BTRC’s Sixth Public Hearing Highlights Consumer Demands for Lower Data Prices and Better Broadband Quality
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has held its sixth public hearing, this time virtually for the second time, with the participation of nearly one hundred consumers, journalists, and stakeholders. As in previous sessions, consumers demanded reductions in mobile internet data prices, expansion of broadband fiberization, lowering NTTN prices, and withdrawal of high taxes on mobile services.
The hearing was held on November 25, Tuesday, from 10:15 AM to 11:25 AM on the AI-based virtual meeting platform Convay, developed by the local company Synesis IT, and was presided over by Md. Abu Bakar Siddique, Vice Chairman of BTRC.
The session was conducted by Brigadier General Md. Aminul Haque, Director General of BTRC’s Legal & Licensing and Spectrum Division. Commissioner Abdur Rahman Sardar of the Legal & Licensing Division and Brigadier General Shafiul Azam Parvez, Director General of Engineering & Operations, were also present.
Registered participants raised their complaints and concerns regarding telecom services after one and a half years. Issues included difficulties in availing MNP services at customer care centers, muscle-power influence at ISP reseller level, SIM deactivation after 11 months without prior notice, and unauthorized deduction of money for VAS services without customer consent.
The hearing also addressed overdue audit claims against three mobile operators; concerns over market imbalance caused by Grameenphone; Teletalk’s network expansion; and enabling VoIP calls through apps.
Based on consumer suggestions during the session, BTRC announced plans to soon introduce a fiber bank to improve broadband quality and a digital platform for receiving and resolving consumer complaints. In response to another query, officials recommended that mobile operators enhance value-added services to increase revenue. Officials also expressed hope that the new telecom guidelines would reduce consumer hassles and increase competition among service providers.
Speaking at the session, BTRC Vice Chairman Md. Abu Bakar Siddique said that the regulator identifies and works on all complaints with transparency and accountability. “People are our priority. All complaints received through this hearing have been recorded and will be addressed by the relevant officials,” he added.
According to sources, about 1,500 complaints were submitted online ahead of the hearing. Among them, around 10–12 participants were able to raise their questions virtually.
DBTech/IH/OR
