Power Priority Push to Protect Telecom Networks Amid Fuel Fallout

In the context of the global fuel crisis, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has intensified necessary activities, in coordination with relevant ministries and stakeholders, to ensure uninterrupted telecommunications services nationwide by prioritizing fuel supply and uninterrupted electricity (free from load-shedding) to mobile networks, data centers, and core network sites.

It is noted that, to ensure priority-based allocation of fuel and electricity, BTRC sent a letter to the Posts and Telecommunications Division on 12 March 2026. Considering the importance of the matter, on 13 March the Posts and Telecommunications Division issued letters to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, the Power Division, and all Deputy Commissioners, requesting necessary measures in this regard.

Additionally, on 20 April, BTRC again sent a letter to the Posts and Telecommunications Division seeking necessary assistance from law enforcement agencies to facilitate fuel transportation for mobile operators and tower companies, as well as maintenance activities at tower sites.

In response to the issues and anxieties of telecom stakeholders, an emergency meeting will be held on 22 April 2026 between BTRC and the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, mobile operators, NTTN operators, towerco operators, and the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) to ensure the supply of fuel oil to keep telecom networks operational.

Furthermore, to ensure electricity supply, another joint meeting will be held on 23 April with the Power Development Board, Rural Electrification Board, Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB), electricity distribution companies, and telecom-related operators. It is expected that necessary measures will be اتخاذ (taken) at this meeting to resolve fuel crisis-related challenges affecting the telecom sector.

BTRC/AAM/EK/OR