Despite continued opposition, the country's mobile-phone operators have discontinued the 3-day data package from Sunday as per the new data guidelines by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
All four operators -- Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink and Teletalk -- ceased 3-day internet packages on Saturday midnight. They have removed these package plans from their websites.
The cost of mobile data is expected to see a significant increase under the new data package structures, according to the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers' Association (BMPCA).
As per the BTRC's directives, the new data guidelines, including the discontinuation of 3 and 15-day data packages, will take effect from October 15.
Consequently, the number of available packages has been reduced to 40 from the previous 90-95 options.
Grameenphone, in a notification posted on its website, informed its customers of the transition, saying, "Dear valued customers, as per the new directive of BTRC, Grameenphone (including Skitto) along with other operators will have 7 days, 30 days and unlimited validity internet and combo packs from 15 October 2023."
Mentioned the discontinuation of 3 and 15-day validity packs, The notification, however, said that customers who have already purchased those offers can utilise them until their expiry date. Grameenphone has removed its 3 and 15-day packages and introduced new unlimited data packages in line with the data guidelines. They have replaced the previous packages with 7 and 30-day options.
Robi's website also no longer features the 3 and 15-day packages, displaying a 'Not Found' message upon clicking on those sections. Banglalink has also discontinued these packages and is in the process of updating information on data buying platforms, including their website.
Customers who possess the validity of these two data packages after October 15 can continue using them within the specified period. However, after expiration, they will not be able to purchase or renew the package.
The Mobile Phone Consumers' Association criticised the BTRC, saying the new directives have disregarded the interests of 70 per cent of customers.
bdsmile@gmail.com
