A customer-friendly policy will be prepared by next March: BTRC Chairman

BTRC Chairman Major General (Retd) Md. Emdad-ul-Bari said that a customer-friendly policy will be prepared by next March. He made these remarks at a press conference on telecom sector reforms at the BTRC auditorium in Agargaon in the capital on Tuesday (January 21) afternoon.

Earlier, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) organized a stakeholder and multi-stakeholder meeting to improve and modernize the network topology and licensing system of the country's telecommunications sector. The meeting was held at the main conference room of the BTRC building in Agargaon, Dhaka on Tuesday.

The meeting, chaired by the BTRC Chairman, was attended by government policymakers, all BTRC commissioners, directors, directors, academicians, telecom law experts, telecom industry representatives, top experts in the ICT and digital industries and others related to the telecommunications sector. In the meeting, the sector stakeholders held an open discussion on modernizing the country's telecommunications infrastructure, improving service quality, and ensuring affordable service provision.

The speakers highlighted the importance of next-generation technology in developing the country's digital infrastructure, in addition to reducing customer costs and increasing service quality through competition. In addition, discussions were held on establishing an effective connectivity system and modernizing the existing structure. Suggestions were sought from the participants to develop a transparent and competitive system for service providers and to provide improved services to rural and remote areas.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has started working to reform the licensing system of the country's telecom sector in line with the needs of the time. For this purpose, the Network and Licensing Roadmap Reorganization Committee has been formed. Reform work is underway with the triangular stakeholders - consumers, businesses, and the government - to make the country's telecom sector healthy, competitive, and cooperative. The BTRC Chairman said that BTRC will work to protect the interests of consumers. He made these comments at a press conference after the meeting. BTRC Commissioners, Director Generals and Directors were present at the time.

The BTRC Chairman identified the transformation of the existing licensing system, formulation of sustainable investment policies and regulatory reforms as major challenges. However, he said that BTRC will submit relevant reform proposals to the government by March next year to overcome these obstacles and complete the work of network restructuring and business license restructuring. In this regard, they will take public suggestions from customers. For this purpose, the website [email protected] has been opened from today. Through this, an opportunity has been created for everyone to give suggestions.

Stating that suggestions will be provided to the government to develop digital development as a collaborative sector, the BTRC Chairman said, "Policies will be formulated on this basis. Currently, there is a lack of clear and sustainable policies, due to which investors are not interested. In addition, a simple, capable and affordable network will be built by merging complex and isolated networks." He also added that plans have been made to reduce the pressure on the spectrum and shift to fixed broadband. To ensure large-scale digital services, emphasis is being placed on easy adaptation of new technologies to overcome the obstacles in the way of fixed broadband. For this, active sharing is being opened and special attention is being paid to green technology. In addition, the issue of canceling unnecessary licenses and canceling vertical licenses that create obstacles to healthy competition is being considered.

The commission will not comment on the imposition of tariffs on broadband and mobile internet. The BTRC Chairman commented that this is a matter for the government. However, VAT-tax needs to be reduced as much as possible. Internet needs to be easily accessible. He also said, "No policy that has to be changed morning and evening will be made in the telecom sector. This sector will be reorganized and a new network system will be created. Where there will be no middlemen." There will be no unhealthy competition.’

Regarding the launch of 5G, he said, “It is not possible to say right now when and where 5G will be launched. However, we are holding various consultation meetings and preparations to launch 5G. In addition, we are preparing for the auction of 700 MHz waves by June.”

When asked whether the current reforms will be sustainable during the next political government, he said, “Time will tell.” He added, “The licenses issued earlier in 2011-2012 will expire at the end of 2026. When the time comes for license renewal in 2027, this reform will work. The new restructuring is a big challenge. It will be sustainable only if a cooperative system can be introduced.”