Bhutan’s long-awaited Third International Internet Gateway, a strategic project expected to significantly strengthen the country’s digital connectivity and network resilience, has reached its final preparatory stage and is now awaiting regulatory clearances from Indian authorities before implementation can move forward.
The Government Technology (GovTech) agency said the project has made substantial progress, with the remaining hurdle being approval to conduct a joint survey at the India–Bangladesh border for the establishment of the Point of Interconnection (PoI)—a critical link required to complete the cross-border fibre connection.
Responding to Business Bhutan’s queries on the project’s status, GovTech said all participating operators and implementing agencies submitted the required documentation to the relevant authorities in March 2026.
“Once the necessary approvals are granted, the joint survey and subsequent infrastructure works can commence, enabling the project to enter the implementation phase,” a GovTech official said.
The agency said Bangladesh has already confirmed that there are no outstanding regulatory or approval issues on its side. Preparatory work and supporting infrastructure within Bangladesh have been completed, leaving the remaining processes centred on cross-border coordination and statutory approvals.
GovTech explained that although several regulatory procedures remain outside Bhutan’s direct control, it is working closely with all stakeholders to facilitate timely implementation.
“Once approvals are finalised, the joint survey at the India–Bangladesh border will enable the establishment of the Point of Interconnection and the cross-border fibre link,” the official said.
The project was originally expected to become operational in early 2025. However, the timeline has been extended due to regulatory procedures involving multiple jurisdictions.
Despite the delay, GovTech said a number of major milestones have already been achieved.
According to the agency, the cross-border fibre infrastructure on the Indian side has been completed up to the designated border location, while participating operators have finalised technical planning and fulfilled documentation requirements.
Updates received from Bangladeshi counterparts during bilateral engagements also indicate that supporting infrastructure in Bangladesh has been completed and is ready for integration.
“The remaining work involves finalising the Point of Interconnection and completing the necessary regulatory processes before the gateway can move to the next stage,” GovTech said.
The agency noted that the Point of Interconnection can only be established after the joint survey is completed and the required approvals are secured. Once that is accomplished, the remaining cross-border fibre deployment between India and Bangladesh can proceed, paving the way for the gateway to become operational.
GovTech also addressed questions on why the gateway cannot be activated immediately despite fibre infrastructure already reaching the India–Bhutan border near Gelephu.
It explained that while Bhutan’s connection to the Indian network is already in place, the international route remains incomplete until the fibre connection between India and Bangladesh is established.
“The gateway requires an uninterrupted end-to-end international connectivity route. Until the India–Bangladesh segment is completed, the gateway cannot be operationalised,” the agency said.
Officials said relevant agencies in the three countries continue to coordinate closely to complete the remaining technical and regulatory requirements.
GovTech also confirmed that the preferential bandwidth transit rate through Bangladesh remains unchanged.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Government of Bangladesh, Bangladesh continues to provide bandwidth transit towards Singapore at the agreed preferential friendship rate of US$3 per Mbps.
“The agency has not received any official communication indicating changes to the existing commercial arrangement,” GovTech said, adding that any future revisions would be addressed through established bilateral and commercial mechanisms.
The Third International Internet Gateway is regarded as one of Bhutan’s most important digital infrastructure projects.
At present, Bhutan relies heavily on internet connectivity routed through India. The additional gateway, linking Bhutan through Bangladesh to Singapore, is expected to significantly diversify international connectivity, reduce dependence on a single route, and improve the resilience of national internet services.
Experts say greater route diversity will strengthen network reliability, improve redundancy during outages, and support the country’s expanding digital economy, which increasingly depends on stable, high-capacity international internet connectivity.
The project is also expected to benefit businesses, financial institutions, government services and emerging digital industries by enhancing network stability and reducing the risks associated with disruptions to existing international links.
GovTech said it remains committed to working with partner governments, telecommunications operators and implementing agencies to expedite the remaining regulatory processes while ensuring that all statutory and technical requirements are fulfilled.
Although the final approvals are beyond Bhutan’s direct control, the agency expressed confidence that the project is steadily moving towards implementation.
Once operational, the Third International Internet Gateway is expected to become a key pillar of Bhutan’s digital infrastructure, strengthening international connectivity, enhancing cyber resilience, and supporting the country’s long-term vision of building a modern, digitally enabled economy.
Nidup Lhamo, Thimphu
