BTRC Directs Telcos to Offer 1GB Free Internet on July 18

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has directed all mobile operators to offer 1GB of free internet to users on July 18 to mark "Free Internet Day."

This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to commemorate the July Uprising.

The decision was taken at a BTRC meeting on July 8, chaired by the commission’s vice chairman, following instructions from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications aimed at promoting digital freedom and reflecting public sentiment.

Mobile operator officials have confirmed receiving the directive. Taimur Rahman, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer at Banglalink, said, “We respect and support this initiative to honour those who lost their lives last July.” He added that Banglalink is assessing the feasibility of providing free data and exploring additional options through its digital infotainment platform, Toffee.

Shahed Alam, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer at Robi Axiata Limited, said that offering bonus data or gifts is a commercial decision and operators should have the freedom to decide based on factors like network load and customer interest.

This year’s initiative carries added significance as it marks the first anniversary of the internet blackout imposed on July 18, 2024, during a violent crackdown on quota reform protests, which eventually led to political upheaval weeks later.

To ensure smooth execution, operators have been instructed to notify users via SMS in advance and fully cooperate in observing the day. The suggested SMS message reads: “No one will take away freedom to use the internet. On the occasion of July Uprising Day, you are receiving 1GB of data on July 18 with validity for 5 days.”

BTRC emphasized that this symbolic gesture aligns with the spirit of the July Uprising and serves the public interest.

However, senior officials from a mobile operator raised concerns about taxation and costs, noting that telecom companies must pay taxes on all distributed data and bear network transmission expenses. They urged the government and BTRC to clarify whether the free data will be tax-exempt and whether other stakeholders will support the effort.