The absence of a competition commission has exacerbated market disparity in the country’s telecom sector. Due to the dominance of big players, smaller operators are regularly forced out of the market. In this context, marginalized operators have called for the implementation of telecom policies and ensuring fair market competition.
This demand was raised at a roundtable discussion organized by the Telecom and Technology Reporters Network, Bangladesh (TRNB) on Tuesday at a hotel in Dhaka. The event was presided over by TRNB President Samir Kumar Dey, while the General Secretary Masuduzzaman Robin delivered the welcome speech.
The discussion, titled “Telecommunication Sector: Slow Investment and Unfair Competition,” featured a keynote presentation by Al Amin Dewan, TRNB’s organizational secretary. The presentation highlighted issues such as the failure of the regulatory authority BTRC to enforce policies and license provisions, limitations in infrastructure sharing among mobile operators, and increasing market disparity. Expressing dissatisfaction over the non-implementation of Significant Market Power (SMP) regulations, the presentation called upon the BTRC chairman to prevent monopolistic behavior in the telecom sector.
It was revealed in the presentation that the telecom sector contributes over 2% to the country’s GDP, has created 1 million jobs, deposited BDT 2 trillion to the national treasury, and invested a total of BDT 1 trillion. Despite the existence of SMP regulations, one operator has maintained a dominant position. Although 20 conditions were imposed on this operator under the SMP guidelines, only three have been enforced.
Zahrat Adib Chowdhury, Legal Affairs Officer of Banglalink, stated, “Despite having the capability, we are unable to improve telecom services through AI. The existing laws can balance the market. We are forced to operate without profit. Even with cross-subsidies, we are cornered.”
Shahed Alam, Corporate and Legal Affairs Officer of Robi, said, “There is an ongoing price war in the country, which is not permissible under international law. Due to the lack of competition in the market, smaller operators are being pushed to the brink. Immediate implementation of SMP and assurance of infrastructure sharing policies are crucial to eliminate unhealthy competition.”
He further remarked, “The investments by Robi and Banglalink are higher than Grameenphone’s. Grameenphone has become a market leader by benefiting from various government advantages, such as on-net and off-net facilities, access to railway networks, and spectrum allocation.”
Nurul Mabud, Managing Director of Teletalk, noted, “We entered the market 15 years later and are operating with BDT 1,500 crore in loans over 20 years. Yet, we are offering services at the lowest prices and introducing new services in the public interest. People want us.”
Former Director of the Competition Commission Abu Naser commented, “Since October this year, there has been no effective competition commission in the country. To my knowledge, there have been no meetings between BTRC and the competition commission. Both the guardian and the regulator are failing in their responsibilities. The labor market is collapsing, and the government is struggling. The market is in a precarious state and could face severe consequences at any time.”
He added, “The telecom sector is suffering from high ‘diabetes,’ and a complete overhaul must be carried out with utmost caution.”
Barrister Rasha Imam emphasized, “BTRC must take proactive steps to enforce SMP regulations on Grameenphone. The Telecommunications Regulatory Act provides opportunities to ensure competition. However, due to gaps in BTRC’s actions, significant market disparities have emerged.”
The roundtable discussion was attended by BTRC Chairman Emdadul Bari as the chief guest. Other notable speakers included telecom expert T.I.M. Nurul Kabir, Banglalink’s Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer Taimur Rahman, and AMTOB Secretary-General Mohammad Zulfiqar.
