High growth in subscription of BTCL broadband internet

The introduction of new high speed broadband internet packages through asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) by the state-owned Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) has paid off, as evidenced in a 158 percent rise in the subscription in December 2009 compared to a month earlier.
Such BTCL packages came into effect on December 1 to woo more customers in its network.
The new packages are competitive and cheaper than the internet services provided by the private mobile phone and Wimax operators.
According to the official estimate, BTCL provided 179 new connections in December, while the figure was 69 in November.
Moreover, in January alone, such connections reached 210.
"Although the monthly connection rate is still far below the expectation the 158 percent increase in a single month clearly manifests the positive effect of the new tariff, the lowest in the broadband internet market," said a BTCL high official.
He, however, suggested a cut in the initial payments a new customer has to make while installing the service, which could raise the number of such connections manifold.
Currently, Dhaka, Chittagong and Khulna customers have access to the BTCL's full capacity of ADSL connections. Very soon this service will be widened to the Comilla and Rajshahi users.
In volume-based category, BTCL introduced BCube supersaver with 128kbps download capacity at Tk 300 per month with 2GB free monthly download.
Its BCube Premium service with 512kbps download capacity is available at Tk 1200 per month with 8GB free download. BCube express with 1028 Kbps download speed is available at Tk 2400, with 16 GB free monthly download. For additional download a charge of 10 paisa/MB will be applicable.