BTRC asks operators to provide 1GB free internet on July 18

As part of a government initiative to commemorate the July Uprising, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has instructed all mobile operators to provide 1GB of free internet to users on July 18, marking the observance of "Free Internet Day."

The directive was issued on Wednesday (July 9), following a meeting held at the BTRC headquarters on Tuesday (July 8), according to an official source. The instructions have already been forwarded to all telecom operators.

According to BTRC, the free internet data will remain valid for five days.

This move has been taken under the directive of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications to reflect public sentiment and promote the idea of digital freedom.

Operators have also been instructed to inform customers in advance via SMS about the offer before it becomes active.

The directive further states that mobile operators must fully cooperate to ensure the day is observed properly and customers receive the intended benefit.

BTRC described the initiative as a “symbolic step toward digital freedom,” aligning with the spirit of the historic July movement and undertaken in the public interest.

Commenting on the initiative, Taimur Rahman, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer of Banglalink, said “We are eager to honor the spirit of July and the right to internet access. We will review the directive and take necessary action promptly.”

It is worth noting that on July 18, 2024, during the crackdown on the quota reform movement, the Sheikh Hasina government had imposed internet blackouts in various parts of the country. Later, the interim government declared the date as “Free Internet Day.”