The telecom regulator yesterday directed mobile operators to set lower tariffs for 2G internet packages than the 3G ones to ensure fair pricing to users.

At present, the mobile companies offer internet packages without stating whether the connection speed would be 3G or 2G.

There will not be any grey area regarding the 2G and 3G data pricing, said Sunil Kanti Bose, chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.

The 3G users will also have to be compensated with 40 percent data for the amount used from their package in a 2G network coverage area.

For example, if subscribers of a 1GB 3G internet package use up their entire data allowance in a 2G network area, they should see only 600MB of data from their packages deducted, a BTRC official said.

If users in a 2G network coverage area wish to obtain a 3G package, the mobile companies should inform them by SMS that they are not currently under the 3G network, according to the BTRC notice.

The mobile phone companies will have to ensure the stipulated speed under a specific package, the notice said. At present, some operators do not mention the speed for the packages.

Once the entire country comes under 3G coverage, all internet users will enjoy the same price and the issue of separate tariffs will become obsolete, Bose said.

The government in 2013 launched the 3G service in a bid to provide mobile users a better internet experience.