Telcos get one week to submit plan on data price cut

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has asked all mobile network operators to submit reports within a week detailing the measures they are taking to reduce data package prices, amid growing public concern over rising mobile internet costs.

The directive came on Wednesday, following meetings between the regulator and mobile operators in December and earlier this month.

According to an official document, a meeting chaired by BTRC Vice Chairman Md Abu Bakar Siddique reviewed the progress of initiatives announced earlier this month to lower data tariffs. 

During the meeting, the director general of BTRC’s system and service division highlighted that, despite previous instructions, mobile data prices have risen significantly in recent months.

Vice Chairman Siddique said the sharp increase in data package prices has placed a financial burden on consumers. “Considering public interest, mobile operators must take necessary steps to lower data package prices,” he said. 

He added that the issue has drawn attention at the highest levels of government.

According to the meeting minutes, Siddique mentioned clear instructions from the government, including from the chief adviser’s special assistant, to bring down data prices. 

He also warned that if operators do not act effectively, BTRC will intervene in line with government directives.

In response, mobile operators said rising operational costs are the main reason for recent price hikes. They pointed to inflation, higher network maintenance costs, and increased foreign exchange rates, which have made imported equipment and investments more expensive.

The operators, however, assured the regulator that they are working on ways to reduce data prices and requested separate meetings with BTRC to explain their proposed actions and possible tariff changes in detail.

Following the discussion, Vice Chairman Siddique instructed all operators to submit written reports within a week, outlining the steps they have taken and their plans to lower data package prices. 

Based on these reports, BTRC will hold individual meetings with each operator to review their proposals further.

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, sustainable, and support long-term sector growth.

“In the past 24 months, revenue has steadily declined, while data prices have fallen about 20%, benefiting consumers. Further cuts, if made without considering costs and investment needs, could leave operators financially vulnerable. 

“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 even increase costs for consumers.”