7 get BTRC nod for ISP license

Hundreds of applications were submitted from all over the country to get license to conduct broadband internet business.

BTRC received 669 applications in just 8 months applying to get the internet service provider (ISP) license. Among those, BTRC has so far selected seven of those as eligible for licensing by the regulatory agency.

BTRC says they are evaluating the applications step by step. Meanwhile, they are considering eligible applications for license as per the existing policy.

BTRC launched the License Issue and Management System (LIMS) in September 2023, and started receiving applications seeking ISP license under different categories. Some 669 applications were submitted till May 2024.

Among these applications, applications for Barishal Division, Barisal District, Chandpur Sadar, Raujan, Cumilla Sadar South, Chattogram EPZ upazila and thana have been evaluated.

ISPAB, the organisation of Internet service providers, says that giving fewer licenses compared to the application is justified.

ISPAB President Imdadul Haque said we welcome the new licenses. Currently there are enough licenses in this sector in the country.

"Upgradation is what we want from BTRC. If it was made open, the traders would have benefited, the quality of service would also have increased. If a businessman can't grow his business, then he will lose interest in doing business there at some point," said the leader of Internet businessmen.

Among the companies named for pre-approval by the Department of Posts and Telecommunications for issuing licenses in this round are Raka Enterprises, Computer.net, Abir Online Systems, Rio Communication, Farha.com, Meta Online and Speed Network Solutions.