BM Desk: Bangladesh Submarine Cables has announced a 10% reduction in bandwidth prices, which is expected to lower internet costs for consumers. This decision was made during a board meeting of the state-owned entity yesterday. The announcement was shared through a press release from the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser to the interim government today.

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, the special assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, and ICT Affairs, stated that the government is committed to making internet access more affordable. He emphasized that lowering wholesale bandwidth prices is a significant measure, and this 10% reduction will be applicable to all bandwidth at the international gateway level.

Taiyeb also mentioned that discussions are ongoing to enable mobile operators to utilize Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology, which could potentially decrease transmission costs by as much as 39%. DWDM is an optical networking method that enhances the capacity of fiber networks by allowing multiple data streams to be transmitted simultaneously on different light wavelengths through a single fiber.

“We have already engaged with telecom operators, and it is anticipated that they will pass these savings on to consumers, resulting in a potential 10% decrease in internet prices,” Taiyeb remarked. Additionally, he highlighted that Bangladesh is on track to connect to its third submarine cable, SEA-ME-WE 6, by the middle of next year.