Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Speedcast, Starlink LEO Network, Alaska Mobile Broadband Network, Spectrum Auction in Bangladesh, among others.
Speedcast Wins Multi-Year Starlink LEO Network Contract for Asia-Pacific Energy Operator
Speedcast has secured a multi-year agreement to deploy an integrated low-Earth-orbit satellite communications network for an unnamed Asia-Pacific offshore energy producer. Announced on October 15, the contract covers drilling rigs, production platforms, floating production vessels, accommodation vessels, workboats, refineries and onshore facilities. The deployment will proceed in three stages, beginning with standalone Starlink connectivity, followed by integration with Speedcast’s SIGMA-managed networking platform. The final stage will extend managed satellite connectivity across additional offshore and terrestrial facilities. The solution includes traffic prioritization, voice-over-IP connectivity and centralized network management. Speedcast operates Starlink enterprise services in more than 40 countries. Contract value, site count and completion dates were not disclosed.
US FCC Proposes Additional $162 Million for Alaska Mobile Broadband Network Expansion
The US Federal Communications Commission has proposed allocating an additional $162 million to expand mobile broadband infrastructure in underserved areas of Alaska. Announced on October 14, the proposed funding would supplement the Alaska Connect Fund, which is scheduled to begin operations in January 2027. The existing program provides approximately $203.8 million annually to support fixed and mobile connectivity in high-cost communities through 2034. The supplemental funding would be distributed through an application-based process to eligible mobile operators. The proposed order would also extend the first phase of the Alaska Connect Fund’s mobile program by two years. The additional $162 million remains subject to FCC approval and has not yet been awarded.
Bangladesh Proposes 900 MHz Spectrum Auction with Prices Starting at BDT1.78 Billion per MHz
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has proposed reserve prices for two blocks of 900 MHz mobile spectrum ahead of an auction planned before the end of 2026. The first allocation covers 2×3.4 MHz in the 885–888.4 MHz and 930–933.4 MHz bands, with a proposed price of BDT2.14 billion per MHz. The second covers 2×5 MHz in the 880–885 MHz and 925–930 MHz bands, priced at BDT1.78 billion per MHz. The proposed rates represent reductions of approximately 10 percent and 25 percent, respectively, from an earlier benchmark. Licences would remain valid until 2030. Government approval is still required before the auction can proceed.
