Telecom Policy Transparency: Government to Clarify Guidelines Amid Business Backlash
The government is set to clarify provisions of the recently passed Telecom Policy 2025 through detailed guidelines in order to address concerns raised by industry stakeholders. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts and Telecommunications, stated that ambiguities, objections, and questions raised by businesses will be addressed through stakeholder consultations. He added that despite the adoption of the new policy, guidelines are being developed to ensure clarity on provisions that businesses have found difficult to interpret.
The decision follows a consultation session organized on September 14 at the RAOWA Complex in Mohakhali by the Telecom and Technology Reporters Network, Bangladesh (TRNB), where business representatives alleged that the new telecom policy excluded domestic entrepreneurs. Taking note of these concerns, authorities confirmed that a guideline is being prepared for effective implementation of the policy.
According to sources, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has scheduled a stakeholder meeting on September 17 to draft the guidelines for the Fixed Telecom Service License under the Telecommunications Network and Licensing Policy 2025. Prior to the adoption of the policy, several rounds of discussions were also held at BTRC where both support and opposition to different provisions were expressed. However, during the TRNB session, the Internet Operators Forum (IOF) complained that they had not been properly consulted, while leaders of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), who had participated in several meetings, expressed optimism that the interests of small businesses would be preserved through dialogue.
Later that day, ISPAB leaders held a meeting with Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, seeking a level playing field for small and medium internet businesses under the fixed telecom license policy. ISPAB President Aminul Hakim told DigiBanglaTech.news that six clauses of the newly passed policy had drawn objections from ISPs. “The Special Assistant has assured us that these points will be given due consideration. ISPAB is preparing a formal letter to be sent to him shortly,” he said.
Following these discussions, speculation spread that amendments might be made to the Telecom Policy 2025 in response to stakeholder demands. However, no concrete information regarding the nature or timing of any such changes could be confirmed. Sources indicated that while major revisions to the licensing framework are unlikely, the government’s guidelines will prioritize ensuring there is no discrimination against business rights.
Addressing the matter directly, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb dismissed the possibility of any policy amendments. Speaking to DigiBanglaTech.news, he said, “There will be no changes to the policy. The issues raised by ISPAB leaders have been acknowledged, and we have stated that they will be clarified in the guidelines based on logical consideration.”
At Sunday’s consultation, four network infrastructure operators—the International Gateway (IGW), Interconnection Exchange (ICX), International Internet Gateway (IIG), and ISPAB—highlighted various disparities in the policy. They alleged that mobile operators had been favored at the expense of fixed operators, jeopardizing domestic investment protections. Questions were also raised over why operators at the sub-district level would be restricted from offering internet-based services.
