Restoration of the mobile internet across the country would be possible on next Sunday or Monday, says State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak.
Amid the current situation of the country, broadband internet services have been restored in limited capacity, but mobile internet connection is still closed. As a result, a large part of the customers are being deprived of internet service.
Palak stated that, a meeting with the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) will be held to review the situation. After reviewing the information, a decision on mobile internet restoration will be made on between Sunday and Monday.
Internet services in some areas were restored Tuesday night. Important establishments including government institutions, banks, gas and electricity service providers had broadband internet services restored on a priority basis.
Palak estimated daily losses to be around Tk 70 to Tk 80 crore due to the vandalism by the miscreants. The government is actively working on a swift restoration plan.
Regarding social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, Palak mentioned planned meetings with their representatives to discuss access resumption. He raised concerns about these platforms prioritising American law over Bangladeshi regulations and neglecting the needs of the Bangladeshi people.
The state minister also said that they will support domestic entrepreneurs if they create social media apps as an alternative to Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. A letter will be sent to Facebook, TikTok and YouTube regarding the violence. They have to appear and explain within the specified time.
The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) aims to restore at least 70-80 per cent of broadband internet services by Wednesday night.
ISPAB President Emdadul Hoque told that they are aiming to fully restore broadband internet services by Wednesday night. “We are working on this; hope at least 79-80 per cent will be restored,” he added.
