3 mobile giants raise concerns over draft telecom policy

The parent companies of Bangladesh’s three private mobile operators—Telenor, Axiata, and VEON—have jointly expressed serious concern over the proposed Telecommunications Network and Licensing Framework Reform Policy 2025, which seeks to limit foreign ownership in mobile operators to 80%.

In a letter dated July 3, the CEOs of the three firms addressed their concerns to Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, warning that the proposed restriction could undermine investor confidence and hinder both current and future investments in the telecom sector.

The letter was signed by Jørn O. Rømhild Refsnes, Head of Telenor Asia (Grameenphone's parent company), Vivek Sood, Group CEO of Axiata (Robi's parent), and Kaan Terzioğlu, CEO of VEON (Banglalink's parent).

The proposed policy revision is part of an update to the International Long Distance Telecommunication Services (ILDTS) Policy 2010. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications released the initial draft in April, followed by a revised version on June 30. The revised draft mandates a maximum 80% foreign ownership in mobile operators, requiring at least 20% local ownership.

While the companies welcomed the government's reform efforts and recognized BTRC’s positive initiatives, they cautioned that certain provisions in the draft policy—particularly the ownership cap and its application to existing license holders—could significantly deter investment.

The letter also raised alarm over a similar proposed change in ownership limits for other digital infrastructure operators, shifting from the existing 55% ceiling.

The companies emphasized that Bangladesh has long benefited from an open and investor-friendly ownership framework. This environment has helped build trust among international stakeholders. They warned that the new policy risks eroding that confidence, contradicting the interim government’s efforts to attract global investment.

Additionally, the draft introduces a narrower operational scope for mobile operators, including proposals to assign rights for fiber connectivity and international SMS delivery exclusively to third parties. The companies described this as an overly restrictive and interventionist approach, likely to increase operational costs and negatively impact the broader digital ecosystem.

In closing, Telenor, Axiata, and VEON urged the government to hold consultations with all industry stakeholders before finalizing the policy. They warned that improper implementation could not only deter foreign investment but also jeopardize Bangladesh’s long-term socio-economic objectives.