Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company (BCSCL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the country’s Shipping Ministry to provide Bangabandhu-1 to nearly 39,000 vessels sailing across the country annually.

BCSCL will use Bangladesh’s first satellite Bangabandhu-1 to provide connectivity services to allow the ships to maintain contact with each other when sailing through the country’s seas and rivers.

The connectivity is expected to help the vessels avoid any accidents, as well as allow the crew members to browse the internet, watch television and conduct other telecommunication activities.

Bangladesh’s inland river ports, ferry terminal and other riverside establishments are also expected to be benefitted from the latest deal, the value of which has not been disclosed.

The BCSCL Bangabandhu-1 operator plans to roll out the service by September.

“BCSCL is currently having discussions with eight other ministries in Bangladesh to provide connectivity services using Bangabandhu-1.”

BCSCL managing director Saiful Islam was quoted by thedailystar.net as saying: “BCSCL will earn huge amount yearly by providing this service to shipping ministry.”

According to Bangladesh Shipping Ministry secretary Abdus Samad, around 4,000 international ships enter the country’s waters in a year, while 35,000 domestic vessels cruise across Bangladesh annually.

BCSCL is currently having discussions with eight other ministries in Bangladesh to provide connectivity services using Bangabandhu-1.

The satellite was built by Thales Alenia Space and was launched into space in May.