Underground Common Access Network Launched in Dhanmondi
Replacing rows of tangled overhead cables, the “Underground Common Access Network” has been officially launched at Dhanmondi in the capital. The underground broadband connection has been established to ensure high-speed and uninterrupted internet services from all operators through a single broadband fiber line at the customer level.
The network was inaugurated on Tuesday (28 April) evening at Rabindra Sarobar, Dhanmondi, by Mohammad Abdus Salam, Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), under the initiative of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB). Local Member of Parliament Dr. Priyanka was present at the event.
While speaking as the chief guest, the Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Mohammad Abdus Salam called for the expansion of this service across the entire city. He said that to build a modern city, broadband internet, television, and telephony services must be provided through a single connection instead of multiple cables. He expressed hope that service providers would soon sit together and expand this service to other areas of Dhaka.
He further stated that, in the era of technological advancement, the internet is no longer a luxury but an essential part of daily life. Therefore, integrated infrastructure development is crucial for modern urban management.
He also opined that not only internet services, but telephone and cable TV networks should also be integrated and moved underground. If these services are operated separately, it would create inconvenience for city residents. He urged all concerned parties to work together with a unified plan.
In addition, considering student convenience, he proposed the introduction of free internet zones in universities and college areas, saying that this would help students gain easier access to technology.
While speaking as the special guest, the BTRC Chairman Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdad ul Bari said he hopes that obstacles faced in implementing this service will be identified and the network will be expanded to other areas. He also emphasized that ISPAB should ensure that new operators can use this Common Access Network without any barriers.
In his welcome speech, ISPAB General Secretary Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan said that if active sharing is implemented in internet services, it would be possible to create 500,000 new jobs across the country within the next two years.
ISPAB Senior Vice President Saiful Islam Siddique, while speaking as the president of the program, said that if city corporations stop road cutting restrictions and allow free excavation for cable installation, Dhaka’s cable network system could be rapidly transformed into a smart service. He added that if BTRC implements an active sharing policy and the government approves the rollout of triple play services, ISPAB would be able to bring not only Dhaka city but the entire country under a smart network system.
Organizers said the main objective of the initiative is to provide improved, faster, and more reliable internet services to customers by developing an integrated broadband infrastructure in the Dhanmondi area. They also expect the network to reduce road excavation, ensure organized infrastructure management, and contribute to expanding smart urban services.
DBTech/SHA/MUM/OR
