‘Govt working to reduce internet price’

The government is working to reduce the price of mobile internet. 
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Emdad Ul Bari revealed the information while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar on the importance of telecommunication networks to face future challenges, organised by Telecom Technology Reporters Network of Bangladesh (TRNB) on Monday (November 4).

He said, “To reduce the cost of the internet, the dependence on mobile internet should be reduced and broadband services should be emphasized. The BTRC is working on its smooth implementation.”

"It is almost impossible to reduce the cost of mobile internet. That is why we are focusing on broadband services and have sent a broadband policy to the ministry."

He also commented that the country's Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) and mobile operators need to play a more effective role in building a sustainable and cost-effective network.

He further said, “Consumers, operators and governments all want robust and inclusive digital connectivity. In this case, to create equal opportunities, BTRC will perform the duty of referee with emphasis on service demand and not on business protection. No party will be allowed to be demonised.”

Rased Mehedi, Editor of Views Bangladesh and former president of TRNB, presented the keynote at the seminar.

TRNB President Samir Kumar Dey presided over the programme while TRNB General Secretary Masuduzzaman delivered the welcome speech.

In the keynote, Rased Mehedi said, “A transmission network stretching up to 1,71,106 kilometers has been built in the country with public and private cooperation until 2024. And as a result of this network, all internet-based services have spread up to the union level of the country.”

Chairman of NTTN operator Fiber@Home Moinul Haque Siddiqui said, “NTTN was born in 2008 due to the needs of the country. For the past 16 years, NTTN service providers have been working as a common network to bridge the digital divide. This common network has enabled ISPs to take broadband services to the grassroots. Due to the common network, it has been possible to reduce the cost of transmission from Tk 10,000 to Tk 100.”

Shahed Alam, Corporate and Enforcement Affairs Officer of Robi Axiata, said there is no alternative to fiber connectivity to ensure quality uninterrupted service to mobile operators. In this case it is necessary to get dark fiber from NTTN operators. This is also being discussed.

He said that mobile operators do not want NTTN to disappear as a network infrastructure operator. They want assurance of proper transmission service.

Banglalink's Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Taimur Rahman said the quality of service will increase if mobile operators get the opportunity to increase their capacity. For example, it will not be possible to provide quality 4G and 5G services in the future if there is no opportunity to establish sufficient BTS.

He also requested to lower the price of airwaves.

BRAC University teacher Saimum Reza Talukdar said, “We cannot shut down the internet on the pretext of misinformation. A law is needed for this. Telecom infrastructure, content and competition should be framed through a policy review.”