Since the introduction of GSM technology, the internet and voice calls have become crucial means of communication. Three major mobile operators in Bangladesh—Grameenphone Limited, Robi Axiata Limited, and Banglalink Digital Communications—dominate the market. However, customers are often confused by the numerous packages these operators offer. Consumers report difficulty in determining which package suits them best, as the cost of one gigabyte of data can range from as low as BDT 6 to as high as BDT 50. The same disparity is evident in voice call rates, with no consistency between packages offered by different operators.

The operators argue that, like prices in any product or service, prices in this sector depend on volume, quality, and duration. They claim that customers select packages based on their needs, and pricing for data and voice follows global standards.

An analysis of Grameenphone’s packages shows that a seven-day package offering 40 GB of data costs BDT 249, with the cost per gigabyte being BDT 6.23. In contrast, a seven-day package offering 2 GB costs BDT 98, with the price per gigabyte reaching BDT 49. Other packages offer data at varying rates per gigabyte, ranging from BDT 11.02, 18, 19, 28, 34, to 46.

Regarding voice calls, Grameenphone’s lowest rate allows customers to make a one-minute call for BDT 0.54, while in some packages, a minute can cost BDT 1.94, applicable in 90-day packages priced at BDT 509 and BDT 989. Packages with shorter durations (1 to 5 days) typically charge between BDT 0.80 and 0.99 per minute. Longer-duration packages offer even lower rates per minute.

An analysis of the mobile internet packages offered by cell phone operator Robi Axiata Limited reveals that they have four packages valid for one day, three for three days, six for seven days, and seven for 30 days. Among these packages, the price for the seven-day package with 100 gigabytes is BDT 278, making the cost per gigabyte BDT 2.78. Another seven-day package with 8 gigabytes is priced at BDT 168, resulting in a cost of BDT 21 per gigabyte. Additionally, the price for the 30-day package with 3 gigabytes is set at BDT 148, with the cost per gigabyte being BDT 49.33.

For voice calls, Robi’s rates range from BDT 0.63 to 0.95 per minute, depending on the package. Their 30-day package, priced at BDT 796, includes 500 minutes, resulting in an average cost of BDT 1.59 per minute.

In addition to these, Robi also offers bundle packages and time-limited offers.

Customers express frustration over the vast differences in packages, leading to confusion and financial losses. They argue that despite offering high volumes of data at low prices, operators often set very short validity periods, making it difficult to use all the data before it expires. Many are calling for an end to such offers.

A Robi customer, Nizam Uddin, shared his experience: “I had around BDT 12 on my phone, and I made a four-minute call. For that, I was charged more than BDT 11. Mobile operators are deeply embedded in the lives of every citizen, and it’s unethical for them to conduct business this way. While they have a right to do business, they should not be allowed to charge excessive fees from people who are unaware of these hidden costs.”

Operators state that they must keep their vast network infrastructure operational 24 hours a day to ensure the country’s telecommunications system functions. The specific speed-based bandwidth purchased by operators is not the internet itself. The bandwidth is transmitted to consumers via fiber networks, radio waves, and wireless technologies, essentially forming mobile internet. The bandwidth purchased at the IIG level is always fixed in quantity and time-bound. Operators in the telecommunications sector must purchase bandwidth in advance as a provision, whether it’s used or not. Therefore, the burden of unused bandwidth always falls on the operators. The amount of bandwidth purchased is determined by the peak consumer demand within a specific period. It loses value if the pre-purchased bandwidth remains unused and the time limit expires. Even if bandwidth is not utilized, operators are required to pay for it based on the duration. Naturally, the internet data sold in packages to consumers in every country comes with a predetermined validity period.

When asked, Grameenphone’s Head of Communications, Sharfuddin Ahmed Chowdhury, told Bonik Barta, “In determining the price of mobile voice or data services at the consumer level, such comparisons are speculative and incorrect. Grameenphone designs packages following regulatory instructions and guidelines, ensuring they reflect consumer demand, including factors like price, volume, and validity. Additionally, Grameenphone follows global quality standards when determining the prices of voice or data services.”

He further added, “The per-unit price of any product or service in the consumer market can change based on volume. Therefore, consumers benefit more by purchasing larger packages. You will notice that Grameenphone designs various affordable voice and data packages while keeping consumer needs in mind.”

The BDT 2 per-minute voice charge (excluding VAT and taxes) is part of the tariff plan. This applies when a consumer does not have an active minute or combo package. It follows a global standard, allowing consumers to receive services at a lower cost through packages. The same rule applies to data pricing. Mobile packages worldwide are created with a specific validity, such as hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual periods. Consumers can select the appropriate package based on their needs in this context. Moreover, before a package’s validity expires, any changes in the validity or offers are communicated via SMS.

In response to a query, Shahed Alam, Robi Axiata’s Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer, told Bonik Barta, “The price per unit, volume, quality, and validity are key factors in the purchase or sale of any product or service. In telecommunications services, as in every country, the price of services depends on total minutes, the total volume of internet data, the number of SMSs, and, most importantly, the validity. If the purchase quantity is higher, the cost decreases. Similarly, for data or minutes, if more is purchased, the price decreases.”

He further mentioned, “Consumers can choose packages according to their needs. Competitive markets, promotions, and campaigns create price differences. Different consumers have varying usage needs, and packages of different volumes and durations are available to meet them. Consumers have complete freedom to choose and purchase any package. Therefore, the notion of loss is irrelevant and baseless.”

Shahed Alam also commented, “Validity is an important factor in determining the price of mobile services. Operators must invest in bandwidth in advance, which involves both volume and duration. In wireless telecommunications, speed is determined by the tower’s location and density. Therefore, there is no alternative but to use the service within the given validity period. In this regard, diverse packages are available for consumers.”

When asked, President of the Mobile Consumers’ Association Mohiuddin Ahmed told Bonik Barta, “A major issue we face is that such packages require the commission’s approval and the commission grants that approval. General consumers don’t understand any of this. They just feel cheated. There are now questions about how the commission approves such packages. It’s time to question how the commission approves such packages as a regulatory body.”

He added, “Even when consumers buy large packages, operators often limit full data usage by reducing internet speed. This is evident with limitless packages.”