Telecom Turmoil Taints Policy
The Institute of Operators and Facilitators (IOF) has claimed that the new telecom policy is placing the fate of licensees under the sole control of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). The statement was made on Sunday, September 14, during a discussion meeting organized by the Telecom Ad Technologies Reporters Network, Bangladesh (TRNB) at the Rawa Complex in Mohakhali.
Presiding over the session, TRNB President Sameer Kumar De, former president Rashed Mehedi said, “The new telecom policy was not formulated considering global challenges. Domestic entrepreneurs face potential risks. In addition to increasing the cost of telecom services, it could negatively affect employment opportunities in the local telecom sector.”
During the same session, IOF Executive Officer Mushfiq Manzur said, “Regarding tariff issues, BTRC still depends on the ministry. At this moment, updating the telecom policy has placed control over three main licensees, excluding IGW, NIX, and ICX. There was significant secrecy in the expert panel formed to draft this policy, with BTRC exerting influence. BTRC even denied sharing the panel’s names and conducted farcical workshops. Our opinions were not reflected. Under the policy, ICSPs must obtain BTRC approval for connectivity, IP transit, voice calls, and SMS routing, whereas NSPs can provide these services automatically. This is contradictory. BTRC has become the ultimate controller of everything. Mobile operators in Bangladesh will influence other licensees, and foreign operators are being empowered under the guise of deregulation.”
IOF President Asif Rabbani added, “This policy has been made prioritizing group interests. There is no space for domestic entrepreneurs. Efforts continue to protect godfathers via VoIP, just like before.”
Ahmed Ur Rahman Romel, executive member of the Association of ICX Operators of Bangladesh (AIOB), said, “Small operators were ignored. Without an ASX, each ANS would require a separate room and over 990 bilateral links. We are not profiteers. The 4 paisa mentioned will end up in the hands of MNOs.”
AIOB President Mostafizur Rahman said, “Despite power disruptions, no major telecom disruption has occurred. Out of the 4 paisa revenue, we give 2 paisa to the government. We are not mediators. Here, BTRC acts as the mediator instead of a facilitator.”
Representing IIIGB, Major (Retd.) Mahmud Shahed stated, “IIIGB is not an intermediary. Being an ITC ICSP makes them intermediaries. Therefore, this license should have the opportunity to convert into an ICSP.”
Speakers warned that the controversial process of creating the new telecom policy could provide opportunities for funds to be transferred abroad, leaving domestic entrepreneurs with no standing. They urged that the policy be formulated through inclusive consultation to improve customer service and maintain a competitive telecom environment.
