SANGSAD BHABAN, April 21, 2026 (BSS) - Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faqir Mahbub Anam today told the Jatiya Sangsad that the government has undertaken a series of comprehensive measures to improve internet service quality, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Responding to a starred question from opposition lawmaker Masum Mostafa (Netrokona-5) during the question-answer session in the House today, the minister said that the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has already issued an integrated Quality of Service (QoS) directive to safeguard consumer interests and enhance service standards. 

“The directive sets benchmarks for key performance indicators (KPIs), including mobile and broadband data speeds,” he said.

To ensure improved mobile internet performance, he said the commission is conducting regular drive tests using modern equipment. 

At the same time, initiatives have been taken to enhance network capacity through new spectrum allocation, tower sharing, and expansion of fiber optic networks. “Drives against illegal signal jammers are also being carried out regularly,” he said.

The minister further stated that Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) is implementing several projects to install optical fiber networks and high-capacity IP equipment, including switches and routers. 

These initiatives aim to deliver high-speed internet and data connectivity up to the upazila level, he said.

Under BTCL’s project titled “Expansion of Telecommunication Facilities (Broadband WiFi) for Underprivileged People in Haor, Baor and Remote Areas,” the installation of Wi-Fi hotspots in remote regions is currently underway.

To strengthen rural connectivity, he said state-owned mobile operator Teletalk is implementing multiple projects. 

Under the project “Expansion of Teletalk Network at Village Level and Network Modernization for 5G Services (1st Revised),” around 3,000 sites are being developed. 

Additionally, under another project targeting coastal, hilly, and hard-to-reach areas, 420 sites are being set up. In total, 3,420 sites will be equipped with high-speed 4G equipment, he added.

The minister noted that Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services have been introduced, while 5G services have been launched on a trial basis at four sites for limited users. 

“As a result, Teletalk’s user-end data speed has improved from 5 Mbps to 16 Mbps,” he said.

Upon completion of these projects, the minister said Teletalk’s 4G geographical coverage is expected to reach 50 percent, with population coverage rising to 60 percent. 

Furthermore, Faqir said initiatives are underway to take up two additional projects with foreign assistance, which will include the installation of 2,000 new 4G sites and 1,600 5G-enabled sites. 

“These efforts are expected to significantly enhance the overall quality of internet services across the country.” added the minister.