Muthophone Grahok Association of Bangladesh has demanded that the price of broadband internet to be reconsidered considering the speed of broadband internet and the affordability of customers, especially marginalized people.
Mohiuddin Ahmed, president of the organization, in a statement said that, “On June 6, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications inaugurated the highest-priced broadband internet program under the slogan ‘One Country One Rate’ by the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. The minister mentioned here 5 Mbps is priced at Tk 500, 7 Mbps is priced at Tk 800, and third generation 20 Mbps is priced at Tk 1,200. But the current pandemic and customer affordability and advice were not taken into account in this pricing.”
“This price has been fixed only subject to discussion with the business establishments, which is contrary to the policy of a democratic government. Since the announcement of this price, we have already received customer feedback and suggestions in different parts of the country. Many of the marginal customers have welcomed this price. Their main claim is that the speed of the Internet is not as it states,” Mohiuddin added.
“According to their claim, it is very important to check the speed of the internet first. Again, many marginalized customers said how they will use the internet at such a high price in the midst of a pandemic where it is hard to earn livelihood,” Mohiuddin further added.
The written statement also said that, in the big cities of the country including the capital, the minimum package of the big ISP operators of the country is over Tk 1000.
In this regard, Mohiuddin urged the government to conduct a drive test to measure the speed of broadband internet across the country.
“I urge the government to take necessary steps including revocation of licenses of ISPs who fail to provide quality speed across the country including marginal stages. Besides, the price of broadband internet should be reconsidered considering the capacity of students and marginal farmers of the country in view of the Corona epidemic,” Mohiuddin concluded.
