Bangladesh’s internet subscriber base has declined for six consecutive months, with around 70 lakh users dropping off the network between July 2025 and January 2026, largely due to a sharp reduction in mobile internet subscriptions.
According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), total internet subscribers fell to 12.90 crore in January from 13.60 crore in July 2025. The drop has been driven almost entirely by a decline in mobile internet users, who represent the majority of internet connections in the country.
Mobile internet subscriptions decreased from 12.15 crore in July to 11.42 crore in January, marking a reduction of approximately 74 lakh users over the period. Monthly data shows the steepest decline occurred in October, when total subscribers dropped from 13.42 crore in September to 13.15 crore.
The downward trend continued in the following months, with total subscribers falling to 12.99 crore in November, 12.97 crore in December, and finally 12.90 crore in January. Mobile internet users followed a similar pattern, declining from 11.97 crore in September to 11.69 crore in October and 11.53 crore in November, before reaching 11.42 crore in January.
One of the major drivers behind the decline has been a government policy limiting personal SIM ownership. In June 2025, authorities reduced the cap on SIM ownership from 15 to 10 per individual to improve transparency in telecom services, curb criminal misuse of SIM cards, and strengthen national security oversight.
Subscribers were initially required to deregister or transfer extra SIMs by October 30, 2025, although the deadline was later extended to December 29, 2025.
Industry representatives say the policy had a direct impact on internet user numbers. Shahed Alam, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer at Robi Axiata, said the reduction in active SIM cards significantly affected mobile internet usage.
“As SIM ownership is directly related to mobile internet usage, a decrease in active SIMs naturally impacts the size of the internet subscriber base,” he said.
He also noted that the current economic environment has prompted many consumers to reassess their spending, leading to fewer active SIM cards in circulation.
In contrast, fixed broadband subscriptions have remained relatively stable. The number of broadband users stood at 1.46 crore between September and December before rising slightly to 1.48 crore in January, reflecting gradual growth in fixed internet services.
