The government will reconsider special privileges granted to mobile operators if they fail to lower mobile internet prices, warned Fayez Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant on ICT Affairs to the Chief Adviser.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, he said: “We granted several benefits to mobile operators at their request — including access to dark fiber and DWDM transmission facilities.” “If they don’t lower prices, we’ll be forced to revisit those concessions, as well as outstanding dues and unresolved service quality issues.”
The briefing was part of the observance of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, marked globally on May 17.
Tayyab noted that transmission providers — including IIGs, NTTNs, and the state-owned Submarine Cable Company — have already announced price cuts that will take effect in July. “With prices dropping across the internet infrastructure chain, there’s no justification left for mobile operators to hold out,” he said.
The government, he added, is leading by example, cutting proposed ICT spending by BDT 50 crore in the upcoming fiscal year. “We’ve already scrapped a Tk200 crore ‘showy’ project and are prioritizing efficiency and revenue growth in state-run telecom entities,” he said.
Responding to media questions, Tayyab said operators who fail to reduce internet tariffs will face pressure. “The days of unchecked privileges are over,” he warned.
Earlier, in an April 21 Facebook post, Tayyab had publicly urged mobile carriers to lower their rates, saying, “There is no longer any reasonable excuse.”
According to him, prices have already dropped 10% at the ITC and IIG levels, and 15% at the NTTN level — leaving only mobile operators yet to make a move.
Also speaking at the event, BTRC Chairman Emdadul Bari said the telecom regulator would not cap the number of internet packages available to consumers. “People are smart enough to decide. We won’t interfere,” he said.
ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury was also present at the briefing.
This year marks the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The theme: “Digital Innovation for Gender Equality.” As part of the day’s observance, the government will provide assistive devices and training in digital literacy to individuals injured during the July Movement, Tayyab announced.