BTCL broadband connections increase by 83pc in April

[ Business ] 2010-05-17

BTCL broadband connections increase by 83pc in April

Monthly broadband internet subscription of the Bangladesh Telecommunica-tions Company Limited through asymmetric digital subscriber line was increased by 83 per cent in April compared to March after the reduction of installation and usage charges and price of modem.    The state-owned land phone operator which provides broadband internet connectivity to its landline subscribers provided 537 new connections in April which was 293 in March.    The BTCL in April reduced registration cost by 80 per cent to Tk 100, and set-up and configuration charge by 50 per cent to Tk 300 to net more internet subscribers in its ADSL network.    The company also reduced the usage charge up to 38 per cent on different packages.    It also reduced the modem price to Tk 2500 from Tk 3500.    An official of BTCL said that the number of connections increased after charges were reduced in April. He, however, noted that the number of broadband connections could be increased manifold if the authorities reduce the number of days to complete procedures in giving a new connection from seven to three days.    The total number of connections stands at more than 2,300 at present.    Currently, subscribers in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Comilla and Bogra have access to the BTCL's full capacity of ADSL connections and the company plans to widen the service to Rajshahi.