Bangladesh's internet subscriber base recorded a strong rebound in April 2026, reversing a recent downward trend as mobile data usage recovered and fixed broadband connections continued to expand steadily, according to the latest data from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
The total number of internet subscribers increased to 131.4 million in April, up from 129.6 million in March, representing a 1.39% month-on-month growth and a net addition of nearly 1.8 million users. The rise points to a stabilisation of the sector following several months of volatility earlier this year.
The market had contracted to 128.2 million subscribers in February, the lowest level in almost three years. Consecutive increases in March and April indicate that the sector may be entering a recovery phase, supported by stronger data consumption and renewed demand for digital services.
Mobile internet remained the dominant growth engine, accounting for the bulk of new additions. Active mobile internet users rose to 116.4 million in April, compared to 114.8 million in March, reflecting an increase of approximately 1.62 million connections within a single month.
Despite the recovery, mobile internet subscriptions remain below the all-time high of 129.1 million recorded in June 2024, suggesting that the market has yet to regain its peak momentum.
Industry observers attribute recent fluctuations in mobile internet usage to factors such as SIM rationalisation, changing consumer spending patterns and seasonal variations in usage. Improved network quality and the growing affordability of data packages are also believed to have supported the recent increase.
Fixed broadband subscriptions also registered steady growth, rising to 14.9 million in April from 14.7 million in March. The segment had remained largely stagnant during the first quarter of the year.
The steady rise in broadband connections reflects continued expansion of fibre and ISP networks, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, as demand grows for higher-speed and more stable internet connections for remote work, education, streaming, and business use.
Under BTRC methodology, an internet subscriber is defined as a user who has accessed the internet at least once within the previous 90 days. The regulator compiles its data through operator reporting, market analysis and consultations with internet service providers.
Analysts say that despite short-term fluctuations, Bangladesh's internet market continues to demonstrate strong long-term growth, driven by rising smartphone penetration, the expansion of 4G services and increasing digitisation of financial and public services.
"The growth in internet subscribers mainly reflects the country's overall economic development and the strengthening of the digital economy," said Shahed Alam, chief corporate and regulatory officer of Robi Axiata PLC.
"As a result, demand for digital services and connectivity is increasing, which indicates continued progress overall," he added.
Aminul Hakim, president of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), said the increase highlights growing reliance on stable broadband connectivity.
“The addition of around two lakh broadband subscribers in a month signals steady growth in demand, particularly as households and businesses increasingly rely on uninterrupted internet for work, education and digital services,” he told Dhaka Tribune.
Telecom industry stakeholders expect gradual growth to continue in the coming months, particularly if data pricing remains stable and network investments expand coverage in underserved regions. However, they also caution that subscriber numbers may continue to fluctuate month-to-month due to SIM activity patterns and seasonal usage behaviour.
With Bangladesh’s digital ecosystem expanding across e-commerce, fintech, and government services, internet penetration is increasingly viewed as a key indicator of broader economic transformation.
