The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has announced a reduction in the prices of fixed internet packages, introducing a Tk 500 package as the new minimum, down from the previous Tk 700. This change will take effect from Tuesday, July 1.
Currently, ISPs nationwide — whether local, district-based, regional, or nationwide — typically offer fixed internet speeds averaging 10 Mbps, with no packages below 5 Mbps. Aligning with this, ISPAB will now provide fixed internet packages starting from Tk 500.
ISPAB President Aminul Hakim highlighted that Bangladesh ranks 98th out of 153 countries in the Speedtest Global Index for fixed broadband services. ISPAB is committed to improving the country’s global broadband ranking.
Hakim noted that the minimum standard speed among ISPs is currently set at 10 Mbps. He further added that if the government removes the Social Obligation Fund (SOF) and revenue-sharing requirements, ISPs would be able to offer 20 Mbps bandwidth packages, aligning with global broadband standards. Efforts are ongoing to achieve this milestone.
He also pointed out that many customers hesitate to pay the 5% value-added tax (VAT) included in their monthly bills, creating collection challenges for ISPs. To resolve this, ISPAB members have agreed to collect the 5% VAT and deposit it directly into the national treasury in collaboration with the government.
ISPAB urges all customers to subscribe only to licensed ISPs, pay the 5% VAT as mandated by law, and request payment receipts with their monthly bills as proof of payment.
