BTRC instructs immediate shut down of 3G, 4G services
Published : 29 Dec 2018, 16:39
The telecom regulatory commission has asked all mobile operators to shut down 3G and 4G services with immediate effect.
As per Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) order issued today, people using mobile data will not be able to stream or upload pictures or videos.
Use of communication apps would also be nearly impossible with the slashed mobile internet speed.
According to an e-mail sent to mobile operators by the BTRC's engineering and operations department, only 2G internet will be available now.
As of November, over 6 crore people are currently using the 3G and 4G mobile internet.
The decision is effective immediately. The 3G and 4G services will be restored after midnight of December 31, it said.
The BTRC, however, hasn't said anything about broadband services.
According to BTRC data, there were 57.35 lakh broadband connections in November.
On Wednesday, the BTRC in a meeting with the International Internet Gateway representatives said social media sites, especially Facebook, would be blocked if needed.
BTRC on Thursday night slowed down mobile internet by shutting down 3G and 4G services. However, the service was restored on Friday morning 10 hours into its suspension.
During the demonstrations for safe roads in August, the BTRC slowed down internet speed for almost 24 hours.
Source: thedailystar