Bhutan’s 3rd International Internet Gateway (3IIG) Won’t Cut Internet Prices Immediately, Says BICMA
Thinking the new internet gateway means cheaper internet right away? Think again! The Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) has clarified that while the 3IIG will make our internet much more reliable, it will not immediately reduce retail internet tariffs. Here’s what you need to know: 🔹 Focus on Resilience: Managed by GovTech Agency and Bhutan Telecom Limited (BTL), the 3IIG adds backup routes to keep Bhutan connected if main cables fail. 🔹 Why No Price Drop? The new infrastructure requires significant capital investment and recurring operational costs for operators. 🔹 Government First: Bulk bandwidth savings under the ACCESS project's IRU initiative currently benefit government networks, so consumers will have to wait longer for retail price drops. 🔹 Fair Rules: BICMA will monitor operators closely under the Telecommunications Tariff Order and enforce strict Quality of Service (QoS) standards. 💡 Looking for internet options in Thimphu? While national...
