Dhaka: Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCPLC) has dismissed concerns regarding a potential shortage of international bandwidth, asserting its readiness to accommodate the country's current and future bandwidth demands.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BSCPLC issued a statement in response to recent misleading reports from certain news outlets and online platforms that warned of an impending bandwidth crisis in Bangladesh. These reports, with alarming headlines suggesting a looming disruption in the internet sector and potential increases in internet prices, were deemed inaccurate by the company.
In a media release, BSCPLC clarified that concerns about bandwidth shortages and price hikes are unfounded. The company highlighted its ongoing efforts to expand capacity by implementing the SEA-ME-WE-6 Trusted Submarine Cable System, which will complement the existing SEA-ME-WE-4 and SEA-ME-WE-5 systems. The current combined capacity of these systems is approximately 7,200 Gbps, of which around 4,000 Gbps is already being utilized within the country. BSCPLC has the capability to supply an additional 3,200 Gbps.
The SEA-ME-WE-6 cable, expected to be operational by 2027, will increase the country's total bandwidth supply capacity to 34,000 Gbps. Projections by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) estimate that the country's bandwidth demand will reach 30,000 Gbps by 2030. By 2027, BSCPLC's total bandwidth capacity will reach 41,000 Gbps, sufficient to meet future demands. Additionally, bandwidth is being imported as needed through six International Terrestrial Cable (ITC) operators.
BSCPLC has also initiated the process of joining a fourth submarine cable, reinforcing its ability to meet expanding bandwidth demands. The company emphasized that there is no current shortage of international bandwidth and no anticipated future shortage.
Furthermore, BSCPLC has been providing bandwidth to customers through attractive packages and continuous price reductions, making international bandwidth more accessible. The company assured that as bandwidth consumption increases, it will offer even more competitive pricing.
In light of these developments, BSCPLC urged stakeholders not to be alarmed by false reports suggesting a bandwidth shortage or price hikes. The company remains committed to upholding Bangladesh's digital sovereignty and ensuring the security of its national strategic information infrastructure.