Bhutan Slashes Internet Charges by 50% to Boost Digital Access
The Royal Government of Bhutan is taking a major step toward digital inclusion by cutting internet charges by 50% for services provided by Bhutan Telecom. The Prime Minister announced this decision during a recent Meet the Press session. It aligns with the country’s broader digital transformation goals outlined in the 13th Five-Year Plan. The tariff reduction follows a year of careful planning, including consultations with stakeholders and industry experts. In July 2023, the Prime Minister issued an Executive Order instructing the GovTech Agency, Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA), and telecom operators, including Bhutan Telecom, to develop a roadmap for the 50% price cut by August 2024. A dedicated Cabinet sub-committee reviewed and approved the plan last week. "This initiative has been a top priority for our government, and we have worked closely with experts to ensure it is both sustainable and effective," the Prime Minister said. The Cabinet has now directed rele...
