Telecom Policy Seminar Sparks Debate Over Market Dominance, Spectrum Allocation, and Regulatory Neutrality

A multi-stakeholder policy seminar on the future of Bangladesh’s telecom and digital economy turned into a heated discussion over market dominance, spectrum allocation, and regulatory neutrality, as industry leaders and analysts accused the telecom regulator of favoring certain mobile operators.

The seminar, organized by Telecom Reporters Network Bangladesh (TRNB), was held on Saturday at InterContinental Dhaka. Telecom operators, market analysts, academics, and policy observers participated in the event, where discussions focused on the current state of Bangladesh’s digital transformation, existing limitations, and strategic challenges for the next decade.

One of the central issues raised during the seminar was the allegation that the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) operates as a lobbyist for mobile operators. Concerns were particularly raised regarding spectrum allocation to the country’s largest mobile operator and what speakers described as regulatory leniency in implementing Significant Market Power (SMP) measures aimed at reducing market dominance.

Questions were also raised about allocating spectrum to the state-owned operator on deferred payment terms.

Responding to the criticism, BTRC Chairman Emdad Ul Bari said he did not fully understand the “whispers of bias” being discussed.

“We formulated policies through discussions with all stakeholders. The regulatory framework is now being redesigned with a 180-degree shift to protect consumer interests and ensure market balance rather than favoring service providers,” he said.

He added that under the new guidelines, no operator would be allowed to maintain monopoly or duopoly control in the market.

Referring to the recent 700 MHz spectrum allocation, he said the spectrum had initially been opened for all operators, but due to prevailing circumstances, it was eventually allocated to Grameenphone. The remaining 5 MHz of unused spectrum was later allocated to Teletalk Bangladesh Limited.

Regarding transparency in the upcoming telecom policy, the BTRC chairman said the regulator was working inclusively with stakeholders to formulate the framework.

He noted that the regulator is emphasizing regulatory sandbox initiatives, digital payment systems, cybersecurity, and platform neutrality to create value in three segmented market areas.

Responding to criticism over spectrum allocation to Teletalk, Teletalk Managing Director Nurul Mabud Chowdhury said public interest in the state-owned operator itself proves that private operators have not fully satisfied consumers.

“If people were completely satisfied with private operators, there would not be public demand or curiosity around Teletalk,” he said.

He also rejected criticism regarding Teletalk’s outstanding dues to BTRC, arguing that since the government owns the company, such allegations are baseless.

“We do not receive clean spectrum. There is significant noise interference. Despite criticism over service quality, the government does not provide operational subsidies. We run the company using our own revenue,” he added.

However, no representative from Grameenphone, the country’s largest operator, attended the seminar, leaving policymakers unable to hear the company’s response to the allegations.

The keynote paper at the seminar was presented by telecom expert and Robi Axiata Company Secretary Barrister Shahed Alam.

The event was attended by Posts, Telecommunications, ICT and Science Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam as chief guest, while Prime Minister’s Adviser Asif Asad Rehan and BTRC Chairman Emdad Ul Bari attended as special guests.

Criticizing recent spectrum allocation decisions, Nurul Kabir described the move as “adding insult to injury,” implying that assigning new spectrum to the largest operator and then allocating spectrum to a government operator on credit terms was distorting market competition.

Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh Secretary General Mohammad Zulfikar emphasized the importance of neutrality in developing modern technologies capable of turning “reality into dreams.”

He said a reliable supply chain must be established to eliminate interdependency barriers among stakeholders in the telecom ecosystem. Referring to recent energy shortages, he also called for data centers to be officially recognized as critical national services.

Zulfikar further stressed the importance of strengthening engagement with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), conducting global audits of Bangladesh’s digital sector, and considering AI-driven or agentic data centers to reduce telecom operational costs in the future.

Former Competition Commission Director Khaled Abu Naser expressed surprise at BTRC’s high revenue growth rate.

He noted that although the regulator failed to meet targets during its initial years, it later achieved more than 135 percent revenue growth. According to him, despite the market formally operating as an oligopoly, monopolistic and duopolistic business practices still persist.

“At present, there is effectively no operator capable of challenging dominant market players. This is concerning,” he said, while also emphasizing the need to reduce taxes in the telecom sector.

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Professor and Telecom and ICT White Paper Committee member Dr. Lutfa Akter said Bangladesh’s digital future must become more data-driven.

She pointed out that digital inequality between urban and rural areas still exists due to market concentration and monopolistic control in certain segments, including fiber infrastructure.

“There is no alternative to research and development in this sector,” she said.

Highlighting the importance of active infrastructure sharing in telecom, Banglalink Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer Taimur Rahman welcomed policy initiatives related to MVNOs, satellite connectivity, broadband expansion, net neutrality, and cybersecurity.

However, he alleged that the principles outlined in telecom policies often fail to appear properly in the final operational guidelines.

DBTech/IH/EK/OR