The new plan is to give freedom to the customers. The tariff range has been increased for the convenience of the customer. Within seven and 30 days, he can choose his favorite package from 40 packages with a maximum of 3 unlimited. Out of this, up to 50 GB of data can be forwarded. This policy will be effective from October 15.
Director General of BTRC, Brigadier General Md. Nasim Parvez shared the points in a press conference regarding ‘New Guidelines for Mobile Phone Operators’ Data and Data Related Packages-2023′ held at the conference center of BTRC building in Agargaon on Sunday.
Highlighting the details of the new package plan, he said, so that the customer’s data is not lost, they can use the necessary data as they wish, this plan is being prepared by discussing with the stakeholders and is being announced with the approval of the Prime Minister’s advisor. People’s response will be considered in the coming days.
Number of packages and duration: An operator’s regular (regular package), special package (CCSP), research and development (R&D), all types of brands combined (according to the flexible plan) will have 40 packages, which was 85 earlier. Besides, the duration of all packages will be 7 days, 30 days and unlimited, which was earlier 3 days, 7 days, 15 days and 30 days.
Number of unlimited packages and data volume: Every operator can offer unlimited data packages in three different volumes namely 25 GB, 50 GB and 75 GB. That is, any one of the three volumes will be considered as an unlimited package. The volume can be changed later with the approval of BTRC.
Flexible plan package design: Customers who use (MyGP, MyRobi, MyBL, My Teletalk) can design their own package by selecting talk time, data volume, social pack, SMS etc. according to their choice. If the displayed price is preferred by the customer, he can avail the package himself using his mobile app and it will be treated as a regular package.
Unused data with bonus will be added to the new package: According to the new guidelines, if the same package is purchased before the expiry date, the data will be carried forward. In case of using 7 or 30 days validity package of the same volume, the data will be carried forward if the customer buys the package again before the expiry date. Carry Forward can be valid up to 50 GB data maximum. Besides, operators will be able to give maximum 3 promotional SMS per day to customers, which was earlier 4. In case of social package also, if the same pack is repurchased within the period, the unused data will be carried forward and the data provided as bonus will also be included in the carry forward.
Notifying the customer before data expiry: If a new package offer is offered to a customer before the expiry of the package, the offer must be of the same package and the other two packages can be based on his usage pattern. A data expiry notification should be sent to the customer through SMS one day before the expiry of any package. Even in case of unused data carry forward, the SMS will contain instructions to re-purchase the current pack before expiry.
However, AMTOB Secretary General Lt. Col. (retd.) Mohammad Zulfikar disagreed about reducing the number of packages to half. He said that since the three-day package is preferred by about 70 percent of users, it needs to be considered. Moreover, Flexiplan also cannot guarantee customers freedom. It will increase the customer’s cost. There will be a negative impact on people’s use of the Internet. He also said, we did not come for politics or conspiracy. We have come to do business considering people’s needs. So taking our matter into consideration let’s keep 95 periods by keeping 3 days period.
In the event, it was informed that in the last three months, 69.23% of customers are using 3-day data pack, 16.84% of customers are using 7-day data pack, 3.82% of customers are using 15-day data pack, 30-day data pack is used by 10.11℅ customers. However, the online survey conducted by BTRC showed that due to the large number of packages and short duration, customers are confused about the data carry forward when purchasing repeat packages and 54.6% of customers are not willing to take the 3-day package. Also 61% of the customers think that the number of packages should be maximum 40-50 and 54% of the customers opined in favor of 7 days, 30 days and unlimited duration.
Under the chairmanship of
BTRC Chairman Shyam Sundar Sikder presided over the Press conference while the Posts and Telecommunications minister Mustafa Jabbar was present as the chief guest.
Among others, AMTOB President and Banglalink CEO Erik Aas, Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman, Robi’s Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer Shahed Alam and Teletalk Management Operator AKM Habibur Rahman presented their views on the new plan.
