Internet Prices Drop: Faiz Taiyeb Explains

Bangladesh’s Digital Transformation: The Future of Internet Pricing

In a bold step towards a more affordable digital future, Bangladesh is poised to redefine internet accessibility and revolutionize its online landscape. With significant price reductions across major infrastructure layers, the nation embarks on a journey to ensure that every citizen can embrace the digital age without financial burden.

The Promise of Reduced Prices

Faiz Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser, made headline news on April 21, 2025, unveiling a comprehensive scheme aimed at slashing internet costs at three pivotal levels:

• International Terrestrial Cable (ITC): 10% reduction
• International Internet Gateway (IIG): 10% reduction
• National Transmission Network (NTTN): 15% reduction

These cuts represent a coordinated effort to overhaul the current pricing structure and ensure widespread access to digital services. As the digital divide narrows, millions stand to benefit from lower costs, enhancing the quality of life and boosting economic prospects across the board.

A Collective National Initiative

Taiyeb explains that the reductions mirror a collective national initiative to make digital services more accessible and inclusive. The Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL) has already made strides in this direction by implementing a 10% cut for all IIGs and ISPs, with wholesale clients enjoying even more substantial savings of up to 20%.

The Impact on Businesses and Consumers

In the United States, there is much to learn from Bangladesh’s approach to digital pricing. For example, FCC initiatives aimed at enhancing broadband access and affordability reflect similar goals. The correlation between reduced internet costs and economic growth has been well-documented—lower prices can lead to increased digital entrepreneurship, greater innovation, and wider participation in the digital economy.

What’s Next? Mobile Internet Pricing

Despite the progress, a significant player remains unaddressed: mobile internet pricing. While state-run Teletalk has already offered a 10% discount on mobile internet services since Eid-ul-Fitr, private mobile network operators have yet to follow suit. This delay raises questions about the readiness of the private sector to contribute to national objectives in the digital ecosystem.

Government Support for Mobile Operators

The government has made moves to ease operational costs for mobile operators by granting them access to Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) and dark fiber. With reduced operational costs made available, the expectation is that these savings will reflect in lower consumer prices for mobile internet as well. Taiyeb emphasized that, “With a supportive environment and upstream price cuts already implemented, mobile operators have no logical excuse to delay reductions.”

Encouraging Proactive Changes

For mobile network operators to align with the national effort, the government is advocating for two critical changes:

1. Withdrawal of the price increase that was instituted in March, now reversed.
2. Proportional reductions in consumer pricing that align with wholesale cuts across the ITC, IIG, and NTTN levels.

Responding to the Call for Change

As consumers grapple with the effects of inflation, a swift response from mobile operators will provide much-needed relief. Lower mobile internet pricing is not merely a financial adjustment; it holds the potential to enhance connectivity across the nation, catalyzing social inclusion and empowering the economy.

Global Trends in Internet Pricing

The shifts towards lower internet prices are not isolated to Bangladesh. Globally, we’re witnessing trends where governments are prioritizing digital accessibility as an essential service. For instance, in the United States, initiatives like the Emergency Broadband Benefit have aimed to assist low-income families in gaining access to internet services during critical times, such as the recent pandemic.

Learning from the U.S. Experience

American companies are also leading in innovative pricing models. Firms like Comcast have introduced programs designed to ensure low-income households can access affordable internet. Similar programs in Bangladesh could help further reduce costs for those who are traditionally underserved.

The Future of Connectivity in Bangladesh

Looking ahead, the future of connectivity in Bangladesh appears promising. The government’s proactive stance, combined with the ongoing adjustments in pricing strategies, hints at a transformation in how citizens interact with digital services. Taiyeb’s optimistic assertion that private mobile network operators will eventually align with this national initiative underscores a collective vision—a vision where connectivity becomes a fundamental right, not a luxury.

Broadening Horizons

As the internet becomes more affordable, the opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship flourish. Just as the smartphone revolutionized communication and commerce, affordable internet can stimulate new industries, educational advancements, and increased national competitiveness in a global marketplace.

FAQ Section

What are the new internet pricing changes in Bangladesh?

Three major reductions have been announced: 10% at the International Terrestrial Cable (ITC) and International Internet Gateway (IIG) levels, and 15% on the National Transmission Network (NTTN).

How will these reductions affect consumers?

These reductions are expected to lower the final cost of internet services for consumers, making digital services more accessible to the general population.

What about mobile internet pricing?

The state-run operator Teletalk has initiated a 10% discount, but private operators have yet to respond. The government urges them to follow suit to align with the overall reduction strategy.

What support is the government providing to mobile operators?

The government has provided mobile operators with access to DWDM and dark fiber technology, which can significantly cut down operational expenses.

Why is the reduction of internet prices important?

Lower internet prices promote digital inclusion, enhance economic growth, and empower citizens to leverage technology for education, business, and innovation.

Engaging Readers

Did you know that reducing internet costs can lead to increased economic growth and social equity? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how affordable internet access impacts your life. What changes do you hope to see in your internet service?

Bangladesh’s Digital Transformation: Expert insights on affordable Internet Pricing

Time.news: Bangladesh is making headlines with its efforts to reduce internet costs. We’re joined today by Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in telecommunications policy, to unpack these changes and explore their potential impact. Dr. Sharma, welcome!

Dr. Anya Sharma: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic and I’m happy to contribute.

Time.news: Let’s dive right in. The article highlights critically important price reductions across the ITC,IIG,and NTTN levels in Bangladesh. Can you explain the importance of these cuts and to whom they matter and why?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Absolutely. These reductions – 10% for International Terrestrial Cable (ITC) and International Internet Gateway (IIG),and 15% for the National Transmission Network (NTTN) – are fundamental steps. they address the cost structure at the very core of internet service provision.

think of it like this: ITC and IIG are like the major highways bringing internet traffic into Bangladesh from the rest of the world. NTTN is the highway system that distributes it across the country. Reducing costs at these points directly lowers the cost burden for Internet Service Providers (ISPs). When ISPs pay less for the foundational resources, they should be able to offer more affordable plans to consumers and businesses.

This is very important for Bangladesh since their population is mainly middle to low income and such moves can result in a reduction of the digital divide.

Time.news: So, it’s about affordability impacting everyone in the nation.

Dr. Anya Sharma: Precisely. And that brings us to the benefits for everyone.Reduced costs translate to increased digital inclusion, especially for low-income communities. When internet access becomes a fundamental digital right,not a luxury,innovation and entrepreneurship flourish unlocking education improvements,and an increase in national competitiveness in a global marketplace.

Time.news: the article mentions the Bangladesh submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL) is also contributing to lower International Internet Gateway (IIG) pricing. How important is this sort of public sector involvement?

Dr. Anya Sharma: BSCCL is playing a crucial role. When a state-owned enterprise like BSCCL takes the lead in reducing prices, it sets a powerful benchmark and incentivizes private players to follow suit. It also demonstrates the government’s commitment to closing the digital divide and facilitating digital inclusion.

Time.news: The article flags mobile internet pricing as the next challenge, with private mobile operators lagging behind the state-run Teletalk. What’s your take on this?

Dr. Anya Sharma: This is the critical sticking point. Mobile internet is the primary way most people in Bangladesh access the internet, especially in rural areas. Private mobile operators have a social obligation to align with the national goal of increased affordability.

The government has already granted them access to cost-saving technologies like DWDM and dark fiber. As the article notes, ‘mobile operators have no logical excuse to delay reductions’.

Ultimately, it’s not just good corporate citizenship; it’s also good business. More affordable mobile internet means more subscribers, increased data usage, and ultimately, more revenue for these companies in the long run.

Time.news: The government is urging mobile operators to withdraw a previous price increase and implement proportional cuts. Do you think this approach is effective?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Yes, these are exactly correct strategic moves. A clear public policy that ensures both a removal of price increases and the adherence of the private mobile companies should result in a boost of the over all strategy.

Time.news: The article draws parallels to internet affordability initiatives in the United states, like FCC programs and Comcast’s low-income internet plans.What lessons can Bangladesh learn from the US experience?

Dr. Anya Sharma: I believe US companies and their FCC (https://www.fcc.gov) initiatives provide useful insights into reducing digital costs. We also see the Emergency Broadband Benefit (https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit) has helped low-income families gain access. These experiences show that targeted subsidies, public-private partnerships, and awareness campaigns are crucial components of a triumphant affordable internet strategy.

Bangladesh can adapt these models to its own context, focusing on solutions that address the specific needs of its population, such as further mobile data plans and more public hot-spots.

Time.news: What advice would you give to our Time.news readers in Bangladesh who are hoping to see these changes materialize?

Dr. Anya Sharma: Stay informed,be vocal,and demand accountability. Contact your mobile operators, participate in online discussions, and let your elected officials no that affordable internet is a priority for you. Consumer pressure can play a significant role in driving change. It’s about ensuring that access to online services becomes a central point to help build social inclusion and empower the economy.

Time.news: Dr. Sharma, thank you for sharing your insights. It’s clear that Bangladesh’s digital transformation is a complex but perhaps transformative journey.

Dr. Anya Sharma: My pleasure. Here’s hoping the country stays on the right path, and every citizen can enjoy the benefits of affordable internet.