Swapan Kumar Singh :

In a move to enhance passenger convenience during the Eid travel rush, the government has begun a pilot free Wi-Fi service on the Dhaka–Sylhet intercity train. The initiative is part of a broader plan to provide free internet at key public places and educational institutions.

The service was first tested on the Dhaka–Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar route, using satellite-based internet and modern Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, which allows electricity and data to run through a single cable.

Rehan Asad, ICT adviser to the Prime Minister, confirmed that the free Wi-Fi service will soon expand to other major routes, including Dhaka–Rajshahi, Dhaka–Sylhet, and Dhaka–Khulna. The rollout is part of the government’s election pledge to provide selected locations with internet access ahead of Eid.

The project is being implemented by Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited, the authorised Starlink distributor in Bangladesh. During trials, download speeds ranged from 8–88 Mbps, upload speeds 13–47 Mbps, and latency 23–47 milliseconds.

According to the authorities, after Eid, the service will be extended to three international airports—Hazrat Shahjalal, Shah Amanat, and Osmani International Airport—with plans to gradually expand to other key locations across the country.

Officials say the free Wi-Fi will make travel more convenient for passengers and strengthen Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure.