Telecom Turbulence Tackled: AMTOB Welcomes Reform Draft
The mobile telecom operators in Bangladesh have expressed concerns that the country's telecom sector has been hampered by the mandatory licensing at multiple levels, which has also caused inconvenience to consumers. In light of the current challenges, the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) has welcomed the caretaker government's proposed “Telecommunication Network and Licensing Framework Reform Policy 2025”, describing it as a necessary and courageous initiative that aligns with global best practices.
AMTOB stated, “Reforming the telecom sector is not only crucial for this industry but also vital for the national interest. A well-organized and competitive sector lays the foundation for the country’s digital progress. It will accelerate innovation, empower citizens, contribute to digital good governance, and overall drive the country’s socio-economic development.”
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, AMTOB criticized the existing International Long Distance Telecommunication Services (ILDTS) Policy as outdated, stating it has fragmented the sector by introducing too many intermediary institutions—such as IGW, IIG, ICX, and NTTN—that contribute little to seamless connectivity while inflating costs and stifling innovation.
In this context, AMTOB called on all stakeholders—including IGW operators and NTTNs—to come together with a common vision to bring about constructive change in the telecom sector. “AMTOB is prepared to work jointly with the government and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to develop and implement a realistic and effective policy that promotes sectoral growth and benefits the people of Bangladesh,” the statement said.
Addressing concerns raised by different parties through the media regarding the draft reform, AMTOB noted the importance of presenting a clear and fact-based picture. It reiterated that it takes stakeholders’ concerns seriously and supports open dialogue.
In response to criticisms that the reform favors foreign companies or mobile operators, AMTOB described such remarks as “assumption-based,” stating, “The current draft does not offer any special advantage to mobile operators. In fact, it narrows our operational scope, even though we play a leading role in ensuring telecom and digital services nationwide.”
“The restricted business structure makes it increasingly difficult to provide uninterrupted and quality services to customers. Policies like the outdated ILDTS of 2007 have long posed regulatory and infrastructure challenges, impeding the sector’s potential,” the release added.
While AMTOB acknowledged that the proposed draft does not resolve all long-standing issues, it reaffirmed its full support for the government’s reform effort. “We consider this a bold and necessary step. We believe it will help make the telecom sector more efficient.”
AMTOB observed that under the proposed structure, licensing will be divided into three categories: International Connectivity Services, National Infrastructure Connectivity Services, and Access Network Services. However, this would remove mobile operators’ previous rights to lay fiber or build their own towers—restrictions that did not exist before. Nonetheless, AMTOB appreciated that the draft aligns with international best practices.
The organization emphasized that inclusive participation and logical implementation of the reforms will accelerate network expansion and management, reduce costs for consumers, improve service quality in both urban and rural areas, and create equal opportunities for all. “This reform draft may not be the final solution, but it marks a positive beginning,” it concluded.
