Internet Gateways Propose 40% Tariff Reduction

Several Bangladeshi firms have partnered with Starlink to facilitate the setup of ground earth stations in the country, signing contracts with the US-based telecommunications provider. The collaboration involves space allocation, construction support, and infrastructure maintenance. Some firms are offering their own properties, while others are considering Hi-Tech Park locations.

Twenty-nine international internet gateway (IIG) operators in Bangladesh owe the BTRC Tk 205 crore, with top five defaulters accounting for 77% of the outstanding sum. BTCL has the highest dues at Tk 51.58 crore, followed by Earth Telecom (Tk 32.02 crore) and Aamra Technologies (Tk 25.48 crore).

Over the past 16 years, policies by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) have been criticized for inflating internet costs and reducing speeds compared to neighboring countries. The removal of cache servers from small and medium-sized ISPs in 2021 forced longer data travel distances, increasing operational costs and slowing speeds.

Bangladesh's International Internet Gateways (IIGs) proposed a 40% tariff cut on bandwidth for last-mile ISPs, aiming to lower broadband costs. The new rates would drop from Tk365 to Tk215 per Mbps in Dhaka, with similar reductions outside. IIGAB President Aminul Hakim expects the changes to benefit consumers, though ISP Association President Emdadul Hoque cautions that current prices are already lower than proposed, so retail prices might not change much. The BTRC is reviewing the proposal to align with market conditions and support digital expansion.

Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCPLC) has received approval to issue 2.21 crore ordinary shares, valued at Tk 75 each, in exchange for a government share money deposit of Tk 166 crore. This deposit was made to support the company's second submarine cable project aimed at increasing internet bandwidth.

Domain hosting businesses in Bangladesh are urging the Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) to avoid acting as a domain registrar to ensure fair competition in the retail market. They also call on the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to address price disparities faced by private resellers and to boost the use of dotBD and dotBangla domains. In a recent BTRC meeting, it was noted that BTCL is facing challenges in domain sales due to poor service. The BTRC plans to set a floor price to prevent price discrimination and ensure equitable practices. BTCL will also be integrated into the DNS root zone to enhance cybersecurity and domain management.