Broadband expansion is a must to boost business

Unlike mobile internet, broadband internet is much more related to commercial use or revenue earnings as it ensures high-speed internet. If broadband penetration can be increased in both rural and urban areas by only 10 per cent, it will help increase the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate by around 1 per cent, said President of Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) Md Emdadul Hoque in an exclusive interview with The Business Post’s Shamim Ahmed.

Please let us know why broadband internet should be expanded across the country?

Although Bangladesh has around 12.5 crore internet users, of which 11.3 crore use mobile internet and 1.2 crore use broadband internet, Mobile internet is mostly used for recreational purposes, such as we use Facebook, YouTube and Twitter etc. for entertainment. It is from our customer-end. But those who are doing freelancing or running business organisations are using high-speed internet from ISPs.

Citing a World Bank report, he said that if broadband internet penetration of the country in both rural urban areas can be increased by 10 per cent, it will increase the GDP growth by a margin of 1 per cent.

On the other hand, in the context of mobile internet use, 90 per cent of it is used in unproductive purpose while other 10 per cent is used as communications like emergency mail checking or everyday communications.

So, it can be said that the expansion of broadband internet is actually promoting the business or commercial activities. Broadband connectivity is much more related to economic issue.

How much speed or connectivity can be ensured with ISPs?

Currently, the country is using 3800 GBPS bandwidth with both mobile operators and internet service providers of which ISPs are reaching 2200 GBPS bandwidth to their customers while the rest 1600 GBPS. Just think, ISPs are providing 2200 GBPS internet to its 1.5 crore customers while mobile operators are providing 1600 GBPS internet to their 11 crore customers.

From these data, it is easily understandable that they have ability to provide desired internet speed. Broadband internet is much more convenient as it maintains speed, service quality and the volume of internet. People are getting unlimited data for their business use at minimum costs.

Can 4G or 5G be alternative to broadband internet?

4G and 5G technology are much more related to mobile technology? 5G technology is aimed at industrial use where a bigger volume if internet will require while broadband internet is serving the purposes now. No business entity is run without broadband connections. When 5G technology will be launched, ISPs will also be equipped with new technology.

When 2G and 3G came, it was assumed that broadband internet use would be reduced. But it did not happen, rather both were flourishing together.

Currently, the country is focusing on expansion of 4G technology as villagers are not getting the benefits of 4G technology that much because connectivity is still very low there. When 5G will be launched, the same thing will happen. A specified number of people will be using it, it is now important to ensure 4G everywhere, although the mobile technology will not be alternative to broadband connectivity as commercial entities or individuals who are doing anything computer-based would be using broadband as mobile operators cannot offer such unlimited data.

ISPs have many complaints when it starts in providing services across the country? Why so?

ISPs which have been licensed are providing best possible services. Complaints are mostly from illegal service providers. They want to do monopoly business in many areas by exercising their muscle power. People are being compelled to get the service ISPs are providing. So, where there is no competition, quality service will be hampered.

Monopoly has been at the top level too. Like, only three private companies have got NTTN licences in the country, one of them has just started transmission operations. More private companies should be given licenses to run businesses so that there is no monopoly there.

What measures can be taken for broadband expansion?

The government will have to frame an integrated policy for the smooth expansion of broadband connectivity which would also help facilitate both mobile operators and ISPs; so that companies can provide best possible services for the betterment of overall internet services.

The government should ensure that no one can run monopoly business exercising muscle power under the political shelter.

If these cannot be ensured, the government’s vision to become smart Bangladesh would not be achieved within the stipulated timeframe.