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VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON) said its Bangladesh subsidiary Banglalink has signed an agreement with Starlink Mobile to integrate direct-to-device satellite connectivity in remote areas, alongside Banglalink’s existing terrestrial network coverage. Banglalink plans to launch messaging in 2026, followed by data services as a next phase, subject to regulatory approvals.
Under the agreement, Bangladesh—home to more than 175 million people—will become VEON’s third market for satellite-powered connectivity through its partnership with Starlink Mobile. The company said the launch will allow Banglalink customers to access connectivity via Starlink Mobile satellites using standard 4G LTE smartphones.
Banglalink’s initial service focus will be messaging in 2026, with data services planned for a later stage pending regulatory clearance.
The Bangladesh announcement follows VEON’s earlier developments with Starlink Mobile in other markets. VEON said its framework agreement with Starlink Mobile covers all five VEON markets, which together serve more than half a billion people.
VEON also cited progress in:
Johan Buse, CEO of Banglalink, said the partnership demonstrates Banglalink’s focus on customer care and resilience in Bangladesh, adding that satellite-to-mobile technology is intended to reduce reliance on terrestrial network availability.
Kaan Terzioglu, Chief Executive Officer of VEON Group, said connectivity is both a humanitarian need and a driver of economic growth, and that expanding the partnership into Bangladesh is intended to strengthen resilience and broaden possibilities for VEON’s digital ecosystem.
VEON described Starlink Mobile as a direct-to-device service using a low-Earth orbit constellation. The company said Starlink Mobile has 650 launched satellites and supports data, voice, video and messaging to devices in remote locations, working with existing LTE phones where users can see the sky.
VEON said it provides connectivity and digital services to over 150 million connectivity users and more than 205 million digital users. The company operates across five countries that it said are home to more than 6% of the world’s population.
VEON said the release includes forward-looking statements under U.S. securities laws, including statements related to strategic ambitions and commercial partnerships. The company noted that risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially, and that the statements are made as of the release date, with no obligation to update them except as required by law.
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