New budget brings no relief for small and medium ISPs: ISPAB

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) said that the proposed national budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year offers no notable changes or benefits for the country’s small and medium-sized ISPs.

The organization said, “This year’s budget brings no good news for small and medium internet service providers (ISPs) either.”

In a budget reaction on Wednesday (June 4), ISPAB President Aminul Hakim said, “Small and medium ISPs are entirely operated by local entrepreneurs, yet the benefits they previously received have remained the same. Internet providers serving corporate clients may get some advantage.”

Aminul Hakim further said, “Corporate organizations pay their internet bills after deducting Advance Income Tax (AIT). Since the AIT has been reduced from 10 percent to 5 percent, a small number of ISPs may get some relief.”

“The government wants to reduce internet prices, but they don’t want to touch VAT, taxes, or equipment costs. So, there will be no real benefit. Without changes in VAT and taxes, internet prices won’t go down,” he added.