IIGAB proposes tariff cut to boost Internet access

The International Internet Gateway Association of Bangladesh (IIGAB) has proposed a new tariff cut to the telecom regulator to expand Internet access.

The proposal submitted recently to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) outlines reductions across price tiers, setting a new floor price of Tk 215 and a ceiling of Tk 265 for bandwidth between 1-500 Mbps.

The rates will gradually decrease by Tk 5 per unit, with the increase of bulk quantities.

Revenue sharing will be based on the floor price.

In September 2021, BTRC set a uniform rate across the country for International Internet Gateway (IIG) services, establishing a floor price of Tk 365 within Dhaka and Tk 399 outside Dhaka for bandwidth ranging from 50 to 1000 Mbps, valid for five years.

According to stakeholders, the proposed price reduction would allow internet service providers (ISPs) to cut costs by Tk 50-75 per Mbps for various slabs, potentially lowering customer internet bills.

IIGAB President Aminul Hakim said that the initiative, which aligns with the government's goal of making internet more accessible, aims to boost internet usage and expand access, especially in underserved areas.

Referring to the government's desire to reduce the price of internet, he said, "We've also taken initiatives in line with the government. If this initiative is implemented, the cost of Internet will come down. Users will be able to use the internet at affordable costs."

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