BTRC recommends Viasat for in-flight internet

Bangladesh’s telecom regulator has recommended authorising US-based Viasat to provide satellite-based internet connectivity to foreign aircraft operating in the country’s airspace, with a proposed annual fee of $2,000 that remains open to review.

The Bangladesh Tele-communication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) recommended allowing the company to provide in-flight connectivity (IFC) using Ka-band frequencies on a shared, non-exclusive basis, subject to security clearances and regulatory conditions, according to a regulator document.

The recommendation follows a proposal by the Spectrum Management Committee (SMC) for the commission to reconsider the previously fixed annual fee in view of current circumstances. The charge would be subject to applicable value-added tax (VAT).

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Viasat provides satellite communications for aviation, maritime, enterprise and government markets. 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 for authorisation to provide internet as a value-added service for passengers on foreign airlines flying over or landing in Bangladesh.

The proposed service would use uplink frequencies of 27.5�"30 GHz and downlink frequencies of 17.7�"20.2 GHz. It would be restricted to aircraft interiors, with no associated telecommunications infrastructure allowed in Bangladesh and no connection to the country’s public telecommunications networks.

Approval would require security clearances from the relevant agencies and the Ministry of Home Affairs, along with payment of the applicable charges. Payments could be made in US dollars or the equivalent amount in taka at Bangladesh Bank’s selling rate on the payment date.�" BSS