[🇧🇩] Telecommunication Industry in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Overhauling of telecom industry through regulatory reform suggested

Speakers at a discussion on Saturday stressed the need for overhauling the country’s telecommunication industry through bringing regulatory reforms to achieve meaningful progress in this changed Bangladesh. They also suggested a pro-people regulatory atmosphere to outreach the benefits of in

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Overhauling of telecom industry through regulatory reform suggested
FE Online Desk
Published :
Oct 19, 2024 15:48
Updated :
Oct 19, 2024 15:48

Speakers at a discussion on Saturday stressed the need for overhauling the country’s telecommunication industry through bringing regulatory reforms to achieve meaningful progress in this changed Bangladesh.

They also suggested a pro-people regulatory atmosphere to outreach the benefits of internet and other telecommunication-based services to the people at every nook and cranny, UNB reports.

Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers' Association (BMPCA) organized the discussion meeting “BTRC’s empowerment, amendment of telecommunication act and present situation” at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity.

Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, Founder and managing director of BuildCon Consultancies, in his keynote presentation, said Bangladesh’s telecom regulation is hampered by overlapping responsibilities between the Telecom Ministry, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and Department of Telecommunications (DOT).

“This creates inefficiencies and slows down progress,” he observed, suggesting the interim government to merge BTRC with DOT.

“The interim government must streamline regulatory roles by merging DOT with BTRC, enabling BTRC to both regulate and formulate policy, while the Ministry provides overarching guidance,” he added.

Mahtab, who was the CEO of mobile phone operator Robi, opined, “Without this reform, meaningful progress in the telecom sector will remain elusive.”

Bangladesh’s telecom sector is being held back by monopolistic control, outdated policies, and regulatory inefficiencies, he said, adding, “If the country truly wants to achieve "Smart Bangladesh," it’s time to prioritize national interests, remove political cronyism, and create a competitive environment that fosters innovation, growth, and digital inclusivity for all.”

Mahtab Uddin Ahmed in the meeting placed a new three-tier licensing model to address the evolving needs of the telecom industry, which aims to streamline services, improve quality, and align Bangladesh with regional best practices.

Initially, he suggested end-user access to telecom networks for voice and data, including Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).

Additionally, he opted for Infrastructure Service and this layer covers towers, fibre, and submarine cable services, offering transmission support to MNOs, ISPs, and MVNOs.

Furthermore, he advocated for services and contents, which would focuses on delivering digital services beyond traditional telecom offerings, enhancing customer experiences.

“This model would optimize Bangladesh's 2,900+ licenses across 29 categories,” added Mahtab.

Mustafa Mahmud Hussain, a telecom policy analyst, also advocated for an effective telecom regulation as well as encouraging the content creators to develop educative contents.

ISPAB President Emdadul Hoque laid emphasis on full independence of BTRC, saying if BTRC had independent characteristics, it wouldn’t have been issued licenses in political consideration.

“We wouldn’t get an appropriate policy until BTRC has the authority to issue and revoke license as well as get full monitoring access,” he said, adding that BTRC should have the authority to act as an independent commission for the better industry.

About the reassessment of different layers of licenses, the ISPAB President recommended for discussion with the stakeholders to avoid any disorder, as so many licenses have already been issued for different jobs.

BMPCA President Mohiuddin Ahmed urged the telecom regulator as well the government to bring different operators under accountability as many of those are not complying with QoS.​

 

[Saif]

Defying guidelines, NTTN operators yet to go public

Five of the six operators of Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) have not gone public despite being mandated to float shares on the stock market several years ago.

www.thedailystar.net

Defying guidelines, NTTN operators yet to go public

Representational image/Pixabay

Five of the six operators of Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) have not gone public despite being mandated to float shares on the stock market several years ago.

According to the NTTN licensing guidelines, which is primarily on laying underground optical fibres, an operator must file for an initial public offering (IPO) within five years of obtaining the licence.

Bangladesh currently has six NTTN licensees, including three state-run agencies and three private companies.

However, only the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Ltd (PGCB) is listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange.

None of the others, which were all awarded the licence between 10 years to 15 years ago, have floated shares to the public.

The companies are Fibre@Home Ltd, Summit Communications Ltd, Bahon Limited, Bangladesh Railway, and Bangladesh Telecommunication Company Ltd (BTCL).

Fibre@Home secured the licence in January 2009 while Summit Communications, a concern of power sector heavyweight Summit Group, received theirs in December of the same year.

Bangladesh Railway, PGCB and BTCL received the licence in 2014, according to Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

Bahon Limited received its licence in December 2019.

Moynul Haque Siddiqui, chairman of Fibre@Home Ltd, said his company planned to go public long ago.

However, the previous government's decision to change the IPO valuation method discouraged companies with good fundamentals from going public, he said.

"This is the reason behind the delay. Good companies are unwilling to come to the stock market with the current valuation method for share prices," he said, adding that they had already informed Bangladesh Investment Development Authority about the issue.

In a letter sent in May, the BTRC asked Fibre@Home to take steps to float shares.

"We expect to issue an IPO by December. We expect that policy regarding the valuation will change by this time," Siddiqui said.

Summit Communications, in an emailed response, said it had initially planned to file for an IPO, but outlined reasons it could not.

"Due to local market challenges, unforeseen global challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely impacted both local and international financial markets, we were unable to proceed as intended," it said.

The largest infrastructure company in the telecom and internet sector in Bangladesh said it had "diligently worked towards securing the necessary no objection certificate from BTRC, but the timing was not conducive to moving forward with the listing process at that time".

Summit Communications said it remains fully committed to pursuing an IPO as soon as market conditions stabilise and become more favourable.

However, it did not provide any timeline.

"We continue to monitor the broader economic environment and aim to proceed when we are confident that the market is positioned for forward-looking stability," it said.

"Once these conditions align, we are prepared to move forward with the listing at the earliest opportunity, in line with our long-term vision for sustainable growth and maximising value creation," the company said.

BTRC Chairman Md Emdad Ul Bari said the commission had asked licensees who are obligated to go public to do so.

"We have also decided to ask them to explain the reasons behind their failures and their plans for going public," Bari, a former major general, said.

Mohammad Rezaul Karim, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, said the primary regulator should enforce the rules.

"If companies do not comply, the BTRC should enforce the rule. If there is any bottleneck, we can work to address those," he said.

Karim added that a task force was working to suggest reforms for the capital market, which may include revisiting the valuation method of IPOs.

"If the panel recommends anything regarding the valuation method of IPOs, the commission will consider it," he said.

In a WhatsApp reply, the BTCL said the state company is providing comprehensive telecom services under 10 licences issued by the BTRC.

"The BTCL maintains one account against revenue from the services it offers under these licences," it said.

"So, there is no scope to separate NTTN's (revenue) from the accounts. Yet, the BTCL is committed to comply with the guidelines by the BTRC," it said, but did not mention any time regarding going public.​

 

[Saif]

BTRC's draft satellite internet guideline risks becoming a digital gatekeeper

This draft policy is hiding a central duality in plain sight: Bangladesh is eager to welcome cutting-edge satellite technology, yet appears equally intent on tightly controlling its operation.

www.thedailystar.net

BTRC's draft satellite internet guideline risks becoming a digital gatekeeper

This draft policy is hiding a central duality in plain sight: Bangladesh is eager to welcome cutting-edge satellite technology, yet appears equally intent on tightly controlling its operation.

The draft guidelines from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), named Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operators in Bangladesh, outline a bold plan to connect the country's digital space with the growing global sensation of satellite internet connectivity. Image: Zarif Faiaz/Tech & Startup

Bangladesh's ambitious new policy draft, aimed at regulating non-geostationary satellite operators like Elon Musk's Starlink, is as innovative as it is restrictive. The draft guidelines from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), named Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operators in Bangladesh, outline a bold plan to connect the country's digital space with satellite internet connectivity. However, this draft policy is hiding a central duality in plain sight: Bangladesh is eager to welcome cutting-edge satellite technology, yet appears equally intent on tightly controlling its operation.

A restrictive embrace of satellite connectivity

Satellite internet, particularly Starlink, has been long sought after by the country's IT community. Starlink itself is trying to get in for the last 2 years. The draft guidelines beacon a welcome move, but it risks entangling this technology in regulatory limitations. For instance, the requirement that all satellite data pass through local gateways connected to the country's International Internet Gateway (IIG) undermines one of satellite internet's primary benefits: its independence from national infrastructure. This dependency could mean that even satellite users might experience government-mandated shutdowns, as happened in Bangladesh during the July uprising, a scenario that seems counterproductive for a nation striving to modernise its digital landscape.

The guidelines are equally rigorous regarding national security and data monitoring, where the government's intent to exert control is unmistakable. Satellite companies, such as Starlink, are required to adhere to local data-sharing laws, including compliance with the Cyber Security Act, effectively granting access to the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC). The NTMC's surveillance powers are extensive, allowing for monitoring, storage, and even blocking of user data, ostensibly in the name of security. Satellite operators must store user data—specifically Internet Protocol Detail Records (IPDR) and Call Detail Records (CDR)—for up to a year, a burdensome requirement that may deter operators from entering the market.

This emphasis on surveillance echoes recent controversies around Bangladesh's cybersecurity policies, which critics argue are sometimes used to suppress dissent rather than protect citizens. Such a regulatory landscape contrasts sharply with the privacy-focused, decentralised model championed by satellite operators. Starlink's entry into other markets has emphasised user privacy and minimal governmental intervention—characteristics that could be at odds with Bangladesh's approach.

Even for companies willing to navigate Bangladesh's complex regulatory environment, financial barriers remain high. The guidelines mandate a non-refundable application fee of BDT 5 lakh, an annual license fee of $50,000 USD, and a 5.5% annual revenue share, along with a 1% revenue contribution to a space industry development fund. These fees are a formidable entry cost, manageable perhaps for Starlink, but prohibitive for smaller operators, limiting competition and market diversity.

Operational restrictions add further limitations. The draft prohibits satellite providers from offering services beyond those outlined in Clause 16.4, which lists standard satellite offerings but excludes options like direct-to-home broadcasting or satellite-based mobile communications. This stifles the potential for satellite operators to adapt their services to meet the evolving needs of Bangladesh's digital landscape, reducing the competitive and innovative value that these services might otherwise bring.

Stifling the benefits of global connectivity

Bangladesh's guidelines reflect an emerging trend in its digital governance—embracing technology, but on controlled terms. The central question remains whether these strict measures balance national security and digital progress effectively or risk isolating the nation from the benefits of global connectivity. Bangladesh's recent history of internet shutdowns underlines the potential for sweeping shutdown powers. Extending this authority to satellite internet could hinder Bangladesh's digital aspirations, potentially severing the country from global communication channels during critical times.

The BTRC has opened the guidelines for public input until November 18, inviting citizens, businesses, and experts to voice their opinions on the policy's merits and challenges. This consultation phase offers a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to advocate for a more balanced regulatory approach—one that prioritises security without stifling innovation.

To realise the transformative potential of satellite internet, the BTRC must consider moderating its more restrictive measures. Adopting a more flexible regulatory stance—allowing satellite operators a degree of operational independence within defined security frameworks—could create an open market where companies of all sizes can contribute to a digitally inclusive Bangladesh. Revisiting data-sharing requirements and valuing privacy as a trust-building measure with international operators will also be key to creating a mutually beneficial regulatory environment.

Zarif Faiaz is the In-Charge at The Daily Star's Tech & Startup section.​

 

[Saif]

Mobile phone operators hail govt move to introduce satellite internet

Mobile phone operators and other stakeholders have welcomed the move of opening doors for satellite internet, appealing to telecom regulator to consider collaborative approach and non-discriminatory treatment for successful integration of this service into the country’s telecommunications lan

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Mobile phone operators hail govt move to introduce satellite internet
BSS
Published :
Nov 08, 2024 17:16
Updated :
Nov 08, 2024 17:16

Mobile phone operators and other stakeholders have welcomed the move of opening doors for satellite internet, appealing to telecom regulator to consider collaborative approach and non-discriminatory treatment for successful integration of this service into the country’s telecommunications landscape.

They said the initiative might unleash new opportunities for bridging digital divides alongside backhauling, disaster management and customer data utilisation.

The operators and stakeholders, however, are meticulously reviewing draft guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Service to assess the possible impact of it into the industry as it could pave way of wholly owned foreign companies to obtain licenses such as Elon Musk's Starlink and similar companies to enter Bangladesh.

The telecom regulator -Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) - on October 29 uploaded the draft regulatory and licensing guidelines for NGSO Satellite Service Operator on website, seeking opinion by November 18 to finalise the guidelines.

Talking to BSS news agency, Shahed Alam, chief corporate and regulatory officer of Robi Axiata, said, “We welcome the initiative to introduce satellite internet in our country, recognizing its potential to revolutionise data services.”

He noted that this advancement could pave the way for new opportunities in areas such as backhauling, disaster management and customer data utilization.

On the contrary, Shahed Alam expressed their concerns regarding the proposed guidelines and the existing ecosystem for implementing such services, as they may prove impractical.

He said, “We believe that a collaborative approach is essential to ensure the successful integration of satellite internet into our telecommunications landscape.”

Taimur Rahman, chief corporate and regulatory affairs officer at Banglalink, said, "The regulator’s initiative to conduct a public consultation before introducing this new service is commendable, which we appreciate.”

He continued, “We’re confident that this process will provide essential insights to help shape its future direction.”

As this service is new to Bangladesh, Taimur Rahman said, they are diligently reviewing the BTRC’s guidelines to evaluate its impact on the telecommunications sector and foreign direct investment (FDI) in both the short and long terms.

“Following a thorough assessment, we will submit our feedback to the BTRC,” he said, adding, “It is vital that we consider the interests of all stakeholders in the digital ecosystem."

Sharfuddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Head of Communications, Grameenphone, said, "Grameenphone welcomes any new technology that brings positive change to people's lives, society, the economy, and the country as a whole.”

However, the introduction of any new license should ensure non-discriminatory treatment that promotes market competitiveness among all players, including existing ones, across the entire value chain, he added.

Sharfuddin noted, “It is important to thoroughly assess the security implications of all aspects of the new technology and incorporate the necessary provisions in the licensing obligations to address these concerns.”

Appreciating BTRC for initiating the consultation process, he said, “We’re currently reviewing the draft guidelines and will respond to BTRC."

Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), a platform of firms engaged in providing internet services to the customers, is also ready to welcome any new technologies. Before that, it emphasised to identify the necessity of this technology first before moving to it.

ISPAB President Md Emdadul Hoque told BSS that they always welcome new technologies if those are suitable for the country and industry.

“We’ve no objection to welcome new technologies, but priority should be considered first whether the technology is suitable for the country and its people,” he said.

The ISPAB President suggested the telecom regular to consult with the stakeholders before switching to the new service, as foreign companies will take the money out of the country.

The draft guidelines said that proprietorship, partnership and companies registered under “Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms” under the Companies Act 1994 are eligible to apply for the license to build, own, maintain and operate NGSO Satellite systems and services in Bangladesh.

It also mentioned that 100 percent FDI or Foreign Partnership or Joint Venture or investment from Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) is permitted to build, own, maintain and operate NGSO Satellite systems and services.

According to the draft guidelines, the license will be valid for five years.

It adds that the licensee is authorised to provide the following NGSO satellite services: broadband internet services, intranet services (domestic data communications), Internet of Things and machine-to-machine communication, earth station in motion service, earth exploration satellite service, remote sensing/meteorological services and any other services approved by the BTRC.

However, operators aren’t authorised to provide direct-to-home services, broadcasting services, satellite IMT-based services or telecommunications services.

The application/processing fee has been set at Tk 500000, with an acquisition fee of $10,000 and an annual fee of $50,000. Additionally, an annual station/terminal fee per terminal is set at $20.

The licensee will also have to share 5.5 per cent of its annual audited gross revenue with the BTRC. Another 1 per cent of the gross revenue must be paid as part of the "contribution to space industry development and management".

The licensee must establish at least one gateway system within Bangladesh before commencing services. However, the BTRC encouraged the licensee to establish additional gateways.

Any user terminal placed within Bangladesh's geographical boundary must be authenticated and served through this local gateway. All traffic from these terminals must be routed through this local gateway for services within Bangladesh, according to the draft.

The NGSO gateway shall connect to international internet gateways to handle international internet data traffic.​

 

[Bilal9]

Bangladesh has the most expensive Internet and also the slowest one in all of Asia, including the subcontinent.

BTRC's first job now needs to be squeezing the free-for-all dance these providers are doing and bring our Internet bandwidth and quality to Asian if not world standards.

These cell providers should be held to book on why they can't provide the service level agreement (SLA) they have with customers.

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh slips a notch in mobile internet speed: Ookla

Bangladesh has slipped a notch in its global ranking for mobile internet speed performance, according to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index.

www.newagebd.net

Bangladesh slips a notch in mobile internet speed: Ookla
Staff Correspondent 29 November, 2024, 22:28

Bangladesh has slipped a notch in its global ranking for mobile internet speed performance, according to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index.

The country stood at 89th place out of 111 countries in Ookla’s mobile internet speed index for October. The country previously held the 88th position in September.

The index highlighted that the average mobile internet download speed in Bangladesh decreased to 27.56 Mbps in October from 28.42 Mbps in September.

Globally, United Arab Emirates held the top position of the list, offering the fastest mobile internet with an average speed of 428.53 Mbps in the reporting period. This is up from 413.14 Mbps, showing that UAE continues to provide high-speed internet to its users.

Neighbouring country India also ranked high, holding the 26th position with an average download speed of 95.67 Mbps in October. India has remained in the same position it held in September, although the median download speed saw a slight increase from 91.72 Mbps.

Among the other South Asian countries, Maldives is at 25th position, Pakistan at 100th, Sri Lanka at 103th and Afghanistan is at 111th position in terms of mobile internet speed. The October report did not include data from Myanmar.

Bangladesh’s mobile network landscape is dominated by five major providers, namely Banglalink, Grameenphone, Robi, Airtel and Teletalk.

Among them, Banglalink has emerged as the fastest internet provider. According to the report, 89 per cent of Banglalink’s tests showed a minimum download speed of at least 5 Mbps and an upload speed of at least 1 Mbps.

In addition to mobile internet, Bangladesh also deteriorated in fixed broadband speed. The country has moved down three places to rank 101th globally among 158 countries, compared to its previous position of 108th.

The report states that the median fixed broadband download speed in October was 48.06 Mbps compared with 48.38 Mbps reported in the previous month.

Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index, which provided these rankings, is a widely recognised tool that compares internet speeds across the world.​

 

[Saif]

BTRC rejects proposal

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has refused a proposal to provide transit for bandwidth to India through Bangladesh as the transit might weaken Bangladesh’s role as a regional digital hub...

www.newagebd.net

BTRC rejects proposal
Taufiq Hossain Mobin 05 December, 2024, 00:45

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has refused a proposal to provide transit for bandwidth to India through Bangladesh as the transit might weaken Bangladesh’s role as a regional digital hub.

The BTRC issued a letter in this regard on December 1.

International terrestrial cable operators ‘Summit Communications’ and ‘Fiber at Home’ submitted an application during the former Awami Legue government to the BTRC for its approval to permit Bharti Airtel Limited to run a transit connection from Akhaura border to Singapore by establishing an internet circuit at Akhaura border.

A terrestrial cable is a communications cable which crosses land, rather than water.

Contacted, several BTRC officials denied commenting on the matter.

They, however, said that the transit would offer minimal benefits to Bangladesh. The primary beneficiaries would have been Summit Communications and Fiber at Home, which were allegedly connected with the deposed Awami League government. The actual advantage would have gone to India.

Bharti Airtel submitted the proposal to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry then forwarded it to the Post and Telecommunication Division and then to BTRC for evaluation.

According to a letter issued by the engineering and operations division of the commission on December 1, the BTRC decided not to approve the application after reviewing it.

Content delivery networks, such as Google, Meta, Akamai, and Amazon might be discouraged to establish their data centres in Bangladesh, if the International Private Leased Circuit transit connection is approved, the letter said.

This kind of connection will weaken Bangladesh’s position as a regional digital hub, it said.

‘The capacity of the submarine cables will increase in the future. If this transit proposal is approved, it might decrease the chance to export bandwidth to the neighbouring countries by using the capacity of those submarine cables,’ it added.

International terrestrial cable operators supply 60 per cent of the international bandwidth used in the country, Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC supplies the remaining 40 per cent. Despite having usage capacity of 7,217 Gbps, the company’s bandwidth usage is only 2,343 Gbps currently.

Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection in a given time. Higher bandwidth means faster downloads, smoother streaming, and better overall performance, making it crucial for handling modern internet activities and multiple devices.

‘If such connections are provided in favour of ITC operators, it will disrupt making the huge quantity of unused bandwidth of the BSCPLC usable,’ the letter further said.

India currently enjoys road transits through Bangladesh by four transhipment routes for Indian traders in Tripura and other north-eastern states, and a rail transit to carry goods and passengers across its territory.​

 

[Saif]

BTRC recalls bandwidth transit bid to India

The internet regulator is abandoning its plan to allow Bangladesh to be the transit point for bandwidth supply to India’s northeastern states on concerns that it could weaken the country’s potential to become a regional internet hub.

www.thedailystar.net

BTRC recalls bandwidth transit bid to India

Star visual

The internet regulator is abandoning its plan to allow Bangladesh to be the transit point for bandwidth supply to India's northeastern states on concerns that it could weaken the country's potential to become a regional internet hub.

Last year, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) sought the telecom ministry's permission after Summit Communications and Fiber@Home applied to supply bandwidth from Singapore via the Akhaura border to the northeastern region of India through Bharti Airtel.

Summit Communications's chairman is Muhammad Farid Khan, the younger brother of Awami League presidium member Faruk Khan, also a five-time member of parliament from the Gopalganj-1. Farid is also a close friend of Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son and ICT affairs adviser of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Fiber@Home was a major beneficiary during the AL regime from 2009 to 2024, ranking second to Summit Communications in terms of major government contracts and licences won.

Before the two international terrestrial cable operators sought the BTRC's approval, Bharti Airtel applied to the foreign ministry the previous year for permission to connect Agartala through Akhaura to Bangladesh's submarine cable landing stations in Cox's Bazar and Kuakata to reach Singapore.

Under this arrangement, Bangladesh would serve as the transit route -- enabling faster internet connection for India's northeastern states of Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland.

At present, the states, popularly known as the Seven Sisters of India, are connected to Singapore through submarine cables in Chennai using the neighbouring country's domestic fibre optic network.

The landing station in Chennai is about 5,500 kilometres away from the northeastern part -- a considerable distance that compromises the internet speed.

Due to the mountainous nature of the region, the maintenance of fibre optic networks and the installation of new networks are relatively difficult.

"The guidelines do not permit such 'transit' arrangements," Md Emdad ul Bari, chairman of BTRC, told The Daily Star on Thursday.

Subsequently, the internet regulator wrote to the telecom ministry last week to recall its earlier application.

The transit arrangement will also strengthen India's position as a dominant internet hub and weaken Bangladesh's potential to become a regional hub, according to a BTRC document.

It would also hinder the potential for Bangladesh to become a Point of Presence (PoP) for content delivery network (CDN) providers such as Meta, Google, Akamai and Amazon.

A PoP is a physical location, facility or data centre that acts as an interconnection point for various networks. It facilitates the exchange of data traffic between different network providers, internet service providers and CDNs. In short, it is a central hub where data highways from different regions converge.

Currently, CDNs such as Meta, Google, Akamai and Amazon have their PoPs in Indian cities such as Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai. Through transit connectivity provided by Summit and Fiber@Home, the Indian telecom operators would easily be able to offer internet services to the Seven Sisters.

Besides, the arrangement would obstruct Bangladesh's ability to provide internet services to parts of Myanmar and northwestern China through its own infrastructure.

Approximately 60 percent of the international bandwidth in Bangladesh is supplied by the seven ITCs like Summit Communications and Fiber@Home, while the remaining 40 percent is provided by Bangladesh Submarine Cables (BSC).

Despite BSC's bandwidth capacity of 7,217 Gbps, only 2,343 Gbps is currently being utilised.

Granting such connections to ITC operators despite BSC's adequate capacity and redundant cables would further increase ITC operators' bandwidth usage, undermining efforts to utilise BSC's unused bandwidth effectively.

"This arrangement would not harm Bangladesh," said Sumon Ahmed Sabir, chief technology officer at Fiber@Home, while acknowledging that the Seven Sisters region would undoubtedly benefit more.

Bangladesh, however, would also gain by earning foreign currency, while BSC, ITC and Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) operators would share in the profits, he added.

Summit Communications did not respond to The Daily Star's request for comment.

"Ultimately, the bandwidth from India will end up in India, reducing Bangladesh to merely a transit point," said Aminul Hakim, president of the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum.

At first glance, it may seem that Bangladesh would earn foreign currency from this arrangement.

However, since the two local ITC providers facilitating the transit already import bandwidth from Indian companies, there is a significant likelihood of service exchange, depriving the government of revenue, Hakim added.​