The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has issued comprehensive directives for Internet of Things services, aiming to attract international investment and encourage startup innovations.
The recently published guidelines focused on providing secure, efficient and cost-effective IoT services while regulating commercial providers under proper frameworks.
Internet of Things or IoT refers to collective network of connected devices and the technology that facilitates communication between devices and cloud, as well as between the devices themselves.
The directive also aimed to establish a level playing field for local companies to thrive alongside global entities in the burgeoning IoT ecosystem, to ensure that all current and future IoT service providers in Bangladesh are registered and follow telecommunication laws, allowing them to operate under proper guidelines and to inspire young engineers and technologists to start new businesses using IoT technology.
However, there are some challenges.
The yearly renewal of certificates for service providers could pose administrative burdens, especially for startups.
Additionally, the requirement for local servers would significantly raise operational costs for smaller companies and the lack of a clear general data protection regulation may complicate data governance, potentially deterring new entrants.
The general data protection regulation or GDPR refers to a regulation that is generally introduced聽to enhance individuals鈥� control and rights over their personal information and to simplify the regulations for international business.
The scope of IoT applications outlined in the directives is vast, ranging from transportation to public utilities, agriculture, healthcare and industrial automation. Examples include fleet and cargo tracking, smart waste collection, tele-care, smart grids, and predictive maintenance systems.
The IoT devices will utilise a variety of communication technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRa and cellular networks, along with advanced protocols like Message Queuing Telemetry Transport for secure data transfer.
The IoT devices typically have to transmit and receive data over a resource-constrained network with limited bandwidth. These IoT devices use MQTT for data transmission, as聽it is easy to implement and can communicate IoT data efficiently.
Security remains a priority, with mandatory measures such as strong passwords, regular software updates and end-to-end encryption. Service providers must also ensure compliance with data protection laws, maintain local servers and offer robust consumer privacy policies.
The eligibility criteria for IoT providers include registration with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies, a proven research and development portfolio and the ability to provide hardware and software customi-sation.
Service providers are also required to obtain necessary licences and adhere to BTRC guidelines, including a transparent tariff structure.
Despite the hurdles, the directives present opportunities to foster innovation and collaboration in IoT. By addressing challenges like regulatory complexities and cost burdens, the government has aimed to build a sustainable ecosystem that supports startups and attracts global investments.
