The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has introduced new guidelines for mobile operators regarding internet services. According to the updated directive, when an internet package expires, any unused or remaining data will now be added to any new package purchased—whether it’s the same package or a different one. This change means customers will no longer need to buy the same package again just to carry forward their unused data.
BTRC recently updated its ‘Mobile Phone Operators’ Data and Data Package Guidelines’ from 2023 to the 2024 version, which includes this new rule.
In the previous guidelines issued in October 2023, BTRC had limited mobile operators to offering up to 40 data packages with validity periods ranging from 7 to 30 days, or even unlimited durations. This limitation led to dissatisfaction among mobile operators.
Under the new guidelines, operators can offer three types of packages. Regular packages must have a minimum validity of 15 days, special packages for specific customer needs must last at least 3 days, and research and development packages must have a minimum validity of 7 days.
In addition to these, operators are also free to create packages based on their own plans, including hourly packages or those lasting one to three days. The new rule allows operators to offer up to 200 MB for one hour, 3 GB for one day, 5 GB for two days, and 8 GB for three days.
Moreover, the updated guidelines make it clear that any unused data, regardless of how much is left, will be carried over to a new package if the customer buys one, even if it’s a different package from the one they previously had.
Brigadier General Mohammad Khalil-ur-Rahman, Director General of BTRC’s Systems and Services Division, explained that this decision was made with the best interests of customers in mind. He pointed out that previously, customers could carry over a maximum of 50 GB of unused data. Now, any unused data, no matter the amount, can be carried forward. He assured that customer interests will continue to be a top priority for BTRC.
BTRC’s previous guidelines (Clause 7.5) had allowed customers to carry over unused data from a package if they re-purchased the same package before it expired, but this was limited to a maximum of 50 GB.
Additionally, the new guidelines require mobile operators to notify customers via SMS at least one day before their data package expires, informing them of the expiration and offering instructions on how to repurchase the current or an appropriate package to carry over unused data.
To further enhance customer convenience, BTRC has also directed mobile operators to make a list of all their regular packages available on their websites for easy access.
 has introduced new guidelines for mobile operators regarding internet services. According to the updated directive, when an internet package expires, any unused or remaining data will now be added to any new package purchased—whether it’s the same package or a different one. This change means customers will no longer need to buy the same package again just to carry forward their unused data.){kind=link}