The government intends to embrace and revise pertinent legislation and regulations pertaining to digital finance. Consumer protection, digital signature legality, security, fraud compensation, and other e-commerce components will be guaranteed through this policy
In today’s modern world, broadband internet is now a crucial necessity that links people, companies, and governments across the globe. Remarkably, Bangladesh has witnessed impressive growth in broadband internet, thanks to collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector to extend its reach and offer high-speed access to a wider population. Consequently, broadband internet in Bangladesh opens up a plethora of prospects for both individuals and businesses while presenting distinct hurdles.
BTRC’s “National Broadband Policy 2023” is designed to drive Bangladesh’s progression as a technologically advanced digital economy. The policy’s objective is to guarantee universal access to state-of-the-art broadband networks, high-capacity services, advanced technology platforms, devices, and applications.
The new policy will create opportunities for increased accessibility to telecom operator licenses, fostering a level playing field and encouraging the entry of new players into the market. In addition to this, the policy will empower community-based networks to drive competitive infrastructure investments and extend access and connectivity.
Review of License, Spectrum Fees and Corporate Tax
By promoting more efficient spectrum utilization, the draft policy seeks to empower competing operators to deliver wireless broadband services at a lower cost and for an extended duration. In response to a longstanding demand from telecom operators, the draft policy will reassess license and spectrum fees, aiming to boost network investment and foster fairer competition.
The telecom regulator has requested input and recommendations on the draft policy from stakeholders, experts, researchers, or any other interested parties concerned by November 17. The government intends to embrace and revise pertinent legislation and regulations pertaining to digital finance. Consumer protection, digital signature legality, security, fraud compensation, and other e-commerce components will be guaranteed through this policy.
Corporate tax policies concerning network operators and investors will be reviewed to guarantee that they promote investment in the expansion of broadband infrastructure and services to the fullest extent. This policy seeks to incentivize private telecom providers to invest in expanding infrastructure and enhancing connectivity in underserved and unserved regions, while simultaneously upgrading their networks based on reasonable license agreements.
Impact on Broadband Technologies
Broadband technologies have the potential to create fresh, high-paying jobs and business prospects within the ICT sector, while also facilitating financial inclusion, enhancing government services, and promoting social integration and equal opportunities for all. As per the policy, fairer market competition will drive higher investments, a wider array of service choices, improved service quality, and reduced pricing.
With this policy, the government intends to establish an environment where infrastructure and resources are widely and efficiently shared among competing operators and across sectors, leading to cost reduction, increased network investment, and enhanced competition. Moreover, there are plans to craft a policy for public Wi-Fi access on a national scale.
The policy’s purpose is to develop guidelines and rules that enhance the availability of public ICT access facilities and services in all communities, with a focus on both commercial and public service aspects. It will further explore adjustments to taxation for different types of devices and components, encompassing import tariffs and retail sales taxes. The aim is to strike an optimal balance between incentives and economic effects, fostering growth across all industry segments.
Challenges in Rural Bangladesh
Expanding broadband coverage to rural areas is a top priority in addressing one of the most pressing challenges for internet connectivity in Bangladesh. While cities like Dhaka and Chittagong have enjoyed substantial investments in broadband infrastructure, the digital divide persists, leaving numerous rural regions without high-speed internet access.
This scarcity can restrict economic prospects and hinder access to vital services such as education and healthcare. Despite the reduction in broadband pricing in recent times, it continues to be relatively costly compared to other nations in the region, which hinders internet access and the utilization of its potential for low-income families and small businesses.
However, as part of the national Info-Sarker Phase-3 initiative, broadband connectivity had been established in 1,09,244 rural government infrastructures in 2022. In the framework of the Info-Sharker Phase-3 initiative, more than 100,000 village-level government institutions were slated to receive enhanced broadband connectivity. This, in turn, improved the quality of services provided by educational institutions, health complexes, land offices, and other government facilities.
The core focus of this project was to stimulate employment growth in Bangladesh while simultaneously augmenting the network capacity of union digital centres (UDCs). As articulated in the project’s objectives, the enhanced internet connectivity in rural areas was poised to enable greater growth for rural offices, educational institutions, and government establishments in the coming years.
Since its launch, the project has achieved recognition through a multitude of awards, including the ASOCIO Award in the Digital Government category in 2018 and the WSIS Award for Champion in the Information and Communications Infrastructure category in 2019.
In the dynamic landscape of today’s world, where connectivity is paramount, Bangladesh is on a remarkable journey toward a brighter digital future. As we embrace the “National Broadband Policy 2023,” a transformative era beckons, promising universal access, efficient utilization of spectrum, and a fair playing field for all.
With this policy, we are not only expanding access but also enhancing the quality of services and promoting economic growth, especially in rural areas. So, as we look ahead, let’s remember that the journey to a more connected and prosperous future has only just begun, and the possibilities are endless.
