The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has made announcement of providing double internet speed to 10 Mbps instead of 5 Mbps at Tk500.
ISPAB President Md Emdadul Hoque came up with this announcement while speaking at a roundtable discussion titled "Internet Services: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward."
Telecom and Technology Reporters' Network Bangladesh (TRNB) organised the event at the BTRC Auditorium in the capital's Agargaon.
Imdadul Hoque said, "From now on, subscribers will get 10 Mbps speed service with an internet package of Taka 500, which was 5 Mbps earlier. This decision will be effective from today."
He noted that ISPAB aims to set 20 Mbps as the minimum broadband speed. However, achieving this goal requires a license upgrade, he said, adding, "To attract investment, the license validity should be extended to 10 years."
The ISPAB President noted an investor can't start a business with a five-year license with a prior guarantee of investment rather a ten-year term will encourage this investment.
At the same time, Chief Adviser's Special Assistant on Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, who was present as the chief guest at the event, welcomed the decision.
He said, "You (ISPAB) will have to monitor whether everyone is providing internet at this price."
After the event, the special assistant on a Facebook post said, "According to the commitments made by ISPAB, customers will now receive 10 Mbps internet speed with a Tk500 package. This marks a significant step toward phasing out the recognition of 5 Mbps as a minimum broadband speed."
"We aim to ensure a minimum speed of 20 Mbps as soon as possible. To achieve this, policy reforms are being initiated to provide the necessary support, such as active infrastructure sharing, for broadband internet providers," he wrote.
Stating that internet service will be a citizen's right in Bangladesh, he said: "The black policy of internet shutdown will be abolished so the chances of shutting down internet services can be stopped forever. At the same time, the internet will be declared a citizen's right."
Mentioning that the licensing categories will be reduced to three, he said the network and licensing structure of the telecommunications sector will be prepared by next June.
In his speech as a special guest, BTRC Chairman Major General (Retd) Md. Emdad-ul-Bari said, "Those who provide fixed broadband services will not be able to provide wireless services, and those who provide wireless services will not be able to provide fixed broadband services."
Fiber @Home Chairman Moynul Haque Siddiqui said, "Internet is now a lifeline. Internet usage must be increased. A policy must be made so that businessmen do not worry about their income, and consumers also get quality internet services."
Robi's Company Secretary and Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer Shahed Alam said: "If we can make ISPs bigger in the fixed broadband market, then more investment will come in this sector. If incentives can be given in this market, then it is possible to bring a healthy investment in the fixed broadband sector."
Banglalink's Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer Taimur Rahman said: "Customers do not pay separate bills for mobile and broadband abroad. We can also implement this in Bangladesh."
He said, "If everyone, including ISPs, works together, it is possible to provide quality services."
Telecommunication expert Mustafa Mamun Hossain said, "Mobile operators are making profits. The profit percentage of mobile operators in Bangladesh is much higher compared to foreign countries."
In his speech, TRNB President Samir Kumar Dey said: "The cost of mobile internet and voice calls has increased in the last eight months, this is the experience of ordinary customers."
TRNB General Secretary Masuduzzaman Robin delivered the welcome address, while the keynote presentation at the roundtable was made by Organising Secretary Al-Amin Dewan.
