Md Mojahidul Islam
The major mobile operators in Bangladesh—Grameenphone, Robi Axiata, and Banglalink—are allegedly attempting to monopolize the country’s broadband internet industry, according to allegations from Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
For years, ISPs have provided broadband services under government regulations. However, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has proposed issuing a single, technology-neutral license to modernize and streamline the system. ISP operators claim this move is designed to favor four nationwide ISPs and the three major mobile operators.
Concerns Over Monopoly and ISP Displacement
Rabiul Islam, an ISP owner, told the The New Nation that mobile operators are pushing for a broadband industry “transformation” aimed at securing market dominance. These operators have already made a presentation to BTRC advocating their role in broadband expansion. However, ISP operators argue this is merely a strategy to sideline smaller providers.
Industry insiders report that some nationwide ISPs have joined forces with mobile operators to push smaller ISPs out of the market. They are allegedly lobbying for the cancellation of 2,200 ISP licenses, which could significantly alter the competitive landscape.
“Four nationwide ISPs, leveraging their financial power and influence over policymakers, have formed a syndicate with mobile operators to take control of the country’s internet business,” an anonymous ISP service provider stated.
Currently, BTRC has issued approximately 3,300 licenses for telecommunications and related services, including 2,200 ISP licenses. Small ISP operators, like Monsur Ali, fear that granting fixed internet licenses to mobile operators would lead to market monopolization, effectively eliminating small-scale investors.
Licensing Structure and Regulatory Decisions
Bangladesh’s ISP licenses fall into four categories: nationwide, divisional, district, and upazila. ISPs must obtain licenses specific to their service areas. If mobile operators receive fixed internet licenses, existing ISP business models could become obsolete.
A senior BTRC official stated that a regulatory committee is evaluating the feasibility of a unified licensing system. Mobile operators are advocating for self-reliant network operations, which could influence the committee’s recommendations.
Meanwhile, BTRC recently revoked 334 telecom service licenses due to non-renewal, including those of eight prominent nationwide ISPs such as Idea Tech, Intech, Maxnet Online, and Bangladesh Internet Exchange Ltd. Additionally, licenses for 28 divisional ISPs, 193 upazila-level ISPs, and several other telecom-related firms have been revoked.
BTRC has warned that any services provided by unlicensed firms will be considered illegal. The commission is expected to finalize its strategy for restructuring the country’s telecom network and licensing system by the end of the month.
Maj Gen (retd) Md Emdad ul Bari, Chairman of BTRC, stated that excessive regulatory layers have increased costs and complexity. “We aim for a simpler and more cost-effective network topology,” he said after a recent meeting on telecom sector reforms.
With most telecom licenses set to expire by 2027, the upcoming regulatory reforms will shape the future of Bangladesh’s telecommunications landscape. The question remains whether these changes will foster fair competition or lead to a market dominated by a handful of powerful players.
