Dhaka: Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, has urged private mobile phone operators to reduce internet prices. He announced a three-tier price reduction following a leading private data and transmission service provider’s decision to lower its bulk rates. This announcement aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to make internet services more affordable for citizens.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has already doubled internet speeds to 10 Mbps from 5 Mbps at the same rate of Taka 500. Taiyeb made this announcement on his official Facebook page, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing internet quality and affordability in Bangladesh. “There are widespread concerns about the quality of mobile internet in Bangladesh. The price is significantly higher compared to the quality. In this situation, the government is committed to taking reasonable steps in the interest of consumers,” he stated.
The mobile phone operators have welcomed the move to cut prices at the bulk level. They expressed readiness to provide better services to customers if their operational costs are reduced. Taiyeb detailed the ongoing efforts to decrease internet costs in a structured manner. Leading private data, transmission, and infrastructure service provider Fiber@Home confirmed price reductions at three critical levels: a 10 percent cut in International Terrestrial Cable (ITC), a 10 percent reduction in International Internet Gateway (IIG), and a 15 percent decrease in Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN).
Discussing with BSS, Abbas Faruque, Chief Government and Regulatory Affairs Officer of Fiber@Home, stated that they have aligned their pricing with the government’s initiative to provide quality internet at an affordable price. “Welcoming the initiative, our company, Fiber@Home, has shaken hands with the government to bring it to life, ensuring users have access to affordable internet,” he added.
Summit Communications, another key player, is also considering similar measures. Md Arif Al Islam, Managing Director and CEO of the company, indicated they are contemplating pricing adjustments. ISPAB President Md Emdadul Hoque emphasized that the real benefits of the price cut would be realized only if implemented at the market level rather than just at the headline price level.
Previously, Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL) made a significant move by reducing international gateway prices, offering a 10 percent reduction for all IIGs and ISPs and a total 20 percent discount for wholesale clients. Taiyeb noted that these collective moves have eased internet pricing at nearly all stages of the country’s internet licensing regime, from international links to local access networks. Only mobile internet pricing remains to be addressed.
Private mobile operators Robi and Banglalink have shown a positive response to the initiative. Shahed Alam, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer of Robi, stated, “Our pricing is based on the cost. As we mentioned earlier, if the cost is reduced, the end user may see a corresponding decrease in the price, we are confirming it again.” Taimur Rahman, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer of Banglalink, added, “We’re working on different reform issues and will try to provide better service to the customers.”
Taiyeb pointed out that while state-owned Teletalk has implemented a 10 percent discount on mobile internet services since Eid-ul-Fitr, the country’s three private mobile network operators have yet to follow suit. The government supports the mobile telecommunications sector by providing access to DWDM and dark fibre infrastructure, significantly reducing operational costs. Taiyeb expressed optimism that private operators would soon respond positively and align with the broader national interest.
The government anticipates two key actions from these operators: reducing prices increased in March under the pretext of SRO adjustment and proportionately decreasing customer-level internet prices in line with wholesale rate reductions at the International Gateway/ITC, IIG, and National Transmission levels.