The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has formed a network and licensing re-organisation committee that plans to submit reform proposals to the interim government by March, with an aim to make the telecom sector more competitive and cooperative.
BTRC chairman Md Emdad Ul Bari shared this update during a press conference on Tuesday after a meeting on 鈥楻eform of Network Topology and Licensing Regime of Bangladesh Telecom Sector鈥� held at the BTRC head office at Agargaon in the capital Dhaka.
He announced that the committee had already begun updating the telecom sector鈥檚 licensing system to meet current demands.
The BTRC chairman stated, 鈥楾his reform involves collaboration among customers, businesses and the government to create a healthier telecom sector that fosters both competition and cooperation.鈥�
Emdad Ul Bari said that the reforms would prioritise protecting customers鈥� interests rather than safeguarding business operations.
He acknowledged challenges such as overhauling the existing licensing system and creating sustainable investment policies and regulations.
Through the reform committee, the BTRC has planned to restructure the telecom network and licensing framework and will submit its reform proposal in due course.
Bari clarified that the reform process would begin after the licence renewal period of its registered companies ends, with a focus on customer needs, to ensure sustainability.
He assured that companies would be supported instead of being overly regulated.
Bari also highlighted the importance of positioning the digital sector as a key development partner.
The BTRC chairman urged the government to formulate clear and sustainable policies to attract investment.
鈥榃e aim to simplify and streamline the network to make it more capable and affordable by integrating fragmented systems,鈥� he added.
The proposed reforms will also tackle network congestion and facilitate the transition to fixed broadband, which is essential for delivering large-scale digital services.
Key priorities include encouraging active sharing, adopting green technology and removing unnecessary or restrictive licences to promote competition and innovation.
Regarding the launch of 5G network, Bari stated, 鈥業 cannot confirm a launch date yet, but consultation meetings are ongoing, and preparations are underway. The auction for the 700 MHz spectrum is expected by June.鈥�
When asked about VAT and taxes, Bari noted that taxation was a government-issue and not directly under the BTRC鈥檚 control. However, he recommended reducing VAT and taxes to make internet services more accessible.
Senior BTRC officials and commissioners were also present during the event.
