Top digital platform executives call for reducing internet prices

Calling for groundbreaking changes in Bangladesh’s telecommunications and digital services sector, top executives from various organizations gathered on Monday for a roundtable discussion.

The meeting was held at the BTRC building in Agargaon, Dhaka, focused on issues such as mobile internet costs, the inclusion of content providers, and the reconsideration of revenue share and floor price policies.

During the meeting, Wasim Alim, founder and CEO of ChalDal, highlighted the disparity in internet costs by comparing Bangladesh to countries like India and Indonesia, stating, “The rate and cost of internet usage in India is significantly lower than in Bangladesh. Our mobile internet costs should also be standardized like broadband.” He expressed that reducing internet costs could further expand the country's e-commerce sector.

According to Wasim Alim, offering 2 GB of data for just 10 taka per month could revolutionize internet usage among the general population. However, representatives from mobile operators pointed out that there are financial and policy challenges that must be addressed before such a proposal can be implemented. They expressed a willingness to engage in further discussions with BTRC regarding this proposal.

The roundtable also discussed the necessity of attracting global content platforms like Google and Facebook to Bangladesh. Fahim Mashrur, founder of Bdjobs, stated, “If we place the responsibility for content solely on the providers, it will be easier to attract global investment into our market.” However, he emphasized the importance of considering the outcomes and challenges of such decisions for local entrepreneurs.

The meeting highlighted the need for renewed discussions on establishing a floor price for data packages. Entrepreneurs argued that the current floor price policy is driving up internet costs, hindering the usage of mobile internet. They suggested that eliminating the floor price would allow regular users to access the internet more affordably.

Fahim Mashrur believes that it is time to reconsider the revenue share and SOF fund associated with mobile operators. He mentioned that these funds create financial pressure on operators and impede their business expansion. He recommended suspending the SOF fund for at least two years to encourage more investment in the sector.

During the roundtable, Fahim Mashrur stated, “Comparing internet costs to the purchasing power of the population, it is still quite high. Mobile internet costs should also be standardized like broadband.”

He urged BTRC to adopt new plans concerning revenue-sharing policies and the SOF fund to implement this change.

BTRC Chairman Emdad ul Bari said, “Access to the internet is a right of the people, and we are working to ensure this right reaches everyone.” He also mentioned that they would work more diligently on reforms in the internet sector, considering the suggestions received from the discussions.

BTRC's Director General (SM), Brigadier General Mohammad Moniruzzaman Jewel, said, "The implementation of NEIR has faced setbacks, moving one step forward and two steps back. We hope to have it fully operational within a few months. We're working with Voltic to enhance data usage."

Former MIST Principal, Major General (Retd.) Wahiduzzaman, said, "AI-based solutions are not regular ERP or services. The market isn’t ready yet. ChatGPT alone handles these tasks. Data is essential for AI; hence, a data-sharing platform is needed."

Brac Bank's Deputy Managing Director and COO, Sabbir Hossain, said, "SMS costs in USD transactions should be reduced. Ensuring toll-free lines without delay is essential, and we expect regulations on maintaining digital services during emergencies."

Telecom expert Mahtab Uddin Ahmed noted, "BTRC could take responsibility to make services affordable across sectors, preventing data duplication and releasing reliable data sets. Telecom operators should also have access to MFS services."

AHM Hasinul Quddus Rusho, Daraz Bangladesh's Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, stated, "Digital services are the future. To provide internet data opportunities among SMEs, subscription discounts should be offered. Making IP phone usage easier on apps is also essential."

Munaf Mujib Chowdhury from ITTPool Bangladesh said, "Focus should be on the meaningful use of data along with access. Many are unaware of which services data usage can benefit. The relationship between Bangladesh and Meta (Facebook) is poor, despite Bangladesh being a major advertising market for Facebook. BTRC should conduct thorough research and find creative solutions in this area."

Sadia Haque, CEO of ShareTrip, mentioned, "Entrepreneurs in the ecosystem are facing a shortage of reliable data for raising funds. Integrating digital services in travel is also challenging. Therefore, awareness of internet education should be increased."

Pathao CEO Fahim Ahmed said, "Under the previous government, there were internet shutdowns, including a 15-day Facebook ban. Sixty percent of businesses operate via Facebook, causing losses of around tk750 crores for small entrepreneurs during that period. We need to focus on data localization, data protection, and consumer protection."

Taimur Rahman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Banglalink, said, "We have integrated various digital services on our platform, but they fall under different ministries, forcing us to halt them. We need policy reforms to move forward alongside digital service providers."

Shahir Chowdhury, founder of Shikho, remarked, "The July movement started with education and ended with dreams of employment. Operators need to focus on improving infrastructure, not on providing educational or entertainment services. Digital services are key to reducing inequality, and it’s our responsibility to familiarize citizens with using these services."

Ilmul Haque Sajib, co-founder of Sheba.XYZ, said, "The benefits of technological advancements haven’t reached everywhere, protecting large companies from losses. We need to provide accurate data. Many areas in Dhaka lack good internet connectivity. We should work with industry leaders to reduce internet costs."

Sabrina Imam, Technology Officer at Praava Health, said, "Providing telemedicine services outside Dhaka is challenging, especially due to high internet costs."

The roundtable discussion, moderated by Brigadier General Mohammad Khalil ur Rahman, Director General of BTRC's Systems and Services Division, featured remarks from BTRC Vice Chairman Mohammad Aminul Haque, Commissioner Dr. Mushfiq Mannan Chowdhury, and Zahid Zaman, Head of Digital Channels and Distribution at Grameenphone. BTRC Commissioners Mahmud Hossain and Brigadier General (Retd.) Iqbal Ahmed, NDC, were also in attendance.