Bangladesh’s telecom sector posted modest growth in July as both internet and mobile subscriptions increased, though numbers remain below the peaks seen a year earlier, according to fresh data from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

The country’s total internet subscribers rose to 135.99 million in July from 133.61 million in June. Mobile internet users accounted for 121.53 million, while fixed-line connections via ISPs and PSTN providers stood largely flat at 14.46 million. Overall, internet subscriptions grew 1.8% month-on-month, adding nearly six million users since the start of 2025.

Mobile phone usage also ticked up. Active SIMs climbed to 188.87 million in July from 188.45 million a month earlier. Market leader Grameenphone added 130,000 users to reach 86.64 million, followed by Robi Axiata at 57.54 million, Banglalink at 38.08 million, and state-owned Teletalk at 6.61 million.

Despite the rebound, both internet and mobile subscriptions remain below their July 2024 highs of 141.05 million and 194.26 million, respectively. Analysts attribute the slowdown to economic pressures, higher service costs, and changing usage patterns.

Still, industry watchers say the recovery—driven largely by mobile internet—reflects resilient demand as operators expand networks and introduce competitive data offers. Broadband connections, however, remain stagnant at around 14 million.