12 Hours of Internet Outrage in Bangladesh

Several Bangladeshi firms have partnered with Starlink to facilitate the setup of ground earth stations in the country, signing contracts with the US-based telecommunications provider. The collaboration involves space allocation, construction support, and infrastructure maintenance. Some firms are offering their own properties, while others are considering Hi-Tech Park locations.

Bangabandhu Satellite-I may experience temporary broadcast disruptions from March 7 to March 13 due to a solar outage, according to the Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited. These outages, known as solar satellite interference, occur when the sun aligns directly behind the satellite, affecting signal transmission.

Twenty-nine international internet gateway (IIG) operators in Bangladesh owe the BTRC Tk 205 crore, with top five defaulters accounting for 77% of the outstanding sum. BTCL has the highest dues at Tk 51.58 crore, followed by Earth Telecom (Tk 32.02 crore) and Aamra Technologies (Tk 25.48 crore).

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh recently terminated the Bangladesh Computer Council's (BCC) access to the national ID database, disrupting businesses reliant on identity verification services provided by Digicon Global Services via its API platform, Porichoy.

A high-level taskforce will collaborate with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) to create a roadmap for developing the country's semiconductor sector, focusing on testing, assembly, and scaling capabilities. The decision was made at a meeting titled "Semiconductors – A New Frontier for the Bangladesh Economy and Employment," organized by Bida.

Experts at a roundtable highlighted the lack of tailored skill training and poor access to digital devices as major barriers preventing persons with disabilities from entering ICT jobs. While mainstream training centres focus on market-driven skills, disability-focused centres provide only basic training, creating a mismatch with industry needs.