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MoICE Minister says Cabinet had to reject an earlier version
The much-discussed, anticipated, and widely criticised Bhutan Telecom (BT) data cut is expected to be announced soon, as the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) is in the final stages of internal review and decision-making of the promised data cut.
The MoICE Minister, Namgyal Dorji, said, “The original BT proposal was rejected by the Cabinet, which is why a revised proposal is now under review.”
The Cabinet issued a directive in March 2025 to implement a 50 percent data cut by 1st July 2025. However, BT sought an extension until September 2025 to consult its Board and Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), and submitted a proposal in August 2025.
The proposal did not align with the Cabinet’s directive, and this was communicated through the Prime Minister, MoICE, and BICMA. BT subsequently revised its proposal in December 2025.
The MoICE Minister said, “The proposal was adjusted following direct discussions between BICMA and BT, and the matter is currently at an advanced stage of internal review. A final decision will be taken very soon.”
Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji has also been in direct contact with DHI to secure the best possible data package.
Had the August 2025 proposal been acceptable to MoICE and the Cabinet, it would have been approved then. Its rejection explains the delay.
Since the Cabinet’s original directive, the MoICE Minister has been regularly updating the Prime Minister and Cabinet colleagues, including during informal discussions on the sidelines of meetings.
Although the issue has not been placed on the formal Cabinet agenda, discussions have continued.
Cabinet Secretary, Dasho Kesang Deki, said that while the BT data cut was not formally tabled, ministers and the Prime Minister often discuss such matters informally before and after cabinet meetings.
She added that the Prime Minister would have issued directions to the MoICE Minister.
Prime Minister, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, confirmed to The Bhutanese about three weeks ago that he had issued instructions on the matter. He said he had emphasised the need for affordable data prices through the Minister and BICMA.
It is clear that, as Head of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister has conveyed his views to the MoICE Minister following updates on BT’s proposals.
The Lyonchhen has stated that while the government should not interfere excessively in such matters, current data prices are unacceptably high.
He added that although the process is taking time, the final outcome must benefit the public and businesses.
The MoICE Minister said, “I am aware that the issue continues to receive repeated media coverage. While public interest is understandable, such reporting has contributed to unnecessary impatience among stakeholders. Some media speculation on internal processes is neither necessary nor helpful.”
He added, “With regard to The Bhutanese’s inquiries, I have consistently provided clear responses that are in the public domain. Beyond this, there are no additional updates at this time. The final decision will be communicated transparently once concluded.”
A source shared details of BT’s August 2025 proposal. Under the proposal
Nu 19–49 packs: 50 percent additional data
Nu 99 pack: 20 percent more data, 30 minutes voice, 200 SMS
Nu 199 pack: 30 percent more data, 50 minutes voice, 250 SMS
Nu 299 pack: 35 percent more data, 80 minutes voice, 300 SMS
Nu 499 pack: 40 percent more data, 90 minutes voice, 350 SMS
The source said BT’s rationale was to encourage customers to shift to higher-value packages as the discount there would be more with the discount going up as the pack went up.
However, discounts were more moderate in the high packs since they already carry much more data.
Nu 699: 5 percent more data
Nu 799: 15 percent more data, 150 minutes, 500 SMS
Nu 999: 17 percent more data
Nu 1,099: 15 percent more data, 200 minutes, 500 SMS
Nu 2,499: 2.5 percent more data, 380 minutes, 500 SMS
Nu 2,999: 5 percent data cut, no voice or SMS
Free voice and SMS applied only between BT subscribers and were non-cumulative.
The government was not impressed with the proposal and asked BT to revise it. In December 2025, BT increased talk time in the Nu 99 pack from 30 to 60 minutes and in the Nu 199 pack from 50 to 70 minutes.
BT also reduced leased line rates from Nu 550 to Nu 390 per Mbps and introduced BT AirFiber, a wireless broadband service ranging from Nu 1,099 (200 GB, 5 Mbps) to Nu 3,999 (900 GB, 200 Mbps).
Under clear instructions from the PM, the MoICE Minister is finalising the rollout package, which is expected soon.
The final version is expected to include data, free voice, and SMS benefits, while ensuring BT’s financial sustainability.
Meanwhile, TashiCell filed an appeal with BICMA about a month ago, stating that a full 50 percent cut would make it uncompetitive and threaten its survival.
The Managing Director said that if BT drops data cost by 50 percent then it will have no choice but to follow suit as it cannot afford to lose customers but then doing so would threaten the very existence of TashiCell as a company.
He added that although the company makes a small profit, BT enjoys advantages as a government-owned entity. He said in earlier discussions TashiCell had considered implementing the cut gradually over three to four years with support, but later negotiations continued only with BT.
