Proposal to revise rates of ISD call from Bangladesh

The rates for International Outgoing (ISD) calls from Bangladesh can be revised. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has submitted a proposal to the Ministry for prior approval to update these rates.

Earlier on January 31, 2024, the IGW Operators Forum (IOF) expressed concerns about the negative Z-value for ISD calls from Bangladesh to various countries, citing factors such as the rise in the US Dollar exchange rate, higher charges from international carriers, and changes in billing cycle pulses. Consequently, the IOF requested a revision of the ISD call rates (X-rate and Y-rate). On February 15, 2024, BTRC officials met with IOF representatives, where the issue was discussed in detail.

After reviewing the issues presented by the IOF, and to maintain the revenue of all stakeholders involved in International Outgoing services and sustain the IGW business, a 5-member committee was formed on 31/03/2024 as per the decision of the 281st Commission meeting. The committee, consisting of officials, was tasked with discussing and proposing the revised ISD call rates with all stakeholders, including mobile operators, IPTSP operators, BTCL, IOF, ICX, etc. The proposal would include setting the X-rate and Y-rate, as well as changes in the pulse rates. The proposal would also consider the current situation in various countries to recommend the revised ISD rates.

Although the proposal was expected to be submitted to the Commission within 3 months, the committee was restructured on 02/12/2024 due to staff transfers and other issues, while keeping the committee's scope unchanged.

In preparing the proposal, it was ensured that the tariff for countries with a large number of Bangladeshi expatriates would not increase too much, and for countries where Bangladeshis travel for tourism, the Z-value would increase less compared to other countries. The proposal aimed for a Z-value increase of Tk2.60-4.00 to minimize the impact on consumers.

Taking all these factors into account, proposals were made for ISD tariffs/charges for 229 countries and 55 different networks (satellite/maritime, etc.).

For the top 30 countries with the highest volume of outgoing calls from Bangladesh, it was proposed that the charging pulse for 4 countries (India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Nepal) be 60/60, and for 4 countries (Singapore, China, Thailand, South Korea), the charging pulse be 60/01. For other countries, a 15/15 charging pulse was suggested. The committee submitted a detailed report, including the above proposals, to the Honorable Chairman of the Commission on 24/12/2024. The proposed tariff has now been sent by BTRC to the Ministry for approval.