BTRC Hosts Workshop to Reform Telecom Network and Licensing Framework
As part of its initiative to reform the network and licensing framework in the telecommunications sector, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) organized a day-long consultative workshop on Sunday. The event, held at the BTRC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, was chaired by Brigadier General Iqbal Ahmed, Commissioner of the Engineering and Operations Division of BTRC.
The workshop brought together representatives from various key stakeholders, including Bangladesh Bank, National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC), Armed Forces Division, Department of Telecommunications, Bangladesh Submarine Cables Limited, Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited, Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL), mobile operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Association of GW Operators of Bangladesh, Association of ICX Operators Bangladesh, tower companies, Nationwide Telecom Transmission Network (NTTN), Interconnection Exchange (ICX), International Internet Gateway (IIG), National Internet Exchange, tower operators, and Bangladesh Association of Call Center and Outsourcing (BACCO). Telecom and ICT experts from BUET, MIST, North South University, and BRAC University were also present.
In his welcome speech, Brigadier General Iqbal Ahmed highlighted the complexity of the existing telecom network and licensing structure, stating, “It is essential to design a network framework where digital service providers can easily deliver their services while adapting to emerging technologies.” He emphasized that the new framework would focus on fairness, transparency, accessibility, the establishment of minimum standards, and the facilitation of multi-dimensional services. He assured that the reform would consider both international best practices and the country’s specific realities.
Participants were divided into four groups to present their recommendations on different aspects of the reform: Network Topology, Access/Retail Service Providers, National Connectivity Service Providers, and International Connectivity Service Providers.
Group-1 focused on network topology, advocating for investment incentives, service neutrality, active infrastructure sharing, the formulation of 5G guidelines, quality service assurance, licensee accountability, and fostering open market competition. The discussion was moderated by Mahmud Hossain, Commissioner of BTRC’s Spectrum Division, with participation from mobile operators, NTTN, ICX, IIG, MNP, ISPs, ITC, tower companies, the Department of Telecommunications, Bangladesh Bank, and representatives from the satellite company.
Group-2 addressed issues related to access and retail services. Key suggestions included separating service licenses from spectrum licenses, maintaining open licensing policies, integrating Over-the-Top (OTT) and digital financial services, promoting technology neutrality, ensuring healthy market competition, unifying fixed and mobile service licenses for 5G deployment, removing technological barriers, and protecting local industries. This session was moderated by Dr. Sohel Rana, Director of BTRC’s Spectrum Division, and attended by mobile operators, PSTN operators, ISPs, the Bangladesh Call Center Association, the Satellite Company Limited, Bangladesh Army, and the NTMC.
Group-3 discussed national connectivity services, emphasizing the need to evaluate technical and financial capabilities, review the number of licenses for NTTN, tower companies, and ICX operators, and implement open licensing and market competition based on service types. Brigadier General Md. Khalil Ur Rahman, Director General of BTRC’s Systems and Services Division, moderated this session, which included participants from NTTN operators, mobile operators, ICX, tower companies, BTCL, NIX, MNP, ISPs, and telecom experts.
Group-4 concentrated on international connectivity services, recommending that both short-term and long-term investments be considered when issuing licenses. They emphasized prioritizing local investment and employment, ensuring fair competition between public and private licensees, and preventing any form of undue advantage. The discussion included representatives from ITC, IIG, IGW, mobile operators, BTCL, and the Satellite Company, moderated by Lt. Colonel Rasheduzzaman, Director of BTRC’s Systems and Services Division.
The workshop marked a significant step in BTRC’s efforts to modernize the telecommunications sector, aiming to create a simplified, transparent, and future-proof licensing and network framework.
