Cyclone Remal wasn't a visitor, it was a relentless bully. Battering the country's southern coast, it left a trail of destruction in its wake like a ripped tapestry – homes shredded, livelihoods scattered, and communities plunged into darkness.

But beyond the immediate devastation, Remal exposed a gaping hole in the country's digital communication infrastructure. With power lines down and traditional networks crippled, the storm highlighted the urgent need for a more resilient lifeline:

satellite internet. Against the backdrop of Remal's wide-ranging impact including environmental scars and disruption of daily life, satellite internet can be game-changer, ensuring vital communication even when disaster strikes.

While the loss of 16 lives is a tragedy, the storm's impact was far-reaching, stretched beyond the immediate human cost. At least 1,259 educational institutions in the six southern districts were ripped apart. Embankments were breached, leading to flooding. The country's lone mangrove forest, the Sundarbans, also suffered substantial losses of flora and fauna, with reports indicating at least 96 deer perished.

The capital was not spared either. The incessant rain induced by the cyclone caused severe waterlogging, and gusty winds uprooted trees, exacerbating traffic chaos.

The most disruptive consequence, however, was the widespread power outage. This is evident from figures provided by the Rural Electrification Board, estimating that over 3 crore subscribers experienced blackouts due to Cyclone Ramel's impact, resulting in a staggering Tk 103 crore loss.  

The knock-on effect of the power cut was plain to see across Dhaka's infrastructure. The Metrorail service, in particular, was brought to a standstill for a few hours during the morning and evening rush hours, causing tremendous hardship for commuters.  

This power outage, unfortunately, wasn't an isolated incident, and its effect extended beyond transportation. The cascading effect took its toll on essential services like businesses, educational institutions, and factories, forcing many to close their doors prematurely.

Bangladesh's geographical vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly cyclones, is well known. Previous events like Cyclone Sitrang exposed similar weaknesses in the country's digital communication infrastructure that led to widespread power cuts and internet service disruptions. Cyclone Remal proved no different.

The storm’s fury caused over 10,000 mobile towers or base transceiver stations (BTS) to go out of service, affecting millions of people in the southern districts, including Barguna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Chattogram, and Khulna.

Who or what was the culprit responsible for this communication breakdown? It was power outages. Telecom operators revealed that electricity had been cut off in some districts even before the cyclone made landfall. While some operators attempted to restore services using portable generators, the solution was hardly reliable. Adverse weather conditions hampered diesel supply, rendering these generators unsustainable.

The standard battery backup for a mobile tower typically ranges from 4 to 8 hours. This provides temporary relief during short power outages, but not during a prolonged event like cyclone Remal. The Bangladesh Power Development Board's decision to cut electricity generation by half, the usual amount further exacerbated the situation.

Adding insult to injury, some network disruptions were directly brought about by storm damage and flooding. This served as a poignant reminder of a critical vulnerability: Our overreliance on traditional ground-based infrastructure, which is highly susceptible to physical damage during natural disasters.

In such scenarios, when traditional telecom and cable networks buckle under the strain of adverse weather, satellite internet infrastructure emerges as a potential saviour. Unlike its terrestrial counterparts, satellite technology offers resilience and high-speed connectivity even in remote areas, ensuring continuous internet access that supports educational, economic, and communication activities even during natural disasters.

 The government has recognised the potential of satellite internet and initiated discussions with Elon Musk's Starlink project. Starlink offers high-speed internet access through a network of low-orbiting satellites, making it a promising solution for Bangladesh's vulnerability to natural disasters.

As of December last year, the Bangladesh Satellite Company Ltd (BSCL) has already taken steps, acquiring Starlink kits for testing and granting permission for limited trial operations. However, legal hurdles related to government surveillance capabilities could be a significant stumbling block for the project's progress.

In addition, the high price of the service compared to the ubiquitous mobile internet and broadband connections might deter commercial success in a country where affordability often takes precedence over quality.

On the whole, cyclone Remal underscored the critical need for sustained communication infrastructure in Bangladesh. The widespread internet and mobile service disruptions during the storm were an eye opener, revealing the limitations of traditional ground-based networks.

Investing in satellite internet solutions like Starlink, while addressing legal and pricing concerns, could be a game-changer. This measure would ensure continued connectivity during future natural disasters, minimising disruptions to vital services and communication channels.

By phasing out existing overhead power lines and installing underground power lines, combined with embracing satellite technology, Bangladesh can significantly strengthen its digital infrastructure. This will empower its citizens, particularly those in remote areas, to weather future storms with greater resilience.
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The writer is an IT Professional.
Email: [email protected]