Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company PLC (BSCPLC), the state-owned and publicly listed provider of international internet bandwidth, has reached a significant technological milestone by crossing 4 terabits per second (Tbps) of real-time bandwidth delivery.

The milestone was achieved on August 1, following BSCPLC’s rollout of 200 Gbps of bandwidth in support of Starlink’s commercial satellite internet service in Bangladesh, which launched operations in July.

This marks a rapid expansion for BSCPLC, which had only crossed the 3 Tbps threshold on April 28 this year. In just three months, the company has added 1 Tbps of capacity, a growth rate that outpaced the 1.1 Tbps increase recorded in the eight months prior.

Over 100% Growth in One Year

According to a press statement from BSCPLC, the company’s impressive growth is the result of strategic decisions and policy reforms implemented by the current administration. In the previous Awami League government’s term, more than 65% of the company’s bandwidth capacity remained unused. In contrast, under the new leadership, BSCPLC’s total delivery capacity has surged by 2.2 Tbps, registering a 105% increase in just one year.

This achievement has been credited to support from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, strategic pricing adjustments, and proactive management within the organization. The company has conducted two rounds of bandwidth price reductions, making submarine-sourced bandwidth more accessible to major users across the country.

Regulatory Shifts to Favor Submarine Cable Usage

In a key development, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has amended its licensing guidelines to require all International Internet Gateway (IIG) operators to procure at least 50% of their total bandwidth from submarine cable sources. This policy shift aims to reduce dependence on Indian terrestrial bandwidth routes and strengthen the country’s digital sovereignty.

In alignment with this policy, BSCPLC has introduced additional discounts for IIGs that exceed the 50% sourcing threshold. These efforts are designed to make submarine bandwidth more attractive and to boost local capacity usage.

To cater to the evolving demands of the digital economy, BSCPLC has launched new internet packages outside of its regular bulk offerings. These are designed specifically for data centers, cloud service providers, and hyperscale technology platforms looking for scalable, high-speed, and stable internet infrastructure.

Looking Ahead: SEA-ME-WE 6 to Add 17 Tbps

In a further boost to the nation’s internet backbone, the Bangladesh government has approved a revised route for the upcoming SEA-ME-WE 6 submarine cable project, which is set to add an additional 17 Tbps of bandwidth to BSCPLC’s real-time internet delivery footprint.

The proposal was greenlit during the latest meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec), signaling a strong commitment to future-proofing Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

• BSCPLC now delivers 4 Tbps of live internet bandwidth.

• The growth was fueled by Starlink integration and a 1 Tbps increase in just three months.

• The company recorded 105% growth in capacity in one year.

• New regulations require IIGs to source at least 50% of bandwidth from submarine cables.

• Discounts, new internet packages, and SEA-ME-WE 6 expansion are solidifying BSCPLC’s market position.

As Bangladesh continues its digital transformation journey, BSCPLC’s rapid growth and innovative strategies are set to play a pivotal role in ensuring robust, high-capacity internet for the country’s future.

Bangladesh has recently doubled its minimum broadband speed to 10 Mbps for just Tk 500 nationwide.
👉 Read how this move is reshaping digital access across the country