BTRC recommends viasat in-flight internet
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator has recommended allowing US-based satellite communications company Viasat to provide in-flight internet connectivity to foreign aircraft operating in the country’s airspace, with a proposed annual fee of $2,000 that a regulatory committee has suggested reviewing.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has recommended authorising Viasat to provide in-flight connectivity (IFC) using Ka-band frequencies on a shared, non-exclusive basis, subject to security clearances and compliance with regulatory requirements, according to a regulatory document.
The proposed annual fee of $2,000, plus applicable value-added tax (VAT), remains open to review following a recommendation by the Spectrum Management Committee (SMC) that the commission reconsider the charge in light of current circumstances.
Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Viasat provides communications services to the aviation, maritime, enterprise and government sectors. Its aviation business offers passenger internet connectivity and satellite-based services supporting aircraft operations and safety.
In its 2024 impact report, the company said it provided passenger connectivity for more than 60 airlines and connected aircraft services for more than 200 airlines worldwide.
Viasat applied to the BTRC for authorisation to provide internet connectivity as a value-added service for passengers travelling on foreign airlines flying over or landing in Bangladesh.
The proposed authorisation would cover uplink frequencies of 27.5-30 GHz and downlink frequencies of 17.7-20.2 GHz. The service would be limited to aircraft interiors, and Viasat would not be permitted to establish related telecommunications infrastructure in Bangladesh or connect its network to any public telecommunications network in the country.
The recommendation is subject to security clearance from the relevant agencies and the Ministry of Home Affairs, as well as payment of applicable charges against a demand note.
Payments may be made in US dollars or the equivalent amount in Bangladeshi taka, calculated using Bangladesh Bank’s foreign currency selling rate on the payment date.
Ground terminal operations at Bangladeshi aerodromes would be permitted only for short periods while aircraft remain on the tarmac. The network would also be prohibited from being used for emergency or life-saving operations during flights.
Viasat would have to comply with technical standards, including ITU-R S.2233, ITU-R S.2357, ITU-R S.524 and ETSI EN 303 978.
The company would also be required to report to the BTRC the total number of aircraft using Ka-band in-flight connectivity within Bangladesh’s airspace. The reporting requirements include both annual and quarterly submissions.
The commission would retain the authority to modify technical parameters, revise annual fees and levies, or suspend or revoke the authorisation at any time.
The recommendation refers to earlier resolutions adopted at the 51st and 78th meetings of the Spectrum Management Committee and the 213th BTRC Commission meeting. Under those decisions, similar in-flight connectivity permissions were granted to Switzerland-based provider OnAir and Biman Bangladesh Airlines at an annual fee of $2,000.
However, the recommendation does not amount to final approval. Viasat’s proposed service remains subject to the required security clearances, financial conditions and the commission’s final decision.
