The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has directed all mobile network operators to submit reports within a week outlining the measures they are taking to reduce mobile data package prices, amid mounting public concern over rising internet costs.
The instruction followed meetings between the regulator and operators in December and earlier this month. According to an official document, a session chaired by BTRC Vice Chairman Md Abu Bakar Siddique reviewed progress on initiatives announced to ease data tariffs.
During the meeting, the director general of BTRC’s system and service division noted that, despite earlier directives, mobile data prices have risen sharply in recent months.
Siddique said the increase has placed a growing financial burden on consumers. “Considering public interest, mobile operators must take necessary steps to lower data package prices,” he said, adding that the matter has drawn attention at the highest levels of government.
Meeting minutes show that Siddique cited clear instructions from the government, including from the chief adviser’s special assistant, to bring down data prices. He warned that if operators fail to act effectively, BTRC will intervene in line with government directives.
In response, operators said rising operational costs are driving recent price hikes. They pointed to inflation, higher network maintenance expenses, and foreign exchange pressures that have raised the cost of imported equipment and investments.
Despite this, operators assured the regulator they are working on ways to reduce prices and requested separate meetings with BTRC to explain their proposed actions and potential tariff changes in detail.
Following the discussion, Siddique instructed all operators to submit written reports within a week detailing the steps taken and their plans to lower data package prices. BTRC will then hold individual meetings with each operator to review the proposals.
Shahed Alam, chief corporate and regulatory officer of Robi Axiata PLC, said any pricing review should be based on a clear and transparent cost study to ensure decisions are evidence-based and sustainable.
“In the past 24 months, revenue has steadily declined, while data prices have fallen about 20%, benefiting consumers,” he said. “Further cuts without considering costs and investment needs could leave operators financially vulnerable.”
He added that low returns make it harder to invest in network expansion, improve service quality, and adopt new technologies. “Short-term or arbitrary pricing decisions could weaken the industry, reduce service quality, and ultimately increase costs for consumers.”
