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The telecom regulator has instructed all mobile phone operators to offer 1GB of free internet to users on July 18, in observance of “Free Internet Day”.
The initiative is part of the government’s effort to commemorate the July Uprising, reports BSS.
The decision was made during a meeting of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) on July 8, chaired by the commission’s vice chairman, according to the BTRC order.
Top officials of mobile operators have confirmed the issue, saying that they have received a directive from the telecom regulator regarding the free internet.
Taimur Rahman, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer of Banglalink, said “We respect and support the initiative to honour those who lost their lives last July.”
He said, “Having just received the government’s request to provide 1GB of free internet on July 18, we are currently assessing its feasibility and exploring other options if required.”
“Moreover, as Toffee is our digital infotainment platform, we are also exploring if we can use this platform to offer something special in remembrance of last July,” he added.
Shahed Alam, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer at Robi Axiata Limited said that “Whether bonus data or gifts will be given to customers on any special occasion is essentially a commercial decision, and we believe operators should have the freedom to make that decision. Additionally, factors like network load and customer interest are also important in making such decisions.”
The initiative carries particular weight this year, as it marks the first anniversary of the internet blackout imposed by the than Sheikh Hasina-led government on July 18, 2024, during a violent crackdown on quota reform protests. The unrest culminated in her ouster weeks later, in early August.
According to the directive, BTRC approved the decision following instructions from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications aimed at reflecting public aspirations and promoting digital freedom.
To ensure smooth execution, operators have been asked to notify users in advance via SMS and extend full cooperation in observing the day.
The order suggested a SMS, mentioning “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 of digital freedom aligns with the spirit of the July Uprising and serves the broader public interest.
However, senior officials from a mobile operator noted that telecom companies are still obligated to pay taxes on all distributed data. “The government should clarify whether the free data will be tax-exempt,” the officials said, adding that operators must also cover network transmission and delivery costs. “BTRC needs to clarify whether other stakeholders will support this effort.”