Banglalink partners with Starlink Mobile to provide satellite connectivity in Bangladesh, enhancing access in remote areas by 2026.
Quiver AI Summary
VEON Ltd. announced that its subsidiary Banglalink has partnered with Starlink Mobile to provide direct-to-device satellite connectivity in Bangladesh, marking the country's entry into the third market for this technology. The agreement aims to enhance connectivity in remote areas by integrating Starlink's satellite services with Banglalink's existing mobile network. Banglalink plans to introduce messaging services in 2026, followed by data services pending regulatory approvals. This development follows successful implementations in Ukraine and Kazakhstan, illustrating VEON's commitment to expand resilient and inclusive connectivity solutions in densely populated regions. Both VEON Group and Banglalink emphasize the partnership's potential to support economic growth and provide critical communication during emergencies.
Potential Positives
- VEON's partnership with Starlink Mobile in Bangladesh enhances connectivity options for over 175 million potential users, particularly in remote areas.
- The agreement positions VEON as an innovator in satellite connectivity, following successful implementations in other markets like Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
- The initiative supports essential services during climate emergencies and promotes economic activity in underserved regions, showcasing VEON's commitment to social responsibility.
- This expansion aligns with VEON's strategy to transform lives through technology, highlighting the company's growth potential in digital services across multiple markets.
Potential Negatives
- Dependence on regulatory approvals for the launch of data services may delay the rollout of new offerings in Bangladesh.
- Significant reliance on a partnership with Starlink Mobile, which may pose risks if the partnership does not meet performance expectations or regulatory challenges arise.
- Potential for negative perceptions due to the need for humanitarian justifications in connectivity, which may imply pre-existing issues with current network coverage.
FAQ
What is the partnership between VEON and Starlink Mobile about?
VEON and Starlink Mobile partner to provide direct-to-device satellite connectivity in Bangladesh, enhancing connectivity in remote areas.
When does Banglalink plan to launch satellite messaging services?
Banglalink plans to launch messaging services in 2026, followed by data services pending regulatory approvals.
Which countries are included in VEON's satellite connectivity partnership?
Bangladesh is the third market, joining Ukraine and Kazakhstan in VEON's satellite connectivity partnership with Starlink Mobile.
How will this technology impact users in Bangladesh?
The technology will enable Banglalink customers to access connectivity via Starlink satellites using standard 4G LTE smartphones.
What is VEON's mission with this initiative?
VEON aims to enhance connectivity and economic growth, ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital era.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summary of a press release distributed by GlobeNewswire. The model used to summarize this release may make mistakes. See the full release here.
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Full Release
Bangladesh becomes the third market where VEON and Starlink Mobile partner on bringing direct-to-device satellite connectivity to users
Dhaka, Dubai and New York, April 22, 2026 – VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON), a global digital operator (“VEON” or, together with its subsidiaries, “VEON Group”), announces that its Bangladesh subsidiary Banglalink has signed an agreement with Starlink Mobile to integrate Starlink’s direct-to-device satellite connectivity in remote areas with Banglalink’s terrestrial coverage in Bangladesh. Banglalink plans to launch messaging in 2026, and will then introduce data services as the next phase, pending regulatory approvals.
With the agreement, Bangladesh, one of the world’s most densely populated nations with more than 175 million people, is now positioned to become VEON’s third market to bring satellite-powered connectivity through VEON’s partnership with Starlink Mobile. Launch of the technology will give Banglalink customers access to connectivity via Starlink Mobile satellites using standard 4G LTE smartphones.
This agreement follows the nationwide roll-out at Kyivstar in Ukraine, where more than 5 million unique customers have connected to the network at least once via Starlink Mobile satellites since the launch in November 2025, and the successful testing by Beeline Kazakhstan in December 2025, which marked the first WhatsApp call powered by Starlink’s satellite connectivity in Central Asia. VEON’s framework agreement with Starlink Mobile spans all five VEON markets, which together are home to more than half a billion people.
“This partnership is a powerful demonstration of our motto ‘For You’ – we care for our customers and for the resilience of Bangladesh,” said Johan Buse, CEO of Banglalink. “By enhancing our connectivity with Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile technology, we aim to ensure that Banglalink customers will not be limited by the availability of terrestrial networks. From keeping families and first responders connected during climate emergencies to enabling economic activity in remote areas, we are proving that true care means being there for them, when it matters most.”
“Connectivity is a humanitarian need and a driver of economic growth. By expanding our partnership with Starlink into Bangladesh, we are redefining resilience and opening up new possibilities for our digital ecosystem – now in the third country across the five markets that we proudly serve,” said Kaan Terzioglu, Chief Executive Officer of VEON Group. “From Kyiv to the steppes of Kazakhstan and now to the Bay of Bengal, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions which help ensure that no community is left behind.”
About VEON
VEON is a digital operator that provides connectivity and digital services to over 150 million connectivity and more than 205 million digital users. Operating across five countries that are home to more than 6% of the world’s population, VEON is transforming lives through technology-driven services that empower individuals and drive economic growth. VEON is listed on NASDAQ. For more information, visit: https://www.veon.com .
About Banglalink
Banglalink is one of the leading digital communications service providers in Bangladesh, working to unlock new opportunities for its customers as they navigate the digital world. Driven by the vision of transforming lives through technology, Banglalink also strives to transform into a future-ready service provider capable of catering to the demands of the new digital era. For more information, visit: www.banglalink.net .
About Starlink Mobile
Starlink Mobile is the world’s only and largest constellation with 650 launched satellites in low-Earth orbit that delivers data, voice, video and messaging to devices in remote locations. Connecting millions of customers across six continents, Starlink satellites work with existing LTE phones wherever you can see the sky. Acting like a cell phone tower in space with the most advanced phased array antennas in the world that connect seamlessly across the Starlink network over lasers to any point in the globe, it enables network integration similar to a standard roaming partner. Starlink is the world’s largest 4G coverage provider and partners with Mobile Network Operators all over the world. Learn more here and follow @Starlink on X .
Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer
This release contains “forward-looking statements”, within the meaning of the Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to VEON’s and its subsidiaries’ strategic ambitions and their commercial partnerships. There are numerous risks, uncertainties that could cause actual results and performance to differ materially from those expressed by such statements, including risks relating to VEON’s and its subsidiaries’ strategic ambitions and their commercial partnerships, among others discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in VEON’s 2025 Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 16, 2026 and other public filings made by VEON with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this release and VEON disclaims any obligation to update them, except as required by law.
Contact Information
VEON
Hande Asik
Chief Strategy and Communications Officer
[email protected]