Satellite Texting Breakthrough Promises Connectivity for Remote Bangladesh
Millions of people in Bangladesh still struggle to make a simple phone call, especially in remote areas like the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Fishermen at sea also lose their signal quickly. Now, a new technology called “Direct to Cell” (D2C) is being tested, allowing text messages to be sent directly via satellite without needing local mobile towers.
This experimental service, approved by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), is a collaboration between mobile operator Banglalink and Elon Musk’s satellite company, Starlink. Early results are reportedly positive.
How it works is simple: instead of connecting to a nearby tower, your phone sends its signal directly to a Starlink satellite. The satellite then sends the signal to a ground station, which connects it to the mobile network. The best part? No special phone is needed; a standard 4G smartphone will work. When you lose your regular signal, your phone will automatically try to connect to the satellite.
Bangladesh has almost 190 million mobile subscribers. However, the country’s more than 21,000 mobile towers are not enough to cover everyone, especially in less populated or difficult-to-reach places. Building towers in these areas is often too expensive for mobile companies. This has led to situations like a teacher in Rangamati having to climb a tree branch just to get a signal to send a photo for work.
Experts believe D2C technology can solve this problem. It could allow for two-way text communication even in deep forests, mountains, or at sea. Future plans include adding voice calls and limited internet access.
This technology is already making waves globally, with the Philippines being a leader in its commercial use. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing market for D2C technology.
While the initial trials in Bangladesh are promising, the BTRC has emphasized that this is strictly an experiment. International rules for using mobile phone frequencies for satellite services are still being discussed. A final decision from the International Telecommunication Union is expected in 2027, which will be crucial for the future of this technology in Bangladesh.
