The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has instructed all mobile operators to provide 1GB of free internet to users on July 18 in observance of “Free Internet Day.” This initiative commemorates the July Uprising and reflects the government’s commitment to digital freedom.
The directive was issued during a BTRC meeting on July 8, chaired by the commission’s vice chairman, following instructions from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. Mobile operators have confirmed receiving the order and are assessing its feasibility.
Taimur Rahman, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer of Banglalink, expressed support for the initiative to honor those who lost their lives last July and mentioned exploring ways to mark the occasion via their digital platform, Toffee. Meanwhile, Robi Axiata’s Shahed Alam noted that bonus data or gifts remain a commercial decision influenced by factors like network load and customer interest.
This year marks the first anniversary of the internet blackout imposed during the violent crackdown on quota reform protests on July 18, 2024, which preceded political upheaval. The BTRC’s order includes a suggested SMS to notify users: “No one will take away freedom to use the internet. On the occasion of July Uprising Day, you are receiving 1GB of data on July 18 with validity for 5 days.”
While the gesture symbolizes digital freedom, telecom operators raised concerns over tax liabilities and network costs associated with free data distribution. They urged the government and BTRC to clarify whether the free internet will be tax-exempt and if other stakeholders will support the financial impact.
