Government works to lower internet prices, says BTRC Chairman

The Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), Emdad-ul Bari, announced that the government is taking steps to reduce internet prices in Bangladesh. 

He shared this important news at a roundtable discussion titled "The Importance of Telecommunication Networks in Addressing Future Challenges." 

The event was held at a hotel in the capital city on Monday and organized by the Telecom and Technology Reporters Network of Bangladesh (TRNB).

Emdad-ul Bari stressed that lowering internet costs is essential for expanding digital services in the country. He mentioned that the BTRC has lost some of its authority in recent times, and they are working hard to regain it. 

Bari also stated that the commission will not be issuing many new licenses for telecom services. 

Instead, they want to focus on giving out sustainable licenses that will support the industry in the long run. 

"We are moving from a focus on voice services to one that prioritizes data services," he explained.

During the discussion, Bari pointed out that mobile operators are looking to hand over their tower operations to specialized tower companies. He emphasized the need to ensure that these operators can access fiber services at reasonable prices, highlighting the importance of balancing service costs with efficiency.

Bari made it clear that no single company should dominate the telecom sector. 

"We will not allow anyone to become too powerful in this industry," he said. He also expressed that access to the internet should be seen as a basic human right, stating, "The internet should never be turned off for any reason."

At the meeting, Saimum Reza Talukdar, a teacher from BRAC University, spoke about the dangers of shutting down the internet under the pretext of controlling false information. 

He called for stronger laws to prevent such actions and suggested a review of the telecom sector’s infrastructure, content, and competition to better serve the public.

The discussion also revealed that by 2024, Bangladesh will have built a vast transmission network of about 171,106 kilometers, thanks to efforts from both the government and private companies. 

This network will make sure that internet services are available even in rural areas, helping to connect more people and improve digital services across the country.

Overall, the focus on reducing internet prices and improving access shows the government‍‍`s commitment to building a more connected society where everyone can benefit from the opportunities that the internet offers.