In four categories, there are more than 2,000 ISP licenses in the country. Of these, 114 ISP operators are providing services nationwide, 260 at divisional level, 50 at district level and 1300 at Upazila level.
There are also allegations that an equal number of operators are providing this service without a valid license using muscle power. In such a situation, the government is going to give licenses to 155 more internet service providers in three categories other than the Nationwide category.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission is awaiting the approval of the Department of Posts and Telecommunications to issue four new licenses in the divisional category, 30 in the district category and 121 in the Upazila category.
Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mostafa Jabbar consented that those who have the capacity as an ongoing process will get licenses according to their qualifications.
However, Imdadul Haque, president of the Internet Service Providers Association (ISPAB), has expressed his thought to reconsider the issue of issuing new licenses.
He thinks that the existing license is enough to provide the service. If more licenses are given, the market will lose its balance and the quality of service will be lost.
He also suggested extending the scope of licenses of those who are doing well at the district and Upazila levels. Otherwise, the Internet service providers are fearful that the quality of internet services will go down to the muscle power at the local level.
