Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCPLC), the state-owned and publicly listed international telecommunications service provider, has dismissed recent media reports regarding potential bandwidth shortages and geopolitical risks as “misleading” and “inconsistent with reality.”
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the organisation clarified that it continues to operate its two Trusted Submarine Cable Systems – SEA-ME-WE-4 and SEA-ME-WE-5 – with high efficiency and reputation.
Current Capacity and Geographical Security The combined capacity of the two existing cable systems is approximately 7,200 Gbps. Currently, 4,100 Gbps is being supplied across the country, leaving an unused surplus of 3,100 Gbps.
BSCPLC noted that technical advancements will allow for further capacity increases in the future.
Addressing concerns over geopolitical tensions, the state agency revealed that of the total 7,200 Gbps capacity, only 100 Gbps (1.34 per cent) passes through the Red Sea. Furthermore, none of the existing cables are connected via the Strait of Hormuz.
The remaining 7,100 Gbps is routed through Singapore (6,000 Gbps) and Chennai (1,100 Gbps), routes that are entirely independent of the Strait of Hormuz or the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Consequently, the organisation described claims that Bangladesh could face “digital darkness” due to Iranian or Houthi rebel actions as “baseless”.
Status of SEA-ME-WE-4 and SEA-ME-WE-5 The BSCPLC also corrected “erroneous” reports suggesting that the SEA-ME-WE-5 cable has reached its capacity limit. The cable has a lit-up capacity of 2,200 Gbps, of which only 1,488 Gbps is currently utilised, leaving 712 Gbps available.
Its lifespan is set until 2037, with the possibility of extension through consortium discussions.
Regarding SEA-ME-WE-4, which some reports labelled as an “end-of-life” cable, the agency stated that it currently possesses a capacity of 4,650 Gbps and supplies 2,595 Gbps. Its lifespan is determined until 2030, and there are opportunities to extend this further.
Future Expansion To meet future demand, BSCPLC is implementing a third Trusted Submarine Cable System, SEA-ME-WE-6, expected to be operational by early 2027.
This system will provide 15,000 Gbps each for the Cox’s Bazar-Singapore and Cox’s Bazar-Mumbai segments, totalling 30,000 Gbps of new capacity. By 2027, the total capacity of state-owned submarine cables is projected to reach approximately 38,000 Gbps.
Commitment to Digital Sovereignty The organisation assured the public that it is fully prepared to meet both current and future bandwidth demands, stating there is no risk of shortage.
The BSCPLC urged operators, service providers, and citizens not to be influenced by misleading reports.
It invited stakeholders to support the country’s digital progress by utilising the secure and sovereign SEA-ME-WE-4, 5, and 6 systems, reaffirming its commitment to national information infrastructure security and digital sovereignty.
