The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has imposed a 50% cap on bandwidth imports from India, aiming to reduce dependence on a single source and enhance international connectivity. The move affects the country’s total bandwidth consumption of 6,500 Gbps.

Currently, about 60% of Bangladesh’s bandwidth is imported from India through international terrestrial cable (ITC) companies, while Bangladesh Submarine Cable PLC (BSCPLC) supplies the remaining 40%. Under the new regulation, BTRC plans to reduce Indian imports to 30% and increase the submarine cable share to 60%, with 10% sourced via satellite.

BTRC Chairman Emdad ul Bari stated that the decision aligns with efforts to strengthen Bangladesh’s internet infrastructure. Md Ariful Huq, deputy general manager of BSCPLC, confirmed their readiness to provide additional bandwidth immediately.

The policy change, made through an amendment to the international internet gateway (IIG) guidelines, allows operators to maintain up to 10% backup capacity via satellite until an alternative international long-distance communication (ILDC) route is available. However, service providers must secure BTRC approval before using satellite backup.

Satellite earth stations and very small aperture terminals (VSAT) are expected to ensure connectivity, particularly in remote areas. The decision is seen as a strategic shift toward a more resilient and diversified digital infrastructure in Bangladesh.