BTRC Begins Telecom Licensing Reforms to Foster Sustainability and Competition
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has initiated a comprehensive reform of telecom sector licensing to meet the evolving demands of the industry. A “Network and Licensing Roadmap Restructuring Committee” has been formed for this purpose, which has already held three meetings under the leadership of BTRC Commissioner Brigadier General Iqbal Ahmed.
The initiative aims to establish a fair and collaborative telecom environment by addressing the interests of three key stakeholders: customers, businesses, and the government. “This reform is not to save businesses but to safeguard consumer interests,” stated BTRC Chairman Emdad Ul Bari during a press conference held on Tuesday at the BTRC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.
The chairman identified transforming existing licensing structures, formulating sustainable investment policies, and refining regulations as significant challenges. Despite these hurdles, the BTRC plans to submit reform proposals to the government by March.
Speaking to journalists, Emdad Ul Bari mentioned, “The reforms will take effect after the license renewal limits are surpassed in 2027. The policies will be designed through a customer-centric lens to ensure sustainability. The goal is not to regulate companies under the guise of regulations but to facilitate and sponsor them.”
He emphasized, “Policies for the telecom sector will not be subject to frequent changes. The sector will be overhauled to create a new network framework without intermediaries and unhealthy competition.”
The chairman also noted that the BTRC would advise the government on developing a policy framework to build the telecom sector as a pillar of digital development. He stressed the need for clear and sustainable policies to attract investors, streamline complex networks, and shift focus from spectrum dependency to fixed broadband solutions. Efforts are underway to introduce active sharing, adopt green technologies, and eliminate redundant and vertically restrictive licenses to ensure fair competition.
Regarding 5G rollout, the chairman stated, “I cannot confirm an exact timeline yet, but consultations are ongoing. Preparations are also being made to auction 700 MHz spectrum by June.”
Responding to another query, he added, “VAT and tax are governmental matters, not BTRC’s. However, reducing taxes as much as possible is essential to make the internet more affordable.” He also clarified that “liability for posts on social media lies with the poster, not the platform.”
The restructuring committee has provisions for co-opted members, and the BTRC chairman confirmed the inclusion of experts from various domains.
Tuesday’s meeting was attended by notable stakeholders, including the Government’s ICT Policy Advisor Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Rokomari Managing Director Mahmudul Hasan Sohag, Amber IT Managing Director Aminul Haque, Robi Axiata Company Secretary Shahed Alam, Grameenphone’s Kazi Ehsanul Haque, Banglalink’s Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer Taimur Rahman, Teletalk Managing Director Nurul Mabud Chowdhury, Fiber@Home’s Suman Ahmed Sabir, Devotech Technology Park’s Raihan Samsi, Pathao CEO Fahim Ahmed, Shikho Founder and CEO Shahriar Chowdhury, BTRC Director General Abdullah Al Mamun, and an additional secretary from the Posts and Telecommunications Division.
