Connectivity in Bangladesh: WiFi is widely available, but a local SIM card may be worth considering for better coverage and affordability.

Connectivity in Bangladesh: A Guide to WiFi and Local SIM Cards

Bangladesh is a country located in South Asia, bordered by India to the north, east, and west, and Myanmar to the southeast. It is the eighth-most populous country in the world, with a population of over 160 million people. With such a large population, it is no surprise that connectivity is a crucial aspect of daily life in Bangladesh. In this article, we will explore the internet situation in Bangladesh, the availability of WiFi, and whether it is worth getting a local SIM card.

The internet situation in Bangladesh is steadily improving, with the government investing in infrastructure to increase connectivity across the country. According to a report by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the number of internet users in Bangladesh reached 102 million in January 2021, with a penetration rate of 62.3%. This is a significant increase from just a few years ago when the internet penetration rate was only around 13%.

Despite the increase in internet users, the internet speed in Bangladesh is still relatively slow compared to other countries. According to the Speedtest Global Index, Bangladesh ranks 130th in the world for mobile internet speed and 109th for fixed broadband speed. This means that it may take longer to load websites or download files, especially during peak hours when many people are using the internet.

However, the good news is that WiFi is widely available in Bangladesh, especially in urban areas. Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free WiFi to their customers, and there are also many public WiFi hotspots available. The government has also launched a project to provide free WiFi in public places such as parks, bus stops, and railway stations.

If you are traveling to Bangladesh and need to stay connected, it is worth considering getting a local SIM card. Local SIM cards are readily available and can be purchased at the airport or from mobile phone shops. The two main mobile operators in Bangladesh are Grameenphone and Robi, both of which offer prepaid and postpaid plans.

One advantage of getting a local SIM card is that it can be cheaper than using international roaming. International roaming charges can be expensive, and you may end up with a hefty bill at the end of your trip. With a local SIM card, you can enjoy local rates for calls, texts, and data, which can save you money in the long run.

Another advantage of getting a local SIM card is that it can provide better coverage in remote areas. While WiFi is widely available in urban areas, it may not be as reliable in rural areas. With a local SIM card, you can stay connected even in areas where WiFi is not available.

When choosing a local SIM card, it is important to consider your data needs. If you plan to use a lot of data, it is worth getting a plan with a high data allowance. Grameenphone and Robi both offer plans with varying data allowances, so it is worth comparing the options to find the best one for your needs.

In addition to Grameenphone and Robi, there are also other mobile operators in Bangladesh, such as Banglalink and Teletalk. However, these operators may not have as good coverage as Grameenphone and Robi, so it is worth doing some research before choosing a local SIM card.

In conclusion, connectivity in Bangladesh is steadily improving, with the number of internet users increasing and WiFi widely available in urban areas. If you are traveling to Bangladesh and need to stay connected, it is worth considering getting a local SIM card. Local SIM cards are readily available and can provide better coverage in remote areas, as well as potentially saving you money on international roaming charges. When choosing a local SIM card, it is important to consider your data needs and compare the options available. With the right SIM card, you can stay connected and enjoy all that Bangladesh has to offer.