Second workshop held to reform telecommunications network licensing framework

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has held its second consultative workshop as part of the reform of the telecommunications sector's network and licensing framework.

The workshop was held at the BTRC building in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Thursday (February 27).

At the workshop, BTRC Chairman Major General (retd) Md Emdad-ul-Bari said, “Technology is constantly changing, so we have to adapt to new technologies.”

He said, “The network topology will be changed by prioritising digital services. In addition to making the telecommunication network structure simple and affordable, it will be ensured that the people of the country receive quality services at affordable prices.”

The proposed reforms may not fully meet the interests of everyone, but they will be implemented with the support of most stakeholders, he added.

In his welcome speech, BTRC's Engineering and Operations Division Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Iqbal Ahmed said that the telecommunications sector will be reformed by prioritising the larger interest and customer perspective and the business transformation of existing licensees will be taken into consideration.

The workshop was attended by, among others, BTRC Spectrum Division Commissioner Mahmud Hossain, Systems and Services Division Director General Brigadier General Mohammad Khalil Ur Rahman, and senior officials of BTRC.

Representatives from Bangladesh Bank, National Telecom Monitoring Center (NTMC), Armed Forces Division, Department of Telecommunication, Bangladesh Submarine Cables Limited, Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited, Bangladesh Telecommunication Company Limited (BTCL), Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC), mobile operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), IGW Operators Forum of Bangladesh, Association of ICX Operators Bangladesh, Tower Companies, Nationwide Telecom Transmission Network (NTTN), Interconnection Exchange, International Internet Gateway (IIG), National Internet Exchange, and Bangladesh Association of Call Centre and Outsourcing, as well as telecommunications and information technology experts from universities such as BUET, MIST, North-South, BRAC, etc., were also present.