Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) on Thursday instructed International Internet Gateway (IIG) operators to resume Google’s cache server to enhance internet speed in the country.
Following the directives, the supply of local bandwidth from the cache server has been increased, ensuring uninterrupted access to YouTube. However, cache servers for Facebook and TikTok still remain inactive.
It has been reported that all operators and transmission management companies will meet with the regulatory authority within next few days to discuss the issue relating to restoration of mobile internet services.
They will present the latest update on transmission line repairs and the progress of server and data center connectivity.
After reviewing these reports, BTRC will decide on the resumption of mobile internet services. The Post and Telecommunications Ministry plans to restore uninterrupted mobile internet services by Sunday or Monday.
During the quota reform movement, the data centre was set on fire on Thursday which caused a nationwide internet blackout in the country. Five days after internet outage, broadband internet services were restored on Tuesday on a trial basis.
Wi-Fi services have been provided to diplomatic zones, media, banks and financial institutions, power sector, freelancers and tech industries, and export-oriented sectors. Internet services for residential areas were unavailable initially but started to be restored on Wednesday.
State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information and Communications Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak earlier hinted to resume the mobile 4G network and internet connection from Sunday after meeting with Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) on Friday and Saturday.
When asked about the reopening of social media platforms such as Facebook, the state minister informed journalists that these platforms currently do not comply with the country’s laws and fail to show respect to religious values, economic security, and public order. They are also violating their own policy guidelines and privacy settings.
The government will reconsider reopening of these platforms if they commit to responsible behaviour and compliance with the country’s regulations, he added.
