Nationwide rollout of upgraded Tk 500 plan promises faster, fairer internet access amid calls for policy reforms and digital equity.

In a significant move to enhance digital connectivity, the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has announced an immediate upgrade to the country’s base broadband internet speed. Subscribers will now receive 10 Mbps for Tk 500 per month, doubling the previous 5 Mbps speed at the same price point.​

The announcement was made by ISPAB President Md Emdadul Haque during a roundtable discussion titled “Internet Services: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward,” organized by the Telecom and Technology Reporters Network Bangladesh (TRNB) at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Auditorium in Dhaka’s Agargaon.

​Highlights of the Announcement:

• New Base Speed: All Tk 500 broadband plans will now offer 10 Mbps.
• Previous Plan: Users received 5 Mbps for the same price.
• Future Goal: ISPAB aims to offer 20 Mbps as the base speed soon, pending government cooperation.

Calls for Policy Reforms:

To support this vision, ISPAB urged the government to:

• Resume license upgrade processes for capable ISPs.
• Extend ISP license validity to 10 years.
• Allow infrastructure sharing among ISPs, including bandwidth, transmission capacity, and fiber networks.

Md Emdadul Hoque emphasized that modernizing these policies will attract local and foreign investment, helping ISPs improve service quality and affordability.

Government Endorsement and Stakeholder Support

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on the Ministry of ICT, welcomed the announcement and noted that it aligns with the government’s commitment to recognizing internet access as a citizen’s right. He called on all stakeholders to work together toward universal, high-quality connectivity.

Moynul Haque Siddiqui, Chairman of Fiber@Home, echoed the call for balanced policies that ensure both fair returns for businesses and better services for users. He warned against “free internet” campaigns that hurt industry sustainability and advocated instead for quality-focused regulation.

Why This Matters

Bangladesh’s digital economy is growing rapidly. From remote education and telemedicine to freelance work and online businesses, reliable high-speed internet has become essential. Experts believe that upgrading the entry-level speed will reduce digital inequality and enhance national productivity.

This move is expected to benefit rural and semi-urban areas the most, where access to consistent and affordable internet has long lagged behind urban centers. It also opens doors for broader use of smart technologies, cloud computing, and digital literacy programs.

As Bangladesh strides toward building a “Smart Bangladesh,” doubling the broadband speed at the most affordable tier marks a pivotal moment in the country’s journey toward digital transformation.