The
number of internet subscribers in Bangladesh has been on a steady
decline since April 2023, according to the latest data from the
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). This
reduction in internet usage mirrors a similar trend in mobile phone
subscribers, with both figures dropping consistently from April to
October.
As
of October 2023, the total number of internet subscribers in the
country had fallen to 137.18 million, down from 142.17 million in June
2023. The decline became particularly noticeable in July, coinciding
with the student-led protests and public unrest that were triggered by
dissatisfaction with the previous government. The number of internet
subscribers dipped to 141.05 million that month and continued to
decrease in the following months, with a reduction to 140.5 million in
August and 138.62 million in September.
Despite
this overall drop in internet subscriptions, there is a notable
exception: broadband internet usage, which is seeing an increase.
According to BTRC data, broadband internet (including both ISP and PSTN
services) subscribers rose to 137.4 million in September and October,
reflecting a growing demand for fixed-line internet services.
While
broadband internet usage is growing, mobile internet subscribers have
been steadily decreasing since June. The number of mobile internet
subscribers stood at 129.17 million in June, but by October, that number
had fallen to 123.44 million, marking a significant decline in mobile
data usage across the country.
Experts
suggest that a combination of economic factors is contributing to this
trend. The rising cost of living, driven by inflation, has led to a
decrease in purchasing power among consumers, making internet and mobile
data services less affordable for many. This has likely led to people
cutting back on non-essential spending, including mobile and internet
subscriptions.
Sumon
Ahmed Sabir, an internet expert, explained to Daily Industry that the
decline in internet subscribers could largely be attributed to economic
pressures. “People’s purchasing power is decreasing due to various
factors, including inflation, which makes it harder for them to afford
internet services. This could be a major reason why fewer people are
subscribing to mobile internet services,” Sabir said.
In
addition, the overall uncertainty in the country’s economy, alongside
rising living costs, has led many to reassess their discretionary
spending. As a result, mobile internet subscriptions - which are
generally seen as less essential compared to broadband internet - may be
among
