Internet prices may rise under proposed guideline

Bangladesh’s internet service providers warn that household broadband prices would rise by at least 20% under a government-proposed policy that introduces new fees across the sector.

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) expressed its apprehension at a press conference held at a city hotel on November 3.

The draft framework, circulated by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for fixed telecom service providers, would require operators to share 5.5% of their revenue and contribute 1% to the Social Obligation Fund, in addition to other levies, ISPAB said.

The regulator has recently proposed a 5.5% revenue share and a 1% SOF contribution in its licensing overhaul.

ISPAB President Aminul Hakim argued the measures would lift the government take from 21.45% to 40.25% of sector revenues and increase operators’ procurement costs by 14%, pushing up end-user prices.

He urged political parties to intervene and called for “responsible leadership” on pricing.

Aminul Hakim also questioned what he described as preferential licensing terms for Starlink, saying the satellite provider faces a US$10,000 license fee (approximately Tk 12 lakh) while domestic ISPs are required to pay Tk 25 lakh for comparable permissions.

BTRC’s NGSO policy documents and reporting indicate a US$10,000 Starlink licence fee alongside other charges.

ISPAB also opposed clauses that let mobile operators offer fixed internet using fixed wireless access (FWA) and last-mile fibre. This would create unfair competition for local ISPs and could hurt customers. BTRC has already allowed mobile operators to provide FWA, it added.