Internet Providers in Bangladesh
Asia-Pacific — Ranked #108 globally for broadband speed
Bangladesh has a large and growing internet market, primarily driven by mobile broadband. The country's rapid economic growth — led by garment manufacturing — has fueled demand for connectivity. Dhaka has improving infrastructure, and the government's Digital Bangladesh initiative has expanded rural connectivity. However, internet penetration remains relatively low compared to population, and fixed broadband is limited.
Broadband Overview — Bangladesh
| Bangladesh Internet Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Population | 169,356,251 |
| Internet Users | 65,400,000 (38.6% penetration) |
| Broadband Household Coverage | 18.0% of households |
| FTTH / Fibre Penetration | 3.0% of fixed broadband |
| Mobile Subscriptions | 105 per 100 people |
| Avg. Monthly Cost (broadband) | ~USD $8 |
| Regulatory Body | Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) |
| Global Speed Rank | #108 (Ookla fixed broadband index) |
Broadband Infrastructure
Bangladesh's market is dominated by Grameenphone (Telenor JV), Robi (Axiata), and Banglalink (Veon) for mobile. Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company (BSCCL) manages international connectivity via the SEA-ME-WE 4 and SEA-ME-WE 5 submarine cables landing in Cox's Bazar.
Key Facts
- ✓ Grameenphone (Telenor JV) is Bangladesh's largest telecom operator with over 85 million subscribers.
- ✓ Bangladesh was one of the first countries to shut down the internet entirely for extended periods — it did so during the 2024 student protests.
- ✓ The garment industry, which employs 4 million workers, is driving enterprise broadband demand.
- ✓ Bangladesh's submarine cable infrastructure is critical for connecting the region.
- ✓ The Digital Bangladesh program has expanded 4G to most upazila (sub-district) levels.
Internet Freedom in Bangladesh
- ● Bangladesh shut down the internet entirely for days during the 2024 student protests
- ● Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and TikTok were blocked for several days in July 2024
- ● The Digital Security Act (DSA) and its successor the Cyber Security Act (CSA) have been used to imprison journalists and critics
- ● Social media platforms are frequently throttled during political events
- ● Dozens of news websites have been blocked at various times
- ● VPN usage has surged as a workaround
ISP Speed Comparison — Bangladesh
Benchmark speeds based on Speedtest.now methodology. Actual speeds vary by location and plan.
| Provider | Technology | Download | Upload | Ping | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banglalink | LTE | Mbps | Mbps | ms | View → |
| Grameenphone | LTE | Mbps | Mbps | ms | View → |
| Robi | LTE | Mbps | Mbps | ms | View → |
All Providers in Bangladesh
How to Choose an ISP in Bangladesh
1. Check Coverage
Not all ISPs serve all addresses. Enter your postcode or address on each ISP's website to confirm availability before ordering.
2. Match Speed to Use
Streaming HD requires 10 Mbps per screen. Working from home with video calls needs 25 Mbps minimum. Gaming and 4K streaming benefit from 100+ Mbps.
3. Compare Contracts
Check whether the ISP locks you into a 12 or 24-month contract. Rolling monthly deals offer flexibility but may cost more. Watch for setup fees.
4. Run a Speed Test
After signing up, run a speed test to verify you're getting the speeds you paid for. Test at different times of day.
Frequently Asked Questions — Bangladesh Broadband
Who are the main ISPs in Bangladesh?
For mobile: Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink. For fixed broadband: Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) and many small local ISPs.
Is internet censored in Bangladesh?
Yes. Bangladesh has blocked social media platforms and shut down the internet entirely during political crises. Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp were shut down for days during the 2024 protests.
How fast is internet in Bangladesh?
Median speeds are around 15 Mbps. Urban areas in Dhaka have faster connections, while rural areas rely on slower mobile data.