It depends on the service. Satellite broadband, VSAT, direct-to-home television, mobile satellite services and earth station operations can each require a licence or permission from the BTRC, together with spectrum assignment, equipment type approval and, for foreign equipment, import permissions. Broadcasting services may also involve the Ministry of Information. Licensing frameworks have been updated in recent years, including for non-geostationary operators, and further reform has been under discussion. We map the requirements for the specific service, ownership structure and delivery model before investment decisions, and engage with the regulator where needed. Processing times depend on the licence category.

Launch contracts generally rely on reciprocal cross-waivers, under which each party bears its own losses and agrees not to sue the others, with the launch provider's liability for a failed launch limited to re-flight or a partial refund. Third-party liability is often covered by the launch provider's insurance and the licensing regime of the launch state. The satellite owner therefore depends heavily on its own launch and in-orbit insurance. We review the satellite launch contract with the insurance and procurement documents, so that the owner and its lenders understand which risks remain with them and how they are covered.

In most cases a foreign operator cannot simply sell capacity or services to Bangladeshi end users without local authorisation. Options include obtaining a licence through a local entity, partnering with a licensed Bangladeshi operator or internet service provider, or supplying capacity wholesale to licensed providers. Foreign ownership limits, security conditions and gateway requirements may apply, depending on the service. Payments for capacity must comply with foreign exchange and tax rules. We advise on the structure, draft the partnership or wholesale agreements and coordinate regulatory filings with the client's international team. Satellite launch and service projects need this clarity early.

Often, yes. Satellites, components and technical data from certain countries, including the United States, can be subject to export control regimes that restrict who may receive technical information, where equipment may be shipped and which nationals may work on a project. Launch campaigns, ground stations and maintenance arrangements must be planned with these restrictions in mind. Bangladeshi participants may need to sign end-use undertakings or technology control plans. We coordinate with export control counsel in the relevant country and build the necessary undertakings into the contracts and project procedures. Breaches can carry serious penalties.

Earth observation providers usually license imagery and data rather than selling them outright, with permitted uses, users, territories and durations defined in the licence. Value-added products derived from the data may carry their own restrictions. Public bodies, insurers, agribusinesses and researchers should check whether they can share data with partners, publish results or combine it with other datasets. Where imagery shows people or property, data protection and security rules may apply. We draft and review data licences and help clients build compliant data-sharing arrangements, including for disaster response and climate projects. Archive and resale rights deserve attention.

Typical cover includes launch insurance against failure during launch and early operations, in-orbit insurance against loss or degradation during the satellite's life, and third-party liability insurance required by the launch state or the licence. Lenders will usually require specific cover, loss payee provisions and assignment of policies. Policy terms, exclusions and the definition of total or partial loss need careful review, because they decide what a claim is worth. We work with brokers and insurance counsel to align cover with the satellite launch and procurement contracts and the financing documents. Satellite launch insurance markets can be volatile.

Yes, subject to Bangladesh rules on foreign borrowing, which can require approvals and registration, and to Bangladesh Bank requirements for repayment and remittance. Lenders typically take security over the satellite or the borrower's shares, assignments of key contracts and insurances, and step-in rights. Under the Finance Act 2026, withholding tax on interest paid to non-residents is 10%, which affects loan pricing. Licences may restrict transfers or change of control, so lender rights must be checked against licence conditions. We advise borrowers and lenders on the Bangladesh aspects and coordinate with finance counsel abroad. Lender consents should be sought early.

Most international space contracts provide for arbitration, often seated in London, Singapore, Paris or another established seat, with technical experts playing a significant role. Disputes may involve delay, launch failure, performance shortfalls, interference, outages, insurance coverage or payment. Bangladesh is a party to the New York Convention, so foreign arbitral awards can be enforced here under the Arbitration Act 2001, subject to court procedure. Where a regulator's decision is in issue, writ proceedings may be available. We advise early on evidence, notices and contractual time limits, because these often decide the outcome. Expert evidence is often decisive.