Doc Summary
Bangladesh’s mobile data prices are among the highest in the region, surpassing Pakistan, India, and even developed countries like France and Italy. In today’s world, access to affordable data is a necessity, not a luxury. It’s the bridge between a mother staying connected to her children overseas, a farmer consulting a doctor via telemedicine, or a student in a remote village accessing the same quality Education as a child in Dhaka. When the cost of data is high, we’re not just raising prices, we’re raising barriers to progress, Education, and health.
1st Year #
Bangladesh’s telecom sector is like a golden goose — a powerful engine of economic growth. Yet, high taxes and fees are stifling its potential. The NBR imposed heavy taxes on mobile operators, discouraging innovation and expansion as they struggled to meet both the tax load and growing consumer demand. Without changes, Bangladesh risks sacrificing long-term growth for short-term revenue. In a country where the wealth gap is already wide, the high cost of mobile data creates a digital divide. While the wealthy enjoy fast, reliable internet, the majority of Bangladeshis are left disconnected. This isn’t just about technology, it’s about fairness, inclusion and equity for every citizen.
2nd Year #
The telecom industry in Bangladesh faces an overwhelming tax burden. Telecom companies are subject to VAT (15 percent), supplementary duty (15 percent), and a 1 percent surcharge on subscriber services, accounting for 25 percent of their revenue. On top of this, they bear corporate tax, SIM taxes, customs duties, and regulatory fees like revenue sharing (5.5 percent), the social obligation fund (1 percent), and spectrum amortization costs. These fees add another 15 percent to their costs. Ecosystem costs, including payments to TowerCo, NTTN, IIG and others, make up 18 percent while network operations, marketing, capital expenditures and financial costs account for around 26 percent. This leaves operators with a very low profit margin, making it difficult to improve service quality or reduce prices.
