In today’s digitally-driven world, internet speed plays a crucial role in economic growth, education, and social connectivity. Bangladesh has made significant progress in its internet infrastructure, but how does it compare to neighboring countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka?
This comprehensive analysis examines:
- Current internet speed rankings in Bangladesh vs. neighboring nations
- Key factors affecting connectivity
- Government initiatives to improve bandwidth
- Future prospects for faster and more affordable internet
Current Internet Speed Rankings (2024)
According to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index and Akamai’s State of the Internet Report, here’s how Bangladesh compares to its neighbors in terms of average internet speeds:
| Country | Avg. Mobile Speed (Mbps) | Avg. Fixed Broadband Speed (Mbps) | Global Rank (Mobile) | Global Rank (Fixed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 25.12 Mbps | 45.63 Mbps | 95th | 110th |
| India | 45.21 Mbps | 92.67 Mbps | 45th | 70th |
| Pakistan | 18.34 Mbps | 22.15 Mbps | 115th | 130th |
| Nepal | 21.05 Mbps | 38.72 Mbps | 105th | 120th |
| Sri Lanka | 30.89 Mbps | 65.43 Mbps | 75th | 85th |
Key Observations:
- India leads in both mobile and fixed broadband speeds due to widespread 4G/5G adoption.
- Bangladesh performs moderately, surpassing Pakistan and Nepal but lagging behind Sri Lanka and India.
- Pakistan has the slowest average speeds due to infrastructure limitations.
Factors Affecting Internet Speeds in Bangladesh & Neighboring Countries
1. Infrastructure Development
- Bangladesh:
- Fiber optic expansion (Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company – BSCCL)
- 4G coverage improving, but 5G still in trial phase
- India:
- Extensive fiber networks (Jio, Airtel)
- Rapid 5G rollout in major cities
- Pakistan:
- Limited fiber penetration, reliance on older copper lines
- Slow 4G adoption due to regulatory hurdles
- Nepal & Sri Lanka:
- Improving fiber connectivity but limited rural coverage
2. Government Policies & Investments
- Bangladesh:
- “Digital Bangladesh” initiative boosting IT infrastructure
- New submarine cables (SEA-ME-WE 6) expected by 2025
- India:
- “Digital India” program accelerating broadband access
- Heavy investments in 5G by private telecoms
- Pakistan:
- Slow policy reforms, high taxes on telecom sector
- Sri Lanka:
- Liberalized telecom market encouraging competition
3. Affordability & Market Competition
- Bangladesh:
- Mobile data is cheap (~$0.30/GB) but fixed broadband remains costly
- Dominated by GP, Robi, Banglalink, and Teletalk
- India:
- World’s cheapest data (~$0.17/GB) due to fierce competition (Jio vs. Airtel)
- Pakistan & Nepal:
- Higher data prices due to limited competition
4. Geographical Challenges
- Bangladesh & Nepal:
- Frequent natural disasters (floods, cyclones) damage infrastructure
- Sri Lanka & India:
- Better terrain for fiber deployment
Internet Speed Impact on Economy & Society
1. E-Commerce Growth
- Bangladesh’s e-commerce sector is expanding but suffers from slow loading times.
- India’s digital economy thrives due to faster internet (UPI, Flipkart, Amazon).
2. Remote Work & Education
- Bangladesh’s slow speeds hinder remote jobs and online classes.
- India & Sri Lanka benefit from better connectivity for freelancers and EdTech.
3. Streaming & Gaming
- Netflix, YouTube, and gaming require high speeds, which are inconsistent in Bangladesh.
- India leads in streaming consumption due to better broadband.
Future of Internet Speed in Bangladesh (2025 & Beyond)
1. 5G Rollout (Expected 2025)
- Trials ongoing, but full deployment may take until 2026.
- Will compete with India’s already active 5G networks.
2. New Submarine Cables (SEA-ME-WE 6)
- Expected to double Bangladesh’s bandwidth by 2025.
3. Fiber-to-Home (FTTH) Expansion
- BTCL, Summit Communications expanding fiber networks.
- Rural areas still lagging behind cities.
4. Policy Reforms Needed
- Reduce taxes on ISPs to lower broadband costs.
- Encourage foreign tech investments (like India’s Jio model).
How Bangladesh Can Improve Internet Speed
- Accelerate 5G deployment with public-private partnerships.
- Expand fiber optic networks to rural areas.
- Reduce regulatory barriers for new ISPs to increase competition.
- Invest in local data centers to reduce latency.
- Subsidize broadband for low-income users.
Conclusion: Can Bangladesh Catch Up?
While Bangladesh has made notable progress in internet speeds, it still trails behind India and Sri Lanka. The upcoming 5G and submarine cable projects could significantly boost performance, but policy reforms and infrastructure investments are crucial for long-term growth.
For Bangladesh to compete regionally, it must:
✅ Speed up 5G adoption
✅ Lower broadband costs
✅ Improve rural connectivity
With the right strategies, Bangladesh can bridge the digital divide and enhance its global competitiveness.