The floor price of voice calls, like data, should be regulated, and tower policies must be improved to enhance service quality. The lack of fiber and tower sharing is leading to wasted resources. Although four companies hold fiber licenses, two companies dominate this sector. Similarly, two NTT companies control the government’s Info-Sarkar project. If this project is not made accessible, expanding internet access to rural areas will be impossible. Furthermore, integrating the telecommunications ministry with the BTRC under a unified policy-making and enforcement body would better protect consumer interests. Industry experts believe that political considerations in issuing multiple licenses at different levels, along with imposing various taxes and VAT, are increasing service costs. To make internet services more affordable and improve quality for consumers, steps must be taken to simplify the licensing system and reduce fiber monopoly.
These remarks were made during a discussion titled “Empowerment of BTRC, Amendment of the Telecommunications Control Act 2010, and the Current Situation,” held on Saturday at the Dhaka Reporters Unity Auditorium. The keynote speaker, telecom expert and former AMTOB president Mahtab Uddin, presented a comprehensive overview of necessary reforms.
He stated, “We are neither fully digital nor smart. We rank close to Africa, just slightly above Afghanistan. Although the era of voice calls is over, mobile operators still generate 50-60% of their revenue from this service. To deliver high-quality service, it’s critical to update the telecommunications policy now.”
He added that merely reducing the cost of internet isn’t enough; quality must be prioritized as well. The digital divide must be eliminated, and those who still lack internet access should be included by moderating taxes and VAT, which currently account for 50% of the total cost. Moreover, the excess layers of bureaucracy, introduced due to political considerations, need to be removed.
The event, chaired by Mahiuddin Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association, featured a diverse group of speakers. These included telecommunications and technology analyst Fida Haque, Mostafa Mahmud Hossain, Joint General Secretary of IIGAB Maktoobur Rahman, ISPAB President Imdadul Haque, Barrister Sunny Abdul Haque, Advocate Ishrat Hassan, CPB Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince, Senior Director of Technical Regulations & Communications at Robi Axiata Limited Anamika Bhakta, and former Director of the Competition Commission Khaled Abu Naser.
Among the key speakers, IIGAB Joint General Secretary Maktoobur Rahman called for a stakeholder meeting to establish consumer rights in the telecom sector. Meanwhile, Anamika Bhakta mentioned that despite Robi’s significant annual investments, the profit margin remains below 3%, making it difficult to maintain service quality. She expressed hope that the government would address this issue.
Fida Haque emphasized the need to rationalize data prices and restructure the internet infrastructure. “Affordable, fast internet across all parts of the country is our lifeline. The days of voice calls and SMS are over, and we must now prioritize data,” he said.
Khaled Abu Naser pointed out the need for clarity on whether the BTRC’s primary role is to collect revenue or to ensure services. He argued for breaking the market monopoly and fostering competition. Surprisingly, only one company, Akash, has been granted a license in this space. To reduce corruption and dictatorship, BTRC must play a stronger role, he added, stating that institutional strengthening is key to reducing disparities.
In his closing remarks, Mahiuddin Ahmed noted that during times of political unrest, the internet had been shut down. He called on the interim government to declare internet access a fundamental human right. He also urged ISPs and telecom operators to remain neutral and refrain from shutting down internet services. Finally, he stressed the need for BTRC to be held accountable.
