The design of Bangabandhu satellite has started work, aiming to finish the primary job in three months. A French company Thales Alenia Space designed for the country's first satellite. It will be reviewed by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission before being finalised. BTRC signed a $248-million (about Tk 1,959 crore) deal with Thales on November 11 to design, build and launch the commercial and broadcast satellite. The total project cost will run into Tk 2,967.95 crore, with the government paying Tk 1,315.51 crore from its own fund and the rest coming in foreign loans. We hope to run the satellite and its related activities after its launch in December 2017. A partner in Bangladesh, has already started work on ground handling stations in Gazipur and Rangamati. The government will also run a publicity campaign across the country to make people aware of the mega project. The BTRC's feasibility study on the satellite indicated that it will narrow the digital divide by taking broadcasting and telecom services to rural areas and introducing profitable services, including direct-to-home services. The satellite will be able serve all South Asian countries including Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, as well as Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines.