In a move to provide more flexibility for mobile internet users, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has lifted the prevailing restrictions on the tenure of mobile internet packages, allowing mobile operators to offer hourly data packs. These hourly packs, however, will be limited to 200 Megabytes (MB) of data.
Additionally, the regulator has set data limits for daily, 2-day, and 3-day packages: daily packs will be capped at 3GB, 2-day packs at 5GB, and 3-day packs at 8GB. The BTRC had previously ordered operators in October 2023 to cease offering data packages other than those for 7-day, 30-day, and unlimited periods. This restriction faced opposition from both consumers and operators.
In July 2024, the BTRC observed that 70% of users preferred 3-day packs and allowed operators to offer 1, 3, 7, 30-day packs alongside unlimited options. Despite this relaxation, the number of mobile internet subscriptions decreased to 137.2 million in October, down from 142.2 million in June.
As before, unused data will expire unless a user purchases the same pack before its expiration date. Mobile operators have welcomed the regulatory relaxation, noting that it will allow them to offer more customer-centric and innovative services. Grameenphone’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Tanveer Mohammad, stated, “It has created opportunities for us to deliver innovative services to our customers, ultimately enhancing their overall experience.”
He emphasized that flexible, principle-based guidelines could further reduce the digital divide and bring more people under digital inclusion. The BTRC has also encouraged operators to offer a free 200MB data pack every month to all active users to improve internet penetration.
Banglalink’s Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer, Taimur Rahman, expressed appreciation for the regulator’s efforts to reduce regulatory complexities, stating that this would enable operators to better design products for targeted customers. He also highlighted the need for fair competition to ensure users have freedom of choice in the mobile market.
