Mobile Users Reach 18.6 Crore as Internet Connectivity Hits New High: BTRC

Mobile and internet connectivity in Bangladesh has demonstrated steady growth in the early months of 2026, according to the latest subscriber statistics released by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). 

The first-quarter report highlights a resilient digital landscape, with the total number of mobile subscribers reaching 18 crore 60 lakh 60 thousand by the end of March.

The BTRC also reported that the combined total of internet users reached 12 crore 96 lakh 20 thousand in March. 

BTRC officials noted that this consistent growth, particularly the rebound of mobile internet users in March, underscores the indispensable role of digital connectivity in daily life. 

The regulator emphasized that it maintains a rigorous monitoring system to ensure operators provide quality service.

Market leader Grameenphone saw a gradual increase throughout the quarter, starting with 8 crore 43 lakh 30 thousand subscribers in January, rising to 8 crore 43 lakh 60 thousand in February and hitting 8 crore 44 lakh 80 thousand in March.

Robi Axiata followed a similar upward trajectory, recording 5 crore 72 lakh 40 thousand subscribers in January, 5 crore 73 lakh in February, and 5 crore 73 lakh 90 thousand in March. 

The company also posted strong financial results for the first quarter of 2026, reporting a Profit After Tax of BDT 232.3 crore with a 9.2 percent margin. Revenue climbed to BDT 2,531.2 crore, an 8.1 percent increase year-on-year, while earnings per share surged 85.2 percent to BDT 0.44.

"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 attributed this success to strategic innovation, stating, "This clearly shows that our AI-driven personalized services supported by sustained investment in network improvement are producing the desired result." 

Shatara added that a disciplined approach to cost management helped generate healthy profits, noting, "We look forward to continuing this performance with brightening economic climate over time."

Banglalink, the third-largest operator, saw slight fluctuations, recording 3 crore 74 lakh subscribers in January, which dipped to 3 crore 73 lakh 50 thousand in February before recovering to 3 crore 73 lakh 70 thousand in March. 

State-owned Teletalk maintained a steady base, holding at 68 lakh 20 thousand in both February and March after a January start of 68 lakh 30 thousand.

The digital surge was further evidenced by internet subscription data. 

While total internet users reached 12 crore 96 lakh 20 thousand by March, mobile internet specifically showed a notable rebound. 

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

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

Overall, the total pool of internet users grew from 12 crore 89 lakh 90 thousand in January to 12 crore 96 lakh 20 thousand by the end of the quarter, reflecting a broad return to digital platforms.