ISPs Insist on Level Playing Field for Satellite Services
Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has demanded that satellite-based internet services operating in the country, such as Starlink, obtain ISP licenses and comply with the same regulatory framework as local ISPs. ISPAB members urged that services like Starlink, which began operating in Bangladesh a month ago, must emerge from “policy ambiguity” and compete fairly while ensuring the country’s national security is not compromised.
Addressing a press briefing following a workshop hosted by the Telecom and Technology Reporters Network, Bangladesh (TRNB) at RAOWA Complex in Mohakhali on Saturday, June 28, ISPAB leaders expressed frustration over regulatory discrepancies.
Contrary to claims that local ISPs engage in direct cash sales, ISPAB President Aminul Hakim stated unequivocally, “No ISP operator is selling bandwidth in cash. Services are delivered based on customer demand with full compliance to regulations.”
Hakim also strongly objected to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s (BTRC) alleged attempt to impose a fixed broadband price of BDT 400 without industry consultation. “This forced pricing policy is unacceptable,” he asserted.
ISPAB leaders criticized the lack of uniform pricing regulations, stating, “Floor and ceiling prices are set for everyone else except ISPs. We are only subjected to a ceiling price, which creates a discriminatory environment.” They called for fair policies, including the introduction of a floor price for ISPs, a unified national rate for Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) providers, and both floor and ceiling pricing for mobile operators.
In response to BTRC’s proposed BDT 400 broadband package set to take effect in July, ISPAB promised to deliver “quality service nationwide at BDT 800,” positioning it as a more realistic and sustainable offering.
Rejecting the concept of revenue sharing, Aminul Hakim emphasized, “We do not believe in revenue-sharing. What we want is an active sharing model that eliminates market discrimination. Social obligations are the responsibility of the government, not private businesses.”
The press conference was presided over by TRNB President Samir Kumar Dey and attended by ISPAB General Secretary Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan, Treasurer Moin Uddin Ahmed, lifetime member Mobarak Hossain, and former presidents Imdadul Haque and Abdus Salam. TRNB General Secretary Masuduzzaman Robin was also present.
The event concluded with a unified call for “equal opportunities for all” and a demand for rational and practical telecom policies that support fair competition and sustainable growth in the digital sector.
