Internet service providers present 7-point demand, including protecting entrepreneurs

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has placed a seven-point demand, including protection of the country's entrepreneurs.

The demands were presented at a workshop titled "Proposed Draft Telecom Policy: Challenges for the ISP Industry" organised by the Telecom Reporters' Network Bangladesh (TRNB) today (28 June) at the Raowa Club in Dhaka's Mohakhali.

The other demands include setting both floor and ceiling prices for internet packages, with a proposed minimum price of Tk800 for 50 Mbps connections.

ISPAB is also advocating for the implementation of active infrastructure sharing to reduce service costs and improve quality, as well as keeping last-mile connectivity under ISP control.

They also suggest lowering NTTN (long-haul) service charges to single digits and abolishing the Social Obligation Fund (SOF) as well as revenue-sharing requirements.

Speaking at the event, ISPAB President Aminul Hakim said the draft telecom policy has created the "biggest policy crisis" in 27 years, calling it "self-contradictory."

"Providing the best internet service at the lowest price is unrealistic. This has become a matter of cheap politics. Without government concessions, private companies will not be able to reduce prices," Hakim added.

He noted that the government collects nearly 60% in taxes and revenue from the ISP sector, making it difficult to offer high-speed internet at a low cost. "We want to deliver quality internet services at affordable prices, and for that, we need a fair and supportive policy."

ISPAB General Secretary Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan said that due to the lack of active sharing, the country is wasting substantial financial resources. "To counter this, we have already implemented a common 1 Gbps cable line in Dhanmondi, through which 77 ISPs are jointly providing high-speed internet services."

Former ISPAB presidents Abdus Salam and Emdadul Haque also addressed the session.

TRNB General Secretary Masuduzzaman Robin gave the opening remarks, with President Samir Kumar Dey moderating the session.