The answer depends on the role the operator will perform and the current BTRC licensing framework. Historically, landing station and international connectivity activities were licensed under specific categories, with separate licences for international terrestrial cable, internet gateways and international gateways. Reforms since 2025 aim to restructure these categories, so a project designed around an older model may need to be reassessed. We review the current guidelines, map each party's activity against them, and advise whether one licence, several licences or a partnership with an existing licensee is the most practical route for the submarine cable project and its investors.

Foreign participation is possible in many telecom activities, but certain licence categories have historically required local ownership or limited foreign shareholding, and conditions can change with new licensing guidelines. In practice, foreign companies often participate as consortium members, capacity investors, technology partners or minority shareholders, rather than as the licensed landing party. Investment registration with Invest Bangladesh and foreign exchange approvals for capital and returns also apply. We check the current ownership rules for the relevant category and design a structure that respects them while protecting the foreign investor's economic, information and governance rights.

A typical project also needs land rights for the beach manhole and station, building and local authority approvals, environmental clearance, permissions for survey and cable laying in the territorial sea and exclusive economic zone, security clearances, and port, customs and immigration arrangements for cable ships and crew. Equipment imports may need additional approvals and customs treatment. Some approvals can only be applied for once others are granted, so sequencing matters. We prepare an approvals map at the start and coordinate submissions so that the marine campaign is not delayed by a missing onshore permit or an expired clearance.

Timing varies with the licence category, the completeness of the application, policy reviews, security vetting and coordination between ministries and agencies. Projects that also require land acquisition, environmental clearance or foreign investment approvals take longer overall. Because policy has been changing since 2025, an application can also be affected by new guidelines issued during review. We help clients build realistic timelines, prepare complete documents and follow up with each authority, but we do not promise dates that depend on regulatory discretion or government policy decisions outside the applicant's control, and we explain where the realistic risks of delay lie.

When a fault occurs, the consortium's maintenance arrangements usually govern repair, with a repair ship mobilised under a maintenance zone agreement. The operator must notify BTRC and affected customers, manage traffic rerouting, and obtain any permissions needed for the repair vessel to operate in Bangladeshi waters. Contracts determine who bears repair costs and whether service credits apply to customers. If a vessel's anchor or fishing gear caused the damage, there may be a claim against the vessel owner, possibly through the Admiralty Court. We advise on notification, contractual remedies, insurance and recovery against those responsible.

Capacity sales and indefeasible rights of use may be subject to tariff, revenue sharing, reporting or approval requirements depending on the licence held by the seller and the nature of the buyer. Sales to foreign buyers, regional transit arrangements and pricing below published tariffs can raise particular questions. Payments in foreign currency must comply with Bangladesh Bank rules, and tax treatment of long-term rights of use needs careful analysis. We review capacity contracts against the operator's licence conditions and current BTRC directions before signature, so that the agreement is enforceable and does not trigger regulatory objection.

Licences commonly require BTRC approval before a transfer of shares above certain thresholds, a change of control or an assignment of the licence. Completing a transaction without consent can lead to penalties, suspension or cancellation. Investors should also check consortium agreements, which often restrict transfers of membership or capacity, and financing documents that may require lender consent. We plan the approvals as part of the transaction timetable, prepare regulatory submissions and draft conditions precedent and long-stop dates that reflect realistic review periods, so that both buyer and seller are protected if review takes longer than expected.

Yes. Many concerns can be resolved through early engagement with BTRC, written representations and review requests, which should be the first step. Where a decision to refuse, suspend or cancel a licence, or to impose a penalty or new condition, is unlawful, procedurally unfair or unreasonable, the operator may challenge it through a writ petition in the High Court Division, and interim relief may be available in some cases. Contractual disputes with consortium partners may go to arbitration under the consortium agreement. We assess the options, weigh the commercial relationship with the regulator and represent clients in each forum.