ISP Alliance: 400+ Divisional ISPs, 34 IIGs Unite Over Policy Concerns

More than 400 divisional ISPs and 34 IIG (International Internet Gateway) operators in the country are forming an alliance in the national interest. A body named the “Divisional ISP and IIG Protection Committee” has already been established. According to sources, a 22-member ad hoc committee was formed online on Wednesday, March 18. The new alliance in the country’s telecom sector is expected to formally emerge after a full committee is constituted following Eid.

One of the conveners of the Divisional ISP and IIG Protection Committee, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration, saying, “The interim government has, in effect, drafted a new telecom policy at rocket speed. However, in doing so, it seems to have created a major flaw in the very foundation of the policy by ignoring sustainable management considerations. Without any proper assessment, it has accepted recommendations to unilaterally abolish divisional ISP and IIG operators.”

He added, “They seem to have overlooked that these divisional ISPs are the ones providing internet services at the grassroots level across the country. They have played a significant role in expanding internet access in rural areas. Similarly, the 34 IIG operators, whose contributions have helped bring broadband internet prices down to the lowest levels and made services accessible to people’s doorsteps, have also been placed on the elimination list. Yet, these IIGs have been providing full support to the government in ensuring national and cyber security.”

According to the new alliance, the fragile rationale of breaking intermediaries, as presented in the policy, appears to disregard global best practices. While ISPs around the world operate under ISP licenses, the proposed introduction of an FTSP (Facility-based Telecom Service Provider) model in this context is seen as conflicting with existing business policies and network topology. The alliance argues that the framework should instead allow operators to meet customer demands through all three mediums—cable, wireless, and satellite.

Another member of the committee stated that the “Divisional ISP and IIG Protection Committee” has been formed to bring these contradictory and overlooked aspects of the policy before the nation.

According to their statement, the committee will submit a memorandum to the government through the BTRC immediately after the Eid holidays, guided by the principle of “country first” and inclusive participation.

When asked about the contents of the memorandum, it was stated that it will outline how to strengthen the country’s broadband internet backbone by involving all stakeholders, establish digital sovereignty, and position the domestic telecom sector as a pillar of sustainable development. The memorandum will clearly present the necessity, benefits, and contributions of these operators in nation-building, aiming to eliminate disorder in the sector. At the same time, the committee will propose plans to create an investment-friendly environment for all operators, ensure job security for the large number of educated professionals employed in this labor-intensive sector, and implement the government’s promised new employment initiatives.