as a value-added service for passengers on foreign airlines crossing or landing in Bangladesh. The company serves aviation, maritime, enterprise and government customers. Its 2024 impact report says it provided passenger connectivity to more than 60 airlines and connected aircraft services to over 200 airlines worldwide.

The recommendation follows earlier decisions at the 51st and 78th Spectrum Management Committee meetings and at the 213th session of the BTRC Commission. Those earlier decisions allowed Switzerland-based OnAir and Biman Bangladesh Airlines similar in-flight connectivity rights at an annual fee of USD 2,000. The BTRC document stresses that this is a recommendation only, not final approval; security clearances, financial conditions and a final commission decision are still required.