MAHMUDUL HASAN

The internet regulator has reduced broadband internet prices at the consumer level by up to 20 percent in a bid to make internet access more affordable across the country.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued the directive to broadband internet service providers on Tuesday.

Documents show that BTRC submitted the proposal to lower end-user internet tariffs to the telecom ministry for pre-approval on December 3 last year — a necessary step before the commission can approve major decisions.

However, it took around four and a half months to secure approval from both the telecom and finance ministries.

Under the new pricing, a 5 Mbps broadband connection will now cost Tk 400 per month, down from the previously fixed Tk 500 in 2021. The 10 Mbps package has been reduced to Tk 700 from Tk 800, and the 20 Mbps tariff is now Tk 1,100 instead of Tk 1,200.

BTRC Chairman Emdad ul Bari, who assumed the role in September last year, has repeatedly emphasised the need to bring down internet prices. Accordingly, the BTRC began a comprehensive analysis of the entire internet supply ecosystem.

“We have thoroughly analysed the entire internet market ecosystem and identified opportunities to reduce prices at various stages,” Bari told The Daily Star in January.