"On July 18, BTRC declares 'Free Internet Day,' urging internet service providers to provide 1GB of complimentary data"
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has announced a significant move to provide 1GB of free internet data to subscribers of all mobile phone operators in Bangladesh on July 18, 2025. This decision, made during a BTRC meeting held on Tuesday, 8 July, is part of the government's initiative to commemorate the historic July Uprising.
The free internet offer is intended to honor the spirit of the July Uprising and promote digital freedom, reflecting public aspirations. Operators have been instructed to notify users in advance via SMS about the free internet offer. A sample SMS message provided by the BTRC reads: "No one will take away the freedom to use the internet. On the occasion of July Uprising Day, you will receive 1GB of data on 18 July, valid for 5 days."
The purpose of this BTRC initiative is to commemorate the July Uprising, a day when a complete internet blackout was imposed by the previous Sheikh Hasina government amid a crackdown on quota reform protesters in 2024. The interim government later declared July 18 as "Free Internet Day."
This government-led symbolic gesture coordinated by the BTRC aims to promote the idea of digital freedom and uphold the public interest in free internet access. All mobile phone operators in Bangladesh have been instructed to comply, with operators such as Banglalink expressing willingness to support the initiative while reviewing regulatory details related to taxes and cost bearing.
However, operators have raised concerns that they still have to pay taxes on the free data provided and bear transmission costs, prompting calls for government clarification on financial support for this initiative.
The BTRC's decision to provide 1GB of free internet data to subscribers is part of their ongoing efforts to promote fair and affordable internet access, especially in a politically sensitive and historically important context. The free data quota will be valid for 5 days from activation.
In summary, the BTRC’s 1GB free internet offer on July 18 is a commemorative measure to celebrate digital freedom linked to the July Uprising, implemented through all major telecom operators in Bangladesh, with data valid for five days and prior user notification mandated.
The BTRC's 1GB free internet offer, part of their ongoing efforts to promote digital freedom, leverages technology in data-and-cloud-computing for the provision of the free data quota. Concerns regarding taxes and transmission costs have been raised by operators, highlighting the need for subsequent financial support and clarification from the government.
