98.9% households now use mobile phones: BBS
Experts say rising smartphone and internet use is reshaping media consumption habits
About 98.9% of households in Bangladesh used mobile phones in the first quarter of FY26, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).
The figure marks an increase from 97.9% in 2023 and reflects continued growth in household-level access to digital communication, even as television use shows a gradual decline, the latest BBS survey said yesterday (17 December).
The findings are based on the ICT Access and Use Survey 2025–26 (1st quarter: July–September, 2025), released by the BBS. The report shows expanding use of mobile phones and the internet, while computer usage remains limited and in single digits.
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According to BBS data, smartphone use increased significantly over the period, rising from 63.3% of households in 2023 to 72.8% in FY25, before easing slightly to 72.4% in the first quarter of FY26.
In contrast, the share of households with a television has continued to decline. While 62.2% of households owned a TV in 2023, the figure fell to 59.6% in FY25 and dropped further to 58.9% in the first quarter of FY26, the survey shows.
Internet use recorded a notable rise. In 2023, 43.6% of households had internet access, which increased to 55.1% in FY25 and reached 56.2% in the first quarter of FY26, indicating steady progress in digital connectivity.
By comparison, growth in computer use has been slow. The proportion of households with a computer edged up marginally from 8.9% in 2023 to 9.1% in the first quarter of FY26, remaining at a low level.
Access to electricity remains close to universal. While 99.1% of households had electricity in 2023, coverage stood at 98.9% in the first quarter of FY26, maintaining a high level despite minor fluctuations.
Observers say the rapid spread of smartphones and internet access is changing media consumption habits, which is reflected in the declining use of television. They also stress the need for greater policy focus on expanding computer access and broadband connectivity to support the growth of the digital economy and e-governance.
