Verified Facts
In Bangladesh, the internet is widely available, with a growing number of internet users, but the quality and speed can vary greatly depending on the location and service provider.
Quick Facts
Internet Overview
The internet in Bangladesh has improved significantly over the years, with the average internet speed increasing to 10.06 Mbps download. However, the quality of the internet can vary greatly depending on the location, with urban areas generally having better internet connectivity than rural areas. The urban-rural divide is a significant issue in Bangladesh, with many rural areas lacking access to reliable and fast internet. The reliability of the internet can also be a problem, with frequent outages and slow speeds during peak hours.
Despite these challenges, the internet has become an essential part of daily life in Bangladesh, with many people using it for communication, entertainment, and education. The government has also taken steps to improve internet connectivity, including the launch of several initiatives to expand broadband access to rural areas. However, more needs to be done to address the digital divide and ensure that all citizens have access to reliable and affordable internet.
Getting a SIM Card
Getting a SIM card in Bangladesh is relatively easy, with many mobile operators offering tourist-friendly plans. The main carriers, such as Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink, have outlets at major airports and cities, where you can purchase a SIM card and choose a plan that suits your needs. To buy a SIM card, you will need to provide a valid passport and a copy of your visa, if required. The cost of a SIM card can vary depending on the operator and the plan you choose, but you can expect to pay around 10-20 USD for a tourist SIM.
It's recommended to purchase a SIM card from a reputable operator, such as Grameenphone or Robi, as they offer better coverage and faster internet speeds. You can choose from a variety of plans, including prepaid and postpaid options, with data bundles starting from 1 GB. The prices of the plans vary depending on the operator and the amount of data you need, but you can expect to pay around 5-10 USD for a basic plan.
| Carrier | Tourist Plan | Data | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grameenphone | Prepaid | 1 GB | 5 | Valid for 7 days |
| Robi | Postpaid | 5 GB | 10 | Valid for 30 days |
| Banglalink | Prepaid | 2 GB | 7 | Valid for 15 days |
| Teletalk | Prepaid | 1 GB | 3 | Valid for 7 days |
WiFi Availability
- Hotel WiFi quality is generally good, with most hotels offering free WiFi to their guests.
- Cafe WiFi culture is growing in popularity, with many cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi to their customers.
- Coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular, with many options available in major cities like Dhaka and Chittagong.
- Public WiFi is available in some areas, such as airports and shopping malls, but the quality and security can be a concern.
- WiFi is also available in some universities and educational institutions, but the quality can vary depending on the institution.
For Remote Workers
- Coworking spaces like HubDhaka and Workstation offer reliable and fast internet, as well as other amenities like meeting rooms and printing facilities.
- Reliable cafe chains like Gloria Jeans and Coffee Shop offer free WiFi and a comfortable working environment.
- Backup internet options like portable WiFi hotspots are available, but can be expensive and may not offer the best speeds.
- VPNs are recommended to ensure secure and private internet access, especially when working with sensitive data.
- Some popular neighborhoods for remote workers include Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi, which offer a range of coworking spaces, cafes, and other amenities.
Tips & Warnings
- Internet censorship is a concern in Bangladesh, with some websites and social media platforms blocked by the government.
- VPN use is recommended to bypass internet censorship and ensure secure internet access.
- Some websites and services may be blocked or restricted, so it's a good idea to research and plan ahead.
- Roaming alternatives like portable WiFi hotspots and eSIMs are available, but can be expensive and may not offer the best speeds.
- Be careful when using public WiFi, as the security and quality can be a concern, and consider using a VPN to protect your data.
- It's also a good idea to purchase a local SIM card or portable WiFi hotspot to ensure reliable and affordable internet access during your stay in Bangladesh.