BTRC allows Viasat for in-flight internet service with $2,000 annual fee

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 a regulatory committee has suggested reconsidering.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has recommended allowing 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 conditions, according the document of the regulator.

The proposed annual charge, plus applicable value-added tax (VAT), remains open to review following the recommendation of the Spectrum Management Committee (SMC) that the commission reconsider the previously fixed $2,000 fee in view of current circumstances.

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Viasat is a global communications company serving aviation, maritime, enterprise and government markets. Its aviation business provides passenger internet connectivity and satellite-based services for 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 an uplink frequency range of 27.5–30 GHz and a downlink range of 17.7–20.2 GHz. 

The service would be restricted to aircraft interiors, and Viasat would not be allowed to establish associated telecommunications infrastructure in Bangladesh or connect its network to any public telecommunications network in the country.

The recommendation is conditional on security clearances of agencies concerned and the Ministry of Home Affairs, as well as payment of the applicable charges against the demand note.

Payment may be made in US dollars or the equivalent amount in Bangladeshi taka, calculated at 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 and ITU-R S.524, as well as ETSI EN 303 978.

The company would be required to submit reports to the BTRC on the total number of aircraft using Ka-band in-flight connectivity within Bangladesh’s airspace. The stipulated reporting requirements include 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 draws on earlier resolutions of the 51st and 78th meetings of the Spectrum Management Committee and the 213th BTRC Commission meeting, under which similar in-flight connectivity permissions were granted to Switzerland-based provider OnAir and Biman Bangladesh Airlines at an annual fee of $2,000.

The recommendation does not constitute final approval. Viasat’s proposed service remains subject to the required security clearances, financial conditions and the commission’s final decision.