BSS, Dhaka :
The number of internet users in the country has increased though there has been a declining trend in mobile subscribers’ growth, according to BTRC.
In the cycle of one year since March last year, the internet users reported a 38 percent growth.
The number of internet users in March this year reached 6.13 crore which was 5.83 crore in February and 5.62 crore in January, according to the latest statistics of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
The BTRC data, however, showed that taken together, all the six cellular phone operators had lost nearly 2.40 lakh subscribers in the month.
Talking to BSS, BTRC Secretary and Spokesperson M Sarwar Alam said the use of internet is being increased due to technological evolution in the country.
“Now, the people of all walks in the country are changing their internet usage pattern that has boosted the growth,” he observed.
Analyzing the regulator’s data, it was found that most of the internet users (97 percent) in the country is accessing to the internet through their cell phones.
The PSTN (public switched telephone network) operators also recorded positive growth, but WiMAX operators lost their subscribers.
In addition, the internet service providers (ISPs) were able to draw new subscribers to their network.
In March, there were nearly 25.33 lakh new mobile-based internet subscribers taking the number of mobile internet subscribers to 5.80 crore while PSTN operators incorporated nearly 6,000 and the total subscribers rose to 6.13 lakh. But, WiMAX operators have lost 5,000 customers as their total number slipped to 131,000 from 136,000 in February.
Moreover, the customers of fixed line internet provided by ISPs have reached 31.12 lakh from 26.69 lakh in February.
Nehal Ahmed, senior director, communications at Grameephone in a statement said: “As far as the growth in internet usage is concerned GP has been investing not only on network expansion but creating a digital eco-system.”
“Moreover, the internet packages are affordable now and as an industry, we are encouraging third parties to create more relevant content. The growth of smartphone penetration has also contributed to the increase in number of Internet users,” he added.
Currently, three PSTN operators-BTCL, RankTel and Banglaphone-are providing services while two WiMAX operators-Banglalion and Qubee-are in the market.
On the other hand, the number of mobile phone subscribers trickled down in March from February this year. In March, total subscribers stood at 13.08 crore which was 13.10 crore in February, 13.19 crore in January this year and 13.37 crore in December last year.
Meanwhile, the government launched SIM verification using biometric system in December 16 last year and the process is scheduled to be end by April.
The number of internet users in the country has increased though there has been a declining trend in mobile subscribers’ growth, according to BTRC.
In the cycle of one year since March last year, the internet users reported a 38 percent growth.
The number of internet users in March this year reached 6.13 crore which was 5.83 crore in February and 5.62 crore in January, according to the latest statistics of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
The BTRC data, however, showed that taken together, all the six cellular phone operators had lost nearly 2.40 lakh subscribers in the month.
Talking to BSS, BTRC Secretary and Spokesperson M Sarwar Alam said the use of internet is being increased due to technological evolution in the country.
“Now, the people of all walks in the country are changing their internet usage pattern that has boosted the growth,” he observed.
Analyzing the regulator’s data, it was found that most of the internet users (97 percent) in the country is accessing to the internet through their cell phones.
The PSTN (public switched telephone network) operators also recorded positive growth, but WiMAX operators lost their subscribers.
In addition, the internet service providers (ISPs) were able to draw new subscribers to their network.
In March, there were nearly 25.33 lakh new mobile-based internet subscribers taking the number of mobile internet subscribers to 5.80 crore while PSTN operators incorporated nearly 6,000 and the total subscribers rose to 6.13 lakh. But, WiMAX operators have lost 5,000 customers as their total number slipped to 131,000 from 136,000 in February.
Moreover, the customers of fixed line internet provided by ISPs have reached 31.12 lakh from 26.69 lakh in February.
Nehal Ahmed, senior director, communications at Grameephone in a statement said: “As far as the growth in internet usage is concerned GP has been investing not only on network expansion but creating a digital eco-system.”
“Moreover, the internet packages are affordable now and as an industry, we are encouraging third parties to create more relevant content. The growth of smartphone penetration has also contributed to the increase in number of Internet users,” he added.
Currently, three PSTN operators-BTCL, RankTel and Banglaphone-are providing services while two WiMAX operators-Banglalion and Qubee-are in the market.
On the other hand, the number of mobile phone subscribers trickled down in March from February this year. In March, total subscribers stood at 13.08 crore which was 13.10 crore in February, 13.19 crore in January this year and 13.37 crore in December last year.
Meanwhile, the government launched SIM verification using biometric system in December 16 last year and the process is scheduled to be end by April.
