BTRC Brings Balanced Blueprint for 5G and Beyond
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has drafted a new Cellular Mobile Service Provider (CMSP) Licensing Guideline to implement 5G and next-generation mobile services under a technology-neutral framework. The draft, published recently on the BTRC website, was prepared in line with the newly gazetted Telecommunication Network and Licensing Policy, replacing the earlier LDTS policy. Stakeholders have been asked to submit their feedback by November 8.
According to the 30-page draft, under the Telecommunication Act of 2001, the Commission holds sole authority to issue, renew, and regulate mobile service licenses. The new guideline enables existing operators to expand services in a technology-neutral manner. The same license will cover all generations of technology — from 2G to 5G and future innovations under “IMT for 2020 and beyond.”
This means operators will no longer need separate approvals for different technologies. Additionally, emerging services such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and smart city and smart home connectivity will now formally fall under the licensing framework.
The draft guideline limits foreign investment to 85%, maintaining strategic national control and ensuring domestic participation is increased from 10% to 15%.
The 15-year license allows for Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and other advanced services alongside eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband) and mMTC (Massive Machine-Type Communications) applications — essential for supporting technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and 4K video streaming over 5G networks.
A new interconnection and internet peering framework has also been proposed to replace the current ICX (Interconnection Exchange) and NIX (National Internet Exchange) models, enabling operators to establish direct interconnections under BTRC’s approval and oversight.
The annual license fee has been set at Tk 10 crore, while operators — similar to broadband ISPs — must share 5.5% of their annual gross revenue with the government and contribute 1% to the Social Obligation Fund. Operators must apply for renewal at least six months before the license expires. Companies that acquired spectrum through auctions in 2011, 2013, and 2018 will retain their existing terms.
For security compliance, licensees must integrate with both online and offline Lawful Interception (LI) systems and establish internal monitoring mechanisms to prevent illegal call terminations. They are also required to store call data, traffic logs, and subscriber information for at least two years and maintain records of customer complaints for the same duration.
Operators must publish a Customer Charter and ensure adherence to a cybersecurity framework, incorporating green technology in at least 5% of their networks within five years. The guideline also reiterates the need to preserve competitive market balance under the SMP (Significant Market Power) principle.
When contacted, several telecom operators said they were still reviewing the document. One senior executive, requesting anonymity, commented: “We are observing closely. It appears that while opportunities for attracting foreign tech giants or investment have been limited, the policy also leaves little room for collaboration with local small and medium enterprises in market expansion.”
Another industry insider remarked that “many flexibilities available under the previous policy seem to have been omitted in this new guideline.”
