Number of broadband users growing fast

The Number of fixed broadband users in Bangladesh is increasing.

According to BTRC reports the number of subscribers of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTNs) crossed 1.9 million in September against the 1.3 million subscribers marking a 47% increase.

Last year during the same period, the number was 1.232 million.

But President of Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh MA Hakim said the numbers would be much higher if the ISPs provided actual figures.

“The number of subscribers would be around 2.5 to 3 million if the ISPs actually gave the original numbers.”

“If unregistered ISPs operating area based businesses were regulated properly, the number of subscribers would increase and they would also receive better service.”

But this increase is nothing compared to the increase in mobile internet users

By the end of September, the number of mobile internet users increased by 1.8 million in a month to cross 54 million.

Subscriber base of WiMAX, however, continues to dwindle. Within a month, its user number dropped from around 168,000 to 165,000.

During the same period last year, the number was 262,000.

The BTRC has also started a drive against the illegal ISPs operating throughout the country.

At present, BTRC estimates 490 ISPs illegally operating in the country.