Topology Transformation: Bangladesh to Reshape Internet Infrastructure and Licensing
Bangladesh is set to implement a three-layer network topology to address the challenges of internet governance and affordability, areas where the country still lags behind globally. In an ambitious push for reform, the government plans to begin deregulation by June, with a focus on lifting license limitations and replacing them with strict Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
These remarks were made by Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant on ICT and Telecom Affairs to the Prime Adviser, during a roundtable discussion held on Saturday on the topic of “Challenges, Possibilities, and Recommendations for Internet Services at the Grassroots Level.”
“We will remove license limitations and instead assign timeframes to meet specific conditions. If unmet within the timeline, penalties will follow,” Taiyeb announced, noting that political influence over telecom operations would be curtailed. “Those attempting to influence policy revisions with financial muscle will invite their own downfall.”
He emphasized the need to enhance digital services and pay closer attention to IoT implementation. Barriers to service innovation would be removed, and active sharing opportunities in the telecom business would be unlocked. Notably, within three years, the government aims for 100 percent underground telecom fiber installation in metropolitan areas.
Taiyeb further stressed the need for structural and policy reforms to improve global rankings. “We will bring Bangladesh into the top 30 in all international indices within the next two years,” he stated.
Addressing affordability, Taiyeb said, “The cost of internet in Bangladesh remains among the highest globally, particularly considering the quality.” He criticized the lack of separate internet provisions for education, healthcare, and disaster management, calling it a key reason the country cannot measure itself against global standards.
Welcoming the efforts of ISPs to reduce internet prices, he urged them to ensure service upgrades. “If you're offering 10 Mbps at a certain price, you can deliver 20 Mbps at the same price. It’s your responsibility to monitor and ensure that.”
Commenting on Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), he asserted, “We are not walking backward. We want to send a message—businesses should focus on doing business, not lobbying through political or influential circles. Let voice over Wi-Fi be introduced quickly. Let’s move services from outdoors to indoors to ensure quality.”
He added that the government would end the arbitrary suspension of internet services. “Freelancers have suffered, and investments have been impacted. We must show the world that internet shutdowns will no longer occur. This is a responsibility we must fulfill to assure investors.”
In his remarks as special guest, BTRC Chairman Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdadul Bari stated, “We have only looked after our own interests. It’s time for one license category to collaborate with another to expand the network.” He discussed plans for revising network topology and introducing active sharing formats.
“We will revisit the ‘One Country, One Rate’ policy,” Bari noted, adding that there will be only one category of ISP licenses going forward, removing the need for license upgrades. “We also aim to consolidate the NTTN license into a single category.”
He stressed the importance of integrating content and digital services to ensure commercial viability. “Those providing fixed broadband services will not be allowed to offer wireless services, and vice versa. However, B2B arrangements can be considered,” he clarified.
The keynote presentation at the roundtable was delivered by TRNB Organizing Secretary Al Amin Dewan. The session was presided over by TRMB President Samir Kumar Dev, with introductory remarks from General Secretary Masudur Rahman Robin.
