Internet users in Bangladesh brace for major price hike amid new telecom policy

A major shock awaits internet users in Bangladesh. The cost of broadband internet services is set to rise by up to 20 percent for end users due to the implementation of the new telecom policy, according to the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB).

In a statement to the media on Monday, ISPAB President Mohammad Aminul Hakim said that the increased fees and charges introduced under the new policy have raised the operational costs for internet service providers. This, he warned, will directly affect consumers.

“If the telecom policy is not revised, the cost for customers will increase, and Bangladesh risks facing a digital ‘shutdown,’” Hakim said.

He gave an example, explaining that for a BDT 500 broadband connection, users may have to pay an extra BDT 100, and for a BDT 1,000 connection, the cost could increase by BDT 200 — meaning a significant rise in monthly internet expenses for consumers.

ISPAB believes that to keep broadband services affordable, it is essential to amend the policy. Although discussions have been initiated with the relevant government authorities, there has been no assurance of a resolution, the president added. He further warned that excessive financial pressure on internet infrastructure could force many companies out of business, potentially disrupting digital services nationwide.

Ahead of the upcoming national elections, Hakim urged political parties to intervene regarding the telecom policy.

“To move from ‘Digital Bangladesh’ to ‘Smart Bangladesh,’ policy decisions must favor the people,” he said. “If internet services become disrupted or too expensive, it will negatively affect national development.”

Notably, while the number of broadband users in Bangladesh has been increasing, many regions still struggle to access affordable internet. Industry stakeholders fear that the implementation of the new policy will make affordable connectivity even more difficult.