Representational photo

DHAKA, May 9, 2026 (BSS) - Mobile and internet connectivity across the country has shown steady growth, as Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) released subscriber statistics for the first quarter of 2026. 

By the end of March 2026, the total number of mobile subscribers stood at 18 crore 60 lakh 60 thousand, comprising all users, according to the report released this month by the telecom regulator.

Besides, the combined total of internet users reached 12 crore 96 lakh 20 thousand in March.

BTRC officials said that the consistent growth in the subscriber base, particularly the rebound of mobile internet users in March, highlights the indispensable role of digital connectivity in the daily life. 

The telecom regulator maintains a rigorous monitoring system to ensure that operators provide quality service, they added. 

The statistics showed that market leader Grameenphone began the year with 8 crore 43 lakh 30 thousand subscribers in January, rising slightly to 8 crore 43 lakh 60 thousand in February and reaching 8 crore 44 lakh 80 thousand in March. 

Besides, Robi Axiata followed with 5 crore 72 lakh 40 thousand subscribers in January, while 5 crore 73 lakh in February, and 5 crore 73 lakh 90 thousand in March. 

Robi Axiata also posted a strong start to 2026, reporting Profit After Tax of Tk 232.3 crore in the first quarter (Q1'26), with a margin of 9.2 percent. 

Revenue climbed to Tk 2,531.2 crore in Q1, an 8.1 percent increase from a year earlier. Earnings per share surged 85.2 percent year-on-year (YoY) to Tk 0.44, it said in a quarterly financial update.

"We have registered 8.1 percent YoY growth and that too under very adverse socio-economic conditions intensified by the war in the West Asia," said Robi Managing Director and CEO Ziad Shatara. 

He said "This clearly shows that our AI-driven personalized services supported by sustained investment in network improvement are producing the desired result." 

"Meanwhile, we have been able to generate healthy profit for our shareholders in Q1'26 by sustaining our disciplined approach to cost management and investment planning," said Ziad, adding, "We look forward to continuing this performance with brightening economic climate over time."

The third largest operator, Banglalink recorded 3 crore 74 lakh subscribers in January, which dipped to 3 crore 73 lakh 50 thousand in February, and recovered to 3 crore 73 lakh 70 thousand in March. 

On the other hand, the state-owned Teletalk maintained a steady base, starting with 68 lakh 30 thousand in January and holding at 68 lakh 20 thousand in both February and March. 

The total number of mobile subscribers across all operators was 18 crore 58 lakh in January, 18 crore 58 lakh 40 thousand in February, and 18 crore 60 lakh 60 thousand in March. 

The statistic showed that internet subscriptions also showed growth. By March 2026, the total number of internet subscribers reached 12 crore 96 lakh 20 thousand. 

Mobile internet users numbered 11 crore 42 lakh 20 thousand in January, declined to 11 crore 35 lakh in February, and rebounded to 11 crore 48 lakh 50 thousand in March. 

Fixed-line internet subscribers (ISP and PSTN) remained unchanged throughout the quarter at 1 crore 47 lakh 50 thousand. 

The combined total of internet users was 12 crore 89 lakh 90 thousand in January, while 12 crore 82 lakh 70 thousand in February, and 12 crore 96 lakh 20 thousand in March.