Charges for internet services provided by Bhutan Telecom are expected to go down soon and that too by at least 50 per cent. At today’s Meet the Press session, the Prime Minister shared that this proposal by the government has been approved by the Cabinet. However, the exact date for this to take effect has not yet been determined.
As part of the national digital transformation initiative under the 13th Five-Year Plan, the government has been working since last year to reduce data charges by 50 per cent.
On 13th July last year, the Prime Minister issued an Executive Order directing the GovTech Agency, BICMA, all telecom operators, and internet service providers to develop a strategy to achieve this reduction by August 2024 for early implementation.
After multiple rounds of stakeholder consultations led by a Cabinet sub-committee that reviewed the strategic plan, the Cabinet approved the 50 per cent reduction in data charges last week.
“For months, we have been working closely with experts on this matter. After reviewing the implementation plans, the Cabinet has decided to proceed and has directed the relevant agencies to begin execution,” said the prime minister.
An official told BBS that the Cabinet will now direct Bhutan Telecom to implement the 50 per cent reduction.
He added that Bhutan Telecom has actively participated in government-led consultations over the past three months, and the rollout is expected soon.
Moreover, the deputy executive engineer of the GovTech Agency said that the third internet gateway is 90 per cent complete. The completion is delayed due to the cross-border right of way.
He said the GovTech agency has already contacted the counterparts to expedite it and is working towards it.
Reducing data charges by 50 per cent or making it equivalent to the rates in India is one of the pledges made by the government.
Sonam Yuden
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
