bangladesh teletalk

Transcription

bangladesh teletalk

ANNUAL REPORT
2014-2015
ANNUAL REPORT
2014-2015
CONTENTS
Page No.
1. Message
2. Preface
3. Objectives of the Commission
4. Formation of the Commission and Present Status
5. Commission’s Achievements from Foundation to June, 2015
6. Development Activities and Achievements of 2014-2015 Fiscal year at a Glance
7. Noteworthy Future Planning
8. Activities of BTRC 2014-2015
9. Administration Division
10. Systems and Services Division
11. Spectrum Division
12. Engineering and Operations Division
13. Legal and Licensing Division
14. Finance, Accounts and Revenue Directorate
15. Media and Publications Wing
16. Enforcement and Inspection Directorate
17. Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project
18. World Telecommunication and Information Day-2015
19. International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council Election-2014
20. CTO Annual Forum
21. Mobile Phone Industry in Bangladesh
22. Network Coverage
23. Revenue and Investment (Mobile Operator): 2014-2015
24. Mobile Tariff
25. 3G Technology
26. PSTN Operators
27. Diverse Activities of BTRC (2014-2015)
28. List of overseas Training, Conference, Workshop, Seminar and Forum
29. List of Conference/Seminar/Workshop/Presentation held in the Commission
30. Dialogue with Important Local/Foreign Representatives
31. Conclusion
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101
135
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149
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BTRC
Annual Report 2014-2015
03
04
BTRC
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
“Digital Bangladesh is a modern Philosophy of using
appropriate technology in implementing all pledges of the
government, including proverty eradication, ensuring quality
education and health facilities, generating employment
opportunities for the people”
-Sheikh Hasina
BTRC
05
Mission
To facilitate connecting
the unconnected through
quality telecommunication
services at an affordable
price by introducing new
technologies.
06
BTRC
State Minister
Posts and Telecommunications Division
Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and
Information Technology
Message
I am delighted to know that Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
has published the Annual Report, describing its activities and accomplishments for the
fiscal year 2014-2015 and it’s future plans. I hope this publication will provide an
up-to-date picture of the country’s telecommunication sector as well as a guideline for
how this sector can positively impact the socio-economic development of the country.
The importance of the telecommunication sector in the socio-economic development of
the country is immeasurable. Modern telecommunication technology and services
including cell phone and Internet have made the life of general people easy and
comfortable. It has improved the standard of living of the people, increased the GDP
and created new employment, as well as reduced the ‘Digital Divide’ within
geographic, economic and gender groups. Telecommunication is integral and a prime
contributor to materialize ‘Digital Bangladesh’.
Due to the farsighted decision of the Father-of–the-Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh got the membership of International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) back in 1973. Under his leadership, a satellite ground
station was established in Betbunia in 1975. His worthy daughter honorable Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina’s momentous leadership and our ICT Advisors farsightedness
has led the telecommunication sector to incredible success. Teledensity and Internet
use has increased to 81.9 and 30.6 percent respectively. In 2014, Bangladesh for the
second time was elected as a member of the International Telecommunication Union
(ITU) Council for a 4 year term. Recently, for her contributions towards development
of Information Communication and Technologies Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has
received ICT Sustainable Development Award from the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU). Previously, in 2014, ITU has awarded Bangladesh
the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) prize for using ICT to deliver
government services to the citizens’ doorsteps.
In 2009, our journey began with a dream of ‘Digital Bangladesh’, much of which has
been accomplished by now. Mobile phone facility is now within the reach of every
person of the country and almost 97 percent area of Bangladesh is now under its
network. People of the country have already started to enjoy the benefits of various
BTRC
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digital services. Now the new goal is to make better digital services available to
everybody and ensure standard, secure and affordable telecom services for all. That
journey has already begun. For this purpose we are working on launching
‘Bangabandhu Satellite’. To ensure healthy competition and the consumers’ interest
Mobile Number Portability and Tower Sharing are being implemented. Cutting edge
technology, 4G is about to be launched; broadband connectivity is being delivered to
the Union level.
To ensure the safety of state and its citizens, severe steps have been taken to stop selling
of unregistered SIM cards, selling and marketing of unauthorized mobile handsets and
international call transfer through illegal VoIP. Steps have been taken so that the ordinary
consumer gets the benefit of reduction in bandwidth price. Today, Digital Bangladesh is
no longer a dream, it is reality. Now the government's target is to achieve customer
satisfaction by ensuring advanced digital services and we are determined to do so.
I am happy to know that, after its formation, BTRC has played a vital role in the
development of economy by depositing 38 thousand 7 hundred and 74 core taka to
government treasury till last June. The Government will do everything necessary to
make Digital Bangladesh successful and to prevent any kind of corruption of this sector.
I hope that Commission will make further efforts to promote the use and spread of new,
advanced and modern telecom services and deliver them to the doorsteps of the people
at low cost. Every employee of the Commission will perform his/her own duty with
honesty, efficiency and dedication and will remain above corruption and nepotism to
pioneer the creation of Digital Bangladesh. I expect that well-thought opinion and
advice from the policy makers, operators, stakeholders and intellectuals of the
telecommunication sector of the country will further enlighten BTRC’s path.
I wish every success to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
on the publication of Annual Report 2014-2015.
Joy Bangla, joy Bangabandhu
May Bangladesh live long
Tarana Halim, MP
State Minister
Posts and Telecommunications Division
Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology
08
BTRC
Chairman
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
(BTRC)
Preface
The introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has transpired
a radical change in our way of living. And the two main driving forces are mobile
phone and Internet which have provided both well-being and comfort. It has also
simplified both right to information and communication. Above all keeping pace with
the use, speed and penetration of phone, mobile phone and Internet, the income,
standard of living, employment and the economic and social development of the
country are improving. Telecommunication technology also is an integral part of
implementing the dream of ‘Digital Bangladesh’.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission is working relentlessly,
having realized the outstanding impact and importance of telecommunication and
information technology. It is continuously adopting appropriate policy and program.
The organization is working to deliver standard and high speed Internet including
modern telecommunication services to general public. I feel relieved to have published
the Annual Report of BTRC for the fiscal year 2014-2015 illustrating all its activities,
achievements and progress. The nature, trends and outlook of the organization have
been represented in this report. I heartily thank all the employees of the Commission
including those who were involved in publishing it. I also sincerely congratulate all our
companions -- the countless subscribers of the country, stakeholders, operators, license
holders, journalists and government and non-government organizations.
Due to the relentless effort of BTRC, 99% of the country’s population and 97% of the
geographical area have come under coverage of the mobile phone network. Since its
formation, BTRC has deposited 38 thousand 7 hundred and 74 crore taka as Non-tax
revenue government treasury till last June. In the last FY, this income was 4174 crore
taka. This is a significant direct contribution to the economic development of the
country. The passive impact is immeasurable. At present, there are 12 crore and 68 lakh
active mobile phone SIMs in the country, which is equal to 82 percent of the
population. In the last year, the number of mobile phone subscribers increased by 1
crore which is approximately 8.6 percent. In the same time, the Internet subscribers
have increased by approximately 22 percent to 4 crore and 83 lakhs. In last 12 months,
3G subscribers have increased by over three and half times from 48 lakhs at the
beginning of the year, to 1 crore and 80 lakhs. The import of Smartphone has increased
by 65 percent in the 2014-2015 fiscal year in comparison to that of the previous year.
Due to the expansion of smartphones and high speed 3G Internet, the use of M-service
and management and E-governance in education, health, agriculture, production, food
safety, fuel, transportation, and other government and non-government services have
come within closer reach of the people.
BTRC
09
As a regulatory body, BTRC is now giving more attention to consumer rights
protection. BTRC vows to provide standard, reliable and cost effective
telecommunication services. In order to improve the quality of service, drive tests
using equipment and field survey to know the actual customer experience using
appropriate questionnaire are being performed. I believe, on the basis of the outcomes
of these activities, there will be scope for providing improved customer service. In
order to ensure consumer rights and to maintain healthy competition in the market,
initiatives have been taken to implement Mobile Number Portability (MNP).In order to
reduce public health hazard and cost, ‘Tower Sharing Guideline’ has been prepared,
which is now waiting for approval. A ‘Complaint Management Task Force’ has been
formed to receive and resolve customer complaints. Specific mobile phone numbers
have been assigned, web boxes have been created to make the complaint receiving
procedure easy and comfortable, and complaints can also be sent by post and by email.
Draft guideline for ‘National Telecommunication Consumer Protection’ has been
prepared and the activity for appointing a ‘Consultant’ is in progress.
Due to the competitive market management system and various regulatory initiatives,
it has been possible to bring down the cost of voice call, which is now one of the lowest
in the world. The Internet package price has been reduced by 30 percent in the last one
year. The commission is working on ways to reduce this price further, by analysing all
the heads of expenditure.
In addition to expansion of standard telecommunication service, BTRC is committed to
provide secure and compliant services. Under the supervision of Ministry of Home
Affairs and Prime Minister’s Office, guidelines on mobile phone (RUIM/SIM) customer
information registration has been prepared. Initiatives for signing a MoU with national
identity card registration authority is in progress, in order to register SIMs properly by
identifying false, counterfeit and illegal SIMs. In order to register SIM properly,
awareness program in public media is on-going. Tough initiatives have been taken to
prevent the sales and marketing of illegal SIMs and unauthorized mobile phone sets.
Initiatives have been taken to implement ‘Internet Safety Solution’, in order to prevent
cyber crime and for content, application monitoring and filtering. In order to ensure
cyber security, initiatives have been taken to form a central forum consisting of all the
associated agencies besides tightening regular monitoring activity.
In order to prevent illegal VoIP call, higher monitoring committee has been formed with
representatives from RAB, Police and BTRC and inspections have been made stricter.
Measures have been taken to identify and switch-off illegal international calls by
regularly monitoring the operators’ bandwidth, implementing SIM box detection
method and applying various logics in self-regulation system. The inspection of
operators’ establishment has been increased. Because of these initiatives, 55 lakhs 58
thousand illegal SIMs have been seized and switched off. Besides this, in order to ensure
proper competition, discipline and government’s revenue collection, International IGW
Forum has been established and due to this, revenue collection of the government has
been easier. Reducing the international incoming call charge to 1.5 cent is showing
positive results. In June 2014, the amount of average incoming call per day was 5.5
crore minutes which was double i.e. 11 crore minutes in the same month of 2015.
Guideline on Social Obligation Fund 2014 has been published in the gazette. There is
about 681 crore taka in this fund till June 2014. Initiatives have been taken to utilize
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BTRC
this fund for the people of the community who are deprived from the benefits of
information technology and implementation of projects for the poor and
disenfranchised and for disaster prevention and management.
In the last fiscal year, spectrum has been assigned to 33 private Satellite Television
Operators, 26 FM Radios and 16 Community Radios. Permission has been given to an
organization to use frequency for providing modern television services using
Direct-to-Home technology.
In order to recover the due payments from various licensed telecom operators, legal
actions have been taken, including filing cases following the Public Demands
Recovery Act, 1913 and Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2001. From inception,
out of 287 cases filed in the High Court and Appellate Division, 135 cases have been
resolved. Various legal steps have been taken to resolve other cases in different courts.
Two projects namely ‘Preparatory Functions and Supervision in Launching a
Communication and Broadcasting Satellite’ and ‘Bangabandhu Satellite Launching’
are being implemented under the supervision of BTRC. Four different international
organizations have submitted tender for ‘Bangabandhu Satellite System’ on 18 June
2015, and evaluation activity is currently in process. In 2014, Bangladesh for the
second term (2015-2018) was elected as a member of the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council which took place in Busan, the port city of
South Korea. Bangladesh secured 7th position among 13 countries keeping behind
strong opponents like India, Pakistan and Thailand. This achievement is a result of
continued efforts of Ministry of Post, Telecommunication and Information
Communication Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and BTRC. Besides this,
BTRC organized the Annual Forum and Council Meeting of Telecommunication
Organization for the first time in Dhaka.
Steps have been taken to form a new company to direct and monitor the ‘Bangabandhu
Satellite Program’. Allocation of bandwidth for LTE/4G through spectrum auction,
updating price for bandwidth, developing usage guidelines for 1800 and 2100 MHz
band and selling the remaining free bandwidth through auction, and converting the
existing TV channels to digital transmission switchover, are also underway.
It is my firm belief that, in fulfilment of the people's expectation, we will soon be able
to implement the latest of ICTs, specifically LTE/4G broadband internet. A modern
regulatory structure with pragmatic, farsighted telecom guidelines and updating the
Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2001 that is urgently needed for ensuring
developed, modern people friendly telecom service in the country.
I hope that the information in this Annual Report will fulfill the needs of policymakers,
operators, investors, specialists, media and the general public and that they will benefit from
it. I hope the Government, the Commission, operators and the stakeholders will play their
necessary roles to create a happy, prosperous and knowledge driven Digital Bangladesh.
Sunil Kanti Bose
Chairman
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
BTRC
11
Objectives of the Commission
In order to facilitate a quick and stable socio-economic development and to provide a
dependable telecommunication service, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory
Commission (BTRC) was established on 31 January 2002, under the Bangladesh
Telecommunication Regulatory Act-2001. The main objectives are:
(a) To encourage the orderly development of a telecommunication system that
enhances and strengthens the social and economic welfare of Bangladesh;
(b) To ensure access to reliable, reasonably priced and modern telecommunication
services including internet services for the greatest number of people, as far as
practicable;
(c) To ensure the efficiency of the national telecommunication system and its
capacity to compete in both the national and international spheres;
(d) To prevent and abolish discrimination in providing telecommunication
services, to progressively effect reliance on competitive and market oriented
system, and in keeping with these objectives, to ensure effective control of the
Commission;
(e) To encourage the introduction of new services and to create a favorable
atmosphere for the local and foreign investors who intend to invest in the
telecommunication sector of Bangladesh.
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BTRC
Formation of the Commission and Present Status
For the purpose of development and efficient regulation of the telecommunication system and
telecom services in Bangladesh an independent Commission namely Bangladesh
Telecommunication Regulatory Commission was established in 2002 said act.
According to section 10, sub section 1 of Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2001, the
present Commission of BTRC member (2014-2015) are as under:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Mr. Sunil Kanti Bose
Brig. Gen. Md. Ahsan Habib Khan (Retd.)
Mr. A.T.M. Monirul Alam
Mr. Md. Abdus Samad
Mr. Saleh Ahmad Hakim
- Chairman
- Vice-Chairman
- Commossioner
- Commissioner
- Commissioner
According to the Telecommunication Act the Commission is assigned with various
responsibilities. Out of those, establishing, operating, regulating, maintaining
telecommunication establishments and providing various telecom services in the country are the
major ones. Besides, fixing charges on the subscribers, ensuring the quality & availability of
services for the subscribers and to ensure the people’s right are also other important tasks of the
Commission. The social and economic behavioral pattern of the telecom service providers are
also monitored by the Commission to ensure that the users are not subjected to harassment or
discrimination.
As a statutory organization, the Commission has to maintain its official seal and continuity as
provided in the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2001, clause 6(9). The law vests the
Commission with such responsibilities as procuring and keeping under possession of movable
and immovable properties, transferring authority, right to execute agreements and
accomplishing other activities within the purview of the telecom law.
The Teleommunication Act amendent bill has been passed in 2010. According to the bill,
approval of the government will be needed to provide telecom services, to route international
calls, importing telecommunication equipments and transferring the ownership of such
equipments. Any violation shall be punished with an administrative fine of maximum of 300
crore or 10 years imprisonment or both.
According to the Act, if an operator keeps violating even after being fined of taka 300 crore, the
said operator would be further fined at the rate of taka 1 crore per day as an administrative fine.
In case of individual, the Act has the provision of charging an administrative fine of taka 100
crore and maximum imprisonment for 5 years.
After the Amendment of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act 2001, the
Commission needs prior government approval to issue any telecom license. At the same time,
such approval will also be required for transferring ownership or to cancel any license. Earlier,
different tariffs, call charge and other charges used to be determined by BTRC, now it needs
prior governmental approval. In such case the government will give decision within 60 days.
BTRC
13
14
BTRC
Commission’s Achievements from
Foundation to June 2015
BTRC
15
Commission’s Achievements from Foundation to June, 2015
According to National Telecom policy 1998, the government is to form an independent
Commission through a Parliamentary Legislation. In its Continuation, in accordance
with modern technology and services to regulate the telecommunication system of the
country, Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2001 was enacted. In order to
implement that law and to develop and efficiently regulate the telecommunication
management system of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory
Commission was founded on 31st January, 2002 by the government of Bangladesh.
The development activities of BTRC from its formation to till date have been
summarized below:
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BTRC
Development Activities and Achievements
of 2014-2015 Fiscal year at a Glance
BTRC
17
Development Activities and Achievements of 2014-2015 Fiscal year at a Glance:
18
BTRC
Noteworthy Future Planning
BTRC
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Future Planning of BTRC at a Glance
Noteworthy Future Planning of BTRC are the following :

4G and LTE Frequency Allocation
 Digital Broadcasting Switchover
 Upgradation and expansion of Spectrum monitoring System
 Unified Licensing
 Access Regulation
 Access to ISP Guideline
 NID Database
 Telecom Tower Sharing Guideline
 Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Guideline
 Bangabandhu Satellite
 Building New Office of BTRC at Agargoan
 Ensuring Internet Safety Solution (ISS).
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BTRC
Activities of BTRC in 2014-2015
To perform the regulatory responsibilities, BTRC is organized with five
divisions, two directorates and one wing as below:
Divisions
• Administration Division
• Systems and Services Division
• Spectrum Division
• Engineerning and Operations Division
• Legal and Licensing Division
Directorate
• Finance Directorate
• Enforcement and Inspection Directorate
Wing
• Media and Publications wing
The Following pages will depict the performance and activities of the
Commission briefly for the fiscal year 2014-2015.
BTRC
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22
BTRC
Administration Division
BTRC
23
Administration Division
Administration division deals with the tasks like manpower of the commission,
appointment, promotion, posting, transfer, training, arrangements of meeting,
seminars, office building maintenance, purchase and maintenance of office
equipments, purchase and maintenance of vehicles, IT activities, management of
library and stores, protocol services, dispatch and other activities.
1. Manpower: The organogram of BTRC comprises 369 various posts. The
manpower of the Commission as on 30th June 2015 is appended below:
No.
Name of the Post
Post Authorized
Post Held
Post Vacant
1.
Chairman
01
01
00
2.
Vice-Chairman
01
01
00
3.
Commissioner
03
02
01
4.
Commission Secretary
01
01
00
5.
Director General
04
04
00
6.
Director
10
10
00
7.
Deputy/Joint Director
27
07
20
8.
Senior Asst./Asst. Director
91
67(21/46)
24
9.
Personal Secretary
01
00
01
10.
Administrative Officer
04
04
00
11.
Deputy Assistant Director
49
29
20
12.
Personal Officer
09
07
02
13.
Store Officer
01
01
00
14.
Personal Assistant
12
06
06
15.
Auditor
01
01
00
16.
Accountant
03
02
01
17.
Reporter
01
00
01
18.
Photographer
03
00
03
19.
Office Asst./Admin
18
07
11
Asst./Comp. Operator
24
20.
Draftsman
02
00
02
21.
Protocal Assistant
01
00
01
22.
Assistant Store Keeper
01
01
00
BTRC
No.
Name of the Post
Post Authorized
23.
Cashier
01
00
01
24.
Receptionist/PABX Operator
02
02
00
25.
IT/ Security Assistant
06
01
05
26.
Driver
42
40
02
27.
Driver Common Service
10
8
02
28.
Record Keeper
01
01
00
29.
Dispatch Rider
05
03
02
30.
Electrician/Technician
01
01
00
31.
Photocopy Copier
01
01
00
32.
Pump, Lift, Generator Operator
02
00
02
33.
Cleaner
06
06
00
34.
Office Asst. (Tea Bar Asst.)
06
06
00
35.
Office Assistant (MLSS)
42
36
06
369
256
113
Total
Post Held
Post Vacant
2. Welfare activities for the staff
• In fiscal year 2014-2015, a sum of taka 10,00000/- (Ten Lac) has been distributed to
99 officers/employees from welfare fund of the Commission on the basis of their
application to meet the expenses for treatment/education/marriage/natural disaster.
• As per job specification, all officers of the Commission are connected with internet
to keep themselves updated with the latest technologies. Arrangement of Wi-Fi has
been made to provide continuous support to the office of the Commission. Apart
from this, the officers and the employees of the commission have been provided with
mobile phone facility to keep them connected round the clock.
• Officers and employees have been provided with transportation facilities from the
Commission.
• 91 Officer and employees otter commission have attended training programme in
home and abroad to enhance their efficiency and capacity building.
No.
01.
Trainee officers/staff within country
66
Trainee officers/staff within country
25
BTRC
25
3. Library
A Modern and organized library exists in the Commission at 6th floor. It remains open
from 9am to 5pm. It is known as the “Library and Information Resource Center” of
BTRC.
There are about 104 registered books. There are almost 1,776 books on
telecommunication and IT of International Standard collected from home and abroad.
Besides, all leading news papers of the country and recent journals from home and
abroad are also made available in this library. The officers and the employees of the
Commission make good use of the library to keep them updated.
The following categories of books has been collected in the library according to the
requirements of various branches of the commission:
Sl. No.
Subject
No. of Books
1.
Administration
335
2.
New Technology, Services and tariff
249
3.
Frequency Management
502
4.
Technical and Operational Technology
341
5.
Legal and licensing
253
6.
Finance and Revenue
96
The Administration division has taken various steps to collect books on newer
technologies and newly edited books from renowned publishers to increase the volume
of books in the library.
E-Library
Information can easily exchanged through the e-library of BTRC. Even any
information required from abroad can easily be collected through this e-library.
Officers from BTRC very often attend various meeting/seminar/workshop
outside the country. In such cases, concerned officer can prepare necessary
documents/paper for the respective meeting/seminar/workshop, which
becomes very informative.
Management System Software
The Library and information Resource Center of BTRC is being transformed
into a modern library and information Resource Center through “Management
System Software”. A draft plan has already been formulated in this regard.
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BTRC
4. Vehicle Management
Administration division carries out the task of purchasing necessary vehicles, their
distribution, and maintenance of those on behalf of the Commission.This division is
very much concerned to ensure the smooth transportation of the officers and the
employees of the commission.There are four officers under a Director responsible for
vehicle management of the Commission.
5. Construction of BTRC own office Building at Agargaon
To build own office of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission at
2008 the registration of one acre of land alloted by the government at Agargaon
administrative area (Plot#E 5/A), has already been done. Already constriction of the
boundary wall in aforesaid land costing 27,16,067/-(twenty seven lac sixteen thousand
sixty seven) by Directorate of Public works is already done.
Already, a letter has been issued to Architecture Directorate to build a modern and
beautiful icon tower at alloted land of BTRC. The Architecture Directorate made an
architectural design considering manpower and future plan of BTRC. A letter has been
issued to design division-4 of Directorate of Public works to make a structural design
of building as the post activities of building according to the approved architectural
design. Moreover, for building the office of BTRC as per architectural design
Directorate of Public works division-3 is requested to send quotation to the
Commission. Mentionworthy, in the fiscal year 2015-2016, budget of BDT 100 crore
has been alloted for construction of building.
6. Information/Complaint Officer
According to the rules of Bangladesh Information Right Act, 2009 an officer of BTRC
has been assigned to provide information on behalf of the Commission. The assigned
officer provides the desired information on the basis of this Act. Besides, he attends
complaints from the public on telecom issues. On receipt of the complaint, he addresses
those to resolve by taking necessary steps.The information/complaint officer of the
Commission is:
Address
Name of the officer
Office
M A Taleb Hossain
Director (Licensing)
BTRC.
Bangladesh Telecommunication
Regulatory Commission (BTRC)
IEB Bhaban, Ramna,
Dhaka-1000. Phone-9554489
Mobile-01552202722,
E-Mail-taleb.hossain@btrc.gov.bd
Residence
House#88, Pallabi, 2nd
Phase Eastern Housing
Mirpur, Dhaka-1216
Phone-9001682
BTRC
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IT Section
IT section is one of the significant sections of Bangladesh Telecommunication
Regulatory Commission (BTRC). Four (4) officers/employees are contributing in this
section. The work space and responsibilities of this section has been increased
manifold in recent years. Necessary steps have been taken to upgrade to make this
section more technology oriented. Hence, the commission has taken steps to
modernize and upgrade the capacity of this section. Some of those are:
The activities which have been done in the last financial year 2014-15 are following:
1. Invited tender to upgrade the CCTV system to ensure the security for the
commission and implemented accordingly.
2. Developed an online recruitment portal to appoint new employees in vacant
posts
3. Developed a complaint management system to receive complaints all about
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
4. Invited tender for IP PABX system upgradation and evaluation of the tender.
5. Connected in to Data Network of the Info Sarkar Project under the ICT division
of MoPT which is under process of implementation.
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BTRC
This commission is designated to do following works:
1. To make future plans and take steps to implement those to modernize the IT
section of BTRC;
2. To aid other departments with IT related support and advice;
3. To take steps for buying necessary hardwire/equipment and software;
4. To maintain own website (www.btrc.gov.bd);
5. To maintain mail and web server;
6. To provide application supports;
7. To maintain LAN and Wi-Fi networks;
8. To maintain Multimedia projection and PA system;
9. To maintain and operate hardware including printers, scanners etc.;
10. To maintain IP PABX system;
11. To maintain video surveillance;
12. To maintain access control system;
13. To give technical support to all functions, seminars and workshops organized
by the commission and to execute the orders directed by the commission.
BTRC
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30
BTRC
Systems & Services Division
BTRC
31
Systems & Services Division
To ensure the development of telecommunication system and efficient regulation of
telecommunication sector in our country, Systems and Services Division is assigned to
approve services and tariff of new and existing services and value added services. This
division is also working for enhancing the efforts for telecommunication development;
to ensure the access to reliable, affordable and emerging telecommunication service for
the mass people keeping pace with the prevalent social ethics and economic realities of
Bangladesh; to ensure cost effective and modern telecommunication service to enhance
the efficient management of the national telecommunication systems and its
competitive capacity in both national and international spheres; to prevent and abolish
the discrimination in telecommunication system, to ensure effective control of the
Commission. Besides, this division performs various specialized activities for the
Commission like promoting a competitive market for telecommunication service
providers, bringing out instructions and guidelines, initiation of new services and
ensuring an amiable atmosphere for the investors. For ensuring received and disposal
of the customer complaint, the “Complaint Management Task Force” has been formed
by the commission under the supervision of Systems & Services Division. BTRC is the
focal point for organizations like International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Asia
Pacific Telecommunity (APT), Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization
(CTO) and International Corporation for Assigned Names & Numbers (ICANN) and
Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA). In case of
workshops, seminars, forums, meetings etc. relating to telecom and ICTs, SS Division
represents BTRC. A brief description of the various functions of this division is
presented below:
1. Service & Tariff approval
This division acts for ensuring the best performance of the telecommunication sector,
to create space for the new technology, to automate the life style and to introduce
various new value added services for the customer to increase their satisfaction.
Telecom operators have heightened their standard to the international level by
extending various value added services beyond their basic services. Recently, many
3rd party service providers have come forward to provide old and conventional value
added services by ensuring the exploitation of their merit as well as by creating the
local entrepreneurs. On the other hand, licensed organizations have introduced various
innovative services for proving their uniqueness to other operators, for attracting the
customers’ throught ensuring their satisfaction level.
Earlier, SMS based value added services were conventional; now a days services like
Interactive Voice Response (IVR), Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD),
Application Protocol Interface (API), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) etc. are
also in great use. Recently approved value added services, service tariff and other
important activities of BTRC are furnished below:
a) Mobile Financial Services: Web/International Recharge, E-Ticketing, Inward
remittances, Utility Bill payment, Mobile banking etc. are example of mobile financial
32
BTRC
services. This service is jointly provided by Commercial Banks and Mobile phone
operators whereas Bangladesh Bank regulates the financial transaction. Huge numbers
of citizens are gradually enjoying access to mobile financial facilities. Thus Mobile
Financial Services are playing a vital role in the ecconomy through easy and fast
financial trancsaction.
b) Call Center based Information Services: Information services like Health Line,
Agriculture Info, Education Line, Legal Line, Blood Bank Info, Travel Line etc. are
provided by call center based information service. Different operators including local
entreprenuers are rendering these services. Systems and Services division monitors the
operators’ helpline to protect customers’ right.
c) Tracking Service: Mobile customers can determine the location of their vehicles
and can manage them by using this service. Legal and Licensing division provides
GPS-based tracking service licenses and SS division approves the tariff of this service.
On the other hand, SS division also approves the tracking based service and tariff for
the location-based services (LBS).
d) Directory/Live Information Service: Mobile operators in co-operation with
companies having data based facilities provide Yellow Page, Dictionary Services,
Public Examination Results, Stock Exchange Info, Entertainment Services etc.
Systems and Services Division gives approval of these types of services.
e) News Service: In order to keep the people updated with latest news of home and
abroad, news services have been introduced through SMS, IVR based News/Alert
Service. To provide this kind of service, Systems and Services division formulates
specific policies for the operators.
2. Formulation of operation manuals (Guideline, Directives) for telecom sector:
Now telecommunication, in addition to IT, has turned into ICT phase, which requires
relevant guidelines/directives for issuing related license/permit/approval. Regulatory
& Licensing Guideline is indispensible from time to time for materialization of
Government’s telecom policy.
According to Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act-2001, Section 31 (2)
(Ta), Interim Directives are provided by the Commission for sustaining the healthy
environment and for increasing the customer satisfaction in this service sector. After a
certain period of time, these directives are considered as permanent directives. SS
division initiates the rough guidelines/directives and other regulatory documents on
behalf of the BTRC. Recently promulgated directives and guidelines under process
along with other important activities of BTRC are given below:
a) Directives on Service & Tariff 2015
For Customer satisfaction, promoting a competitive market for telecommunication
service providers and ensuring an amiable atmosphere for the investors, the
commission has given different directives in different times. According to some
changes in course of time and reviewed by the Commission, a Comprehensive
Directive on Service & Tariff 2015 has been formulated on March 2015.
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33
b) Subscriber Verification and Connection Activation (SVCA)
Over the past few years, extortions, threatening, intimidating and disturbing using
telephone/mobile phone are gradually increasing. It has drawn the attention of the
people of every level. Besides, the use of mobile phones in terrorism and seditious
activities can create fear and panic among the people. To protect the subscribers from
telephone and mobile phone threats and extortions mobile SIM/RUIM registration
guideline has been prepared under the supervision of Ministry of Home Affairs and the
Prime Minister's Office. In this connection, to complete the registration process more
accurately and perfectly, mobile SIM/RUIM post activation process has been
introduced by using NID Database. The amendment of Cusumer Registration
Guideline is enduring. A discussion is going on between BTRC and Bangladesh
Election Commission for signing a MOU to use the information of NID Database.
c) Mobile Number Portability
Mobile Numbers Portability (MNP) is a popular Value Added service in the
telecommunications world. To speed up the telecommunication services many
countries around the world have already launched the MNP. MNP allows the mobile
subscribers to retain the existing mobile number when the subscriber switches from
one mobile operator to another. Although MNP is a Value Added service, it is
considered as a "Regulatory Tools". Basically it has been introduced to reduce the
scope of the monopoly/exclusive business for mobile phone operators and to increase
competition among them. The competition is comparatively high in such countries
where MNP has been introduced. In such a competitive market, as a whole, MNP
benefits the customers. However, during introducing the MNP, mobile operators in
almost all countries concerned remain reluctant initially. Every operator’s priority is to
retain its own customers.
Already commission has introduced a directive on Mobile Number Portability but it
could not be implemented due to the lack of operator’s preparation. However, on the
basis of mobile operator’s application to extend the time for launching the service, a
steering committee comprising MNOs, interconnection exchange (ICX) and the
International Gateway (IGW) has been formed. In the context of the Committee's
report and the opinion of public consultation organized by the commission, it has been
decided to introduce MNP in Bangladesh through a third party. In this regard a draft
guideline is under process of Post and Telecomminication division for approval and
after finalization of the guideline, it will be possible to implement MNP shortly.
d) Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) Management in Bangladesh (.bd and. evsjv)
‘.bd’ in English unicode typography is commercially available as the Country Code
Top Level Domain (ccTLD) of Bangladesh. With the strong conviction to create the
Digital Bangladesh, our Honourable Prime Minister applied for the String
Evaluation (first step to be allocated with a ccTLD/gTLD) of . evsjv to ICANN on
February 21, 2010. With the patronization from Ministry and Bangla Academy, the
Commission has completed the long procedure of String Evaluation on February 2011
34
BTRC
and prepared some of the draft documents necessary for the Root Zone Delegation
(second and last step prior to use any ccTLD / gTLD commercially). Meanwhile, on
November 28, 2012 the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has informed the
Commission that the Ministry will act as the Domain Administrator and the incumbent
BTCL will act as the Domain Manager and also requested the Commission to prepare
the necessary draft-documents for Root Zone Delegation. Thereafter, the Commission
prepared and sent the requested draft-documents and concept-paper to the Ministry.
Presently, the Root Zone Delegation of . evsjv is waiting for its commercial
commencement by the Ministry and BTCL.
e) Tower Sharing Guideline
According to the present practice in Bangladesh, different mobile operators are
establishing their own towers. This not only reflects improper use of tower resources
but also causes serious threat to people and nature with the increasing level of radiation.
In some cases, the tower is being set up on the arable land, so that the amount of arable
land is decreasing. Also, this is increasing the demand for electricity consumption.
Considering all considerable things, the Commission has taken initiatives to prepare a
guideline on “Tower Sharing”. Considering the total number of towers and Shared
Tower, the various parameters/Resources, different models of tower sharing and its
advantage/disadvantage, a draft “Tower Sharing” Guideline is under process of Post &
Telecommunication department ministry for approval.
f) Easy availability of internet for everyone
To reduce the internet price for customers, a committee has been formed by the
decision of meeting which was held at Post, Telecommunication and Information
Ministry. A study report will be submitted to the ministry on the basis of every cost
component from submarine cable to customer and benefit for every level. Customers
will get benefit shortly.
g) National Telecommunication Consumer Protection Guideline
Nowadays it is considered as a very important issue to protect the customers’ interest in
telecommunications world. Telecommunications regulatory agencies of various countries
and international organizations of telecommunication have already done a lot of research
on this issue. To protect the customers’ right in telecommunication sector, many countries
already have formulated and implemented laws/policies/directives on consumer right.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is committed to protect
the interests of the country as well as telecommunication’s customers. BTRC is
well-known as a customer friendly government organization at home and abroad for
enchanting various initiatives and successful implementation of these initiatives. In this
connection, BTRC has taken initiatives to prepare a draft guideline on the topic of
“National Telecommunication Consumer Protection”. The main focus of this guideline is
to protect the customers from any discrimination and irrational commercial practices. The
guidelines focus on the following issues:
• Directions of main telecommunications services to customers
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35
• Protect the privacy of customer information
• Ensure availability of data relating to tariff and billing
• Disposal of customer complaints
• Guideline for prevention of unsolicited commercial telecommunications
• Introduction of emergency toll-free number
To improve the telecommunications sector as well as providing quality service for
increasing customer satisfaction we have to introduce such a guideline. A public
consultaion has already completed regarding this guideline. The recruitment process of
consultant is ongoing.
3. Other important activities
Besides, carrying out the above activities, SS division is also performing some other
activities of which the important ones are discussed below:
a) National Security Related activities
BTRC and the operators are constantly assisting Law and Order Enforcement Agencies,
Anti-Corruption Commission, Customs, Courts and other offices/organizations for
protecting the national security of Bangladesh. As a part of these activities, Call Detail
Record (CDR), Subscribers Acquisition Form, Recharge/Balance Information,
Location Based Tracking, VOIP/Illegal Telecommunication service detection,
unregistered connection (SIM/ RUIM) termination etc. assistance and information are
provided to these agencies as and when required.
b) Formation of BD-CSIRT
Computer offense and punishment provision has been mentioned in Bangladesh
Telecommunication Regulatory Act, 2001 section 66 to 74. Under section 16, the
power has been delegated to BTRC to form a committee for performing such kind of
work. Bangladesh Computer Security Incident Response Team (BD-CSIRT) has been
formed by the decision of Commission meeting held on 23/01/2012 to protect anything
which imperils the security of the nation and Internet based offence like Data Intrusion,
Identity Theft, Malware Infection and Cyber Crime.
BD-CSIRT provides the Vulnerability Scanning Service to other organizations. Lots of
anti-government and anti-religion content for which objections are raised from NTMC
and different govt. organizations are blocked through IIG, except any ‘Dynamic-link’
based content/hosting repository (like: facebook) which are not possible to block from
IIGs. Also the offensive contents against which objections are raised from general
people are also blocked at the IIGs.
c) Public Awareness related activities
This division is responsible for sending important free SMS nationwide (only national
level facts/activities) in response to the request by various ministries, government,
international, multinational, service oriented and educational offices/organizations for
36
BTRC
enhancing public awareness/educational/services oriented facts. In implementation of
this task, Cellular Mobile Operators play an important and praiseworthy role.
d) Steps adopted for Telecommunication activities during Natural disaster
Although Bangladesh is now partially capable of communicating through
VSAT/Satellite during disaster, she will become completely capable in near future, as
a part of gradual development in this sector. As a part of this activity, all Gateway
(IGW & IIG) operators have to keep aside 10% (as reserve) Bandwidth Capacity of
their Fiber-Cable Capacity for the crisis period. For the last one decade, the modern
world is mostly concerned about longtime health hazard of continuous use of various
machine/system in line with technological development. BTRC has taken steps for
inclusion of necessary guidelines regarding Green Telecom (so that network/system
does not cause any long term health hazard) in various ongoing (draft preparation
stage) Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines. Besides, BTRC will go forward to
ensuring Green Telecom through the materialization of Quality of Service Guideline
and Spectrum-Emission Control Guideline.
e) Environment friendly Telecommunication System
For the last one decade, the modern world is mostly concerned about longtime health
hazard of continuous use of various machine/system in line with technological
development. BTRC has taken steps for inclusion of necessary guidelines regarding
Green Telecom (so that network/system does not cause any long term health hazard) in
various ongoing (draft preparation stage) Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines.
Besides, BTRC will go forward to ensuring Green Telecom through the materialization
of Quality of Service Guideline and Spectrum-Emission Control Guideline.
f) Complaint Management Task Force
The development of telecommunications system in Bangladesh is encouraging. This
sector has a substantial positive impact on the GDP. Among 155 million people, almost
110 million people are using mobile phone for their daily activities. Now telecom
sector has changed from 2G to 3G although other developing countries are using
modern and new technology with 4G. This technology sector is moving very fast with
its practical uses. The number of mobile phone users has been increased, so has
increased their complaints about customers’ service.
Every Mobile Operator has customer care for the settlement of customer complaints.
For ensuring the disposal of the customer complaint, the “Complaint Management
Task Force” has been formed by the commission to monitor the operator’s customer
care. Besides this task, force is also working on disposal of customer’s complaint
received by e-mail, mobile and post. By increasing transparency and accountability, the
“Complaint Management Task Force” will improve the quality of complaint
management and the experience of customer.
g) Internet Safety Solution
On the basis of Bangladesh’s social /religious /cultural / national etc. types of values
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37
and norms, the procurement procedure of ‘Internet Safety Solution’ is going on to fight
against the internet content and web application based criminal activities. This
technical solution will greatly increases the efficiency and capability of Bangladesh
Computer Security Incident Response Team (BD-CSIRT) and the Law Enforcement
Agencies (LEA) could coordinate and take necessary facilitation from this solution.
The proposal-evaluation and negotiation has already been completed in the said of
procurement process and now it is waiting for the approval from the Cabinet
Committee for Government Purchase (CCGP). After acquiring the approval from the
Government, the Commission is in hope to launch the ‘Internet Safety Solution’ around
the beginning of 2016.
h) Social Obligation Fund
Social obligation fund rules’2014 was formulated by the Government of Bangladesh
on 14/12/2014. According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act,
2001 of 21 (k), this fund can be used for the implementation of telecommunication and
information technology in disadvantaged areas and for the development of
telecommunication system in disaster.
i) International SIM
International Operators’ SIM are now available in Bangladesh. As a result, people who
are going abroad do not have to use high cost roaming facility. Instead, they can buy
international SIM before going abroad.
j) Decrease of International Call Termination Rate (ICTR)
The ICTR was always fixed and controlled and that is why it should have not any
negative business effect on the IGWs. But in recent years, the sector became populated
with many entrepreneurs which results too much number of IGWs in the sector than it
is actually needed. Thereafter, the sheer price war started which really killed the self
sustainability of the business. To make it even worse, the price war turned into
cannibalism and pushed down the ICTR in a level where the actualization of
government-revenue and survival of the licensees were seriously challenged. To be
exact, a few illegal business entities were involved to bypass the government revenue
and compromising the service-quality to be able to offer such low ICTR and force the
IGWs into such unequal and unethical competition. If this kind of situation continues
then the entire business model around IGWs are likely to become such sick from where
there remains no point of return. Considering the above mentioned causes, the
government has decided to observe a test run on ICTR and revise the rate as USD 0.015
per Minute (minimum rate; revenue share calculated on USD 0.015) for the period of
18/09/2014 to till date.
38
BTRC
be
be
Existing IPTSP Tariff (Excluding VAT)
be
to be
BTRC
39
40
BTRC
Spectrum Division
BTRC
41
Spectrum Division
Introduction
In the field of Information Communication Technology, the role of
telecommunications is very important. Proper planning and a sustainable policy
guideline are required for a modern and effective telecommunication system that will
expand this sector and create investment friendly environment. At present, the
Spectrum Division is performing this important role very efficiently.
Worldwide, spectrum oriented services are continuously changing. Initiatives are
being taken to expand this division and train-up its work-force to keep pace with the
changes. Spectrum monitoring and works related to automated spectrum management
are being carried out and measures have been initiated for effective, accurate and
expeditious ways to determine present and probable future demand for various
frequency bands, making new frequencies usable and methods of allocation etc. and
different issues, because the future expansion of telecommunication sector depends
significantly on spectrum.
Consumers’ demands for mobility at a higher data-rate are gradually increasing due to
the rapidly changing developments of modern telecommunication and therefore, the
demand for different frequency band is also increasing. With the innovation of new
technologies, their deployment is also increasing drastically; resulting in continuous
demand for this limited resource. As spectrum is a limited valuable national resource,
spectrum division is determined to ensure its appropriate, accurate and optimal use.
National Frequency Allocation Plan
Though spectrum is a limited natural resource, the domain of its need and use is
enormous. It has huge demand all over the world. When the same frequency is used in
neighboring countries or by different technologies, there are possibilities of
interference. In order to avoid such occurrence, every country has its own frequency
allocation plan depending on technology based spectrum management in different ITU
regions. This plan is known as National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP). After
BTRC was established, initially NFAP was prepared by UK based consulting firm
‘Interconnect Communication’ in the year 2004, financed by the World Bank aided
project ‘Strengthening the Regulatory Capacity of BTRC’. Due to evolving technology
and to ensure best use of radio frequency, NFAP was modified again in 2010 by
another UK based consulting firm ‘Helios Technologies Ltd’. The 9 KHz to 1000 GHz
frequency band has been reserved for various services in NFAP. Basing on the
different applications for spectrum usage, the efficient and updated usages of spectrum
are being ensured prioritizing NFAP.
To achieve digital Bangladesh, spectrum had been given to 05(five) operators
including Teletalk according to National Frequency Allocation Plan in the 2013-2014
fiscal year as 3G licenses are awarded.
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BTRC
Spectrum Pricing
It is possible to contribute to the national economy by making appropriate and good use
of such natural finite resource like spectrum. One of the aspects of spectrum
management is to determine its updated price. This price depends on the geographical
condition, area, population and socio-economic condition of a country. That is why,
these factors are taken into consideration while spectrum pricing is done. Furthermore,
analyzing the spectrum pricing methodologies of different countries, it is possible to
determine the best price of this finite resource. In the 2012-2013 fiscal year, an ITU
consultant worked on spectrum pricing in Bangladesh. He prepared a report discussing
with policy makers, officials of related ministry i.e., Ministry of Post and
Telecommunication, BTRC, and various spectrum users as well as preparing a
consultation paper relating to issuing spectrum pricing formula for the services
including ISP, Broadcasting, Land Mobile, Aeronautical, and Maritime which are not
currently charged by any formula. The proposed recommendations relating to spectrum
pricing are being implemented by the commission.
Procedure of Spectrum Allocation
According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2001 the Commission shall
have absolute authority regarding the allotment of radio frequency or using radio
equipment. The Spectrum Management Division assigns frequency upon application to
the Commission for the assignment of spectrum, in a prescribed form duly filled up,
along with the payment of spectrum assignment fees and inclusion of necessary papers.
The application is then reviewed on the basis of National Frequency Allocation Plan
(NFAP) as per Section 56 (1) of the Bangladesh Telecommunication ACT, 2001.
Thereafter, it is placed to the Spectrum Management Committee (SMC) for their
opinion. The SMC comprises 13 (Thirteen) members from the university, concerned
security agencies of the government, concerned ministry and representatives from
BTRC. The Commissioner of the Spectrum Division and Director of the Spectrum
Management Directorate are respectively the convener and member secretary of the
committee. It is worth mentioning that the sole responsibility of assigning spectrum
belongs to the commission. According to the decision of the commission the spectrum
is assigned to the applicant. Five SMC meetings took place in 2013-2014 fiscal year,
and several important decisions like allotment of 3G frequency among the mobile
phone operators as well as renewal of 2G frequency, BWA service, Satellite TV, FM
radio, Public mobile Radio also regarding spectrum allocation were made in course of
those meetings.
2G Cellular Mobile Service
This technology is used to provide second generation mobile phone service to the
people of the country. Using this service, subscriber can make voice calls and can use
data service in a limited scale. According to NFAP, spectrum of 900 MHz and 1800
MHz bands are allocated for second generation mobile service. At present, five
operators including state owned Teletalk Bangladesh Limited are providing this second
generation mobile service by GSM technology.
BTRC
43
Airtel is providing their 2G service by ITU declared E-GSM band (900 MHz). The
assigned spectrum of six operators who use GSM and CDMA technology are as
follows:
Band
900 MHz
1800 MHz
CDMA
800MHz
Operator Name
Grameenphone Ltd.
Robi Axiata Ltd.
Banglalink Digital Communication Ltd.
Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd.
Airtel Bangladesh Ltd.
Grameenphone Ltd.
Robi Axiata Ltd.
Airtel Bangladesh Ltd.
Banglalink Digital Communication Ltd.
Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd.
Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Ltd.
Assigned Spectrum (MHz)
7.4
7.4
5.0
5.2
5
14.6
7.4
10
10
10
8.82 (For Dhaka Central Zone)
6.3 (Rest of the Country except
Dhaka central Zone)
3G/4G/LTE Cellular Mobile Phone Service
3G/4G/LTE are currently the state of the art technologies to spread high-speed mobile
broadband service to the people of distant corners of the country. BTRC has taken
initiative to implement this service countrywide through the mobile phone operators of
the country. As these services are completely dependent on radio spectrum, according
to ITU Radio Regulation, 450-470, 703-748/ 758-803, 825-845/870-890,
890-915/935-960, 1710-1785/1805-1880, 1920-1980/2110-2170, 2500-2570/
2620-2690 and 3400-3500/3500-3600 MHz frequency bands have been reserved for
International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT) in the NFAP of Bangladesh which can
be used for 3G/4G/LTE services. But in Bangladesh as the cellular mobile phone
operator license are not technology neutral, 825-845/870-890, 890-915/935-960,
1710-1785/1805-1880 MHz frequency bands are being used for 2G technology only.
In order to provide services through 3G technology, in the year 2013, 35 MHz
frequency have been assigned to 5 (five) operators i.e. Grameenphone Ltd., Banglalink
Digital Communication Ltd., Robi Axiata Ltd., Airtel Bangladesh Ltd. and Teletalk
Bangladesh Ltd. through an auction where 1 (one) MHz bandwidth was sold at 21
(twenty one) million US dollar. State owned operator Teletalk, first commercially
started this 3G service which was inaugurated by the honorable Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina. These spectrum are technology neutral. All the operators have achieved their
3G network rollout target before the deadline with the aid of the spectrum division of
BTRC. As a result, 3G service is available in other cities including all districts
headquarters of the country. 3G subscribers are availing high speed internet, enjoying
television in mobile, video conferencing service and video on demand service.
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BTRC
In order to enhance 4G services, assignment of frequency from 700 MHz
(703-748/758-803) band is under consideration. If 700 MHz band spectrum is
assigned, it will be possible to provide telecommunication services in villages and
distant area, the speed of the network will be increased, and it will be possible to ensure
service of the Subscribers. Besides, initiatives have been taken so that 3G operators can
provide 4G/ LTE services in the densely populated region using higher spectrum band.
PSTN Service
In order to send Voice and Internet services to the doorstep of common people, 14
(fourteen) institutions had been issued PSTN licenses in the year 2004-2005. In this
context, spectrum from CDMA 800 MHz and CDMA 1900 MHz band had been
assigned to those organizations based on their demand. But the license of five PSTN
operators i.e. Ranks Telecom Ltd., National Telecom Ltd., Peoples
Telecommunications and Information Services Ltd., Dhaka Telephone Company Ltd.
and World Tel Bangladesh Ltd. had been cancelled due to their involvement in
different illegal activities. Later on, according to the decision of the government, the
license cancellation letter of three operators i.e. Ranks Telecom Ltd., National Telecom
Ltd., and World Tel Bangladesh were revoked and the revocation of the cancelled
licenses of other two operators i.e. Peoples Telecommunications and Information
Services Ltd., Dhaka Telephone Company Ltd. are under process. Besides, another
PSTN operator received a license from the commission to operate in the rural areas.
BWA Service
The operators Augere wireless Broadband Ltd. and Banglalion Communications Ltd.
each had been awarded 35MHz of spectrum from 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz band
respectively for Broadband Wireless Access License through an open auction in 2008.
Newly Bangladesh Internet Exchange Ltd. has been awarded a Broadband Wireless
Access License with 40 MHz spectrum from 2.5 GHz band in 2013. In order to bring the
distant area of the country under the high speed information connectivity, LTE is the
best solution. BTRC has already approved the use of LTE technology to provide BWA
services in favor of the said organizations. At present, the number of broadband
subscribers in Bangladesh is about 0.5 million. It has been possible to bring 70% of the
district towns of Bangladesh under wireless broadband network with the help of this
service. For this reason, BTRC has implemented the reduced bandwidth price as
planned, consulting with the ministry. To spread out the internet service at the grass-root
level and to develop the telecommunication infrastructure, Broadband Wireless Access
services is playing important role.
Wireless Internet Service Provider
There are total 15 (fifteen) Internet Service Providers (ISP) license holders who are
providing the wireless Internet service to their customers in accordance with the
following spectrum assignments. These ISP operators are entitled for serving the
Internet services to the customer end.
BTRC
45
Sl.
No.
Name of the
Organization
Frequency Sl.
Band
No.
(MHz)
3500
9
Name of the
Organization
1
2
Bangladesh Internet
Exchange Ltd.
ADN Telecom Ltd.
10
X-Net Ltd.
Poly Trade Ltd.
Agni Systems
3500
5600
2300
3500
3
4
11
12
5
6
Ranks ITT Ltd.
Access Telecom Ltd.
3500
3500
13
14
7
AAMRA Network Ltd.
3500
15
Global Access Ltd.
Bangladesh Online Ltd.
Ektoo Ltd.
Square Informatics
Ltd.
Link3
Technologies Ltd.
8
Tackyon Ltd.
3500
BRACNet Ltd.
Frequency
Band
(MHz)
3500
3500
5600
3500
5200
5200
3500
3500
The assigned spectrum of ‘Always On Network’ from 700 MHz band had been
cancelled in financial year 2014-2015. This 700 MHz band is now reserved for IMT
services and ‘Always On Network’ is instructed to receive spectrum from higher band.
Two of the ISP operators named The New Generation Graphics Ltd. and Bangladesh
Internet Exchange Ltd. have merged together in this financial year. The commission
has canceled the ISP licenses of Global Access Ltd. and Ektoo Ltd. for valid reason.
Besides, the licensed band mentioned in the above table, data communication for ISP
service are being provided thorugh the Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) band
i.e. 2.40-2.483 GHz and 5.725-5.850 GHz bands.
Terrestrial Television Broadcasting
Only Bangladesh Television (BTV) is being transmitted using terrestrial television
broadcasting technology. This organization is using 174-230 MHz spectrum in VHF
band for this transmission. It is to be noted that, worldwide Analog Broadcasting
System is being terminated in various countries and Digital Broadcasting System with
more advantages is being introduced in lieu of that. Due to the spectral efficiency in
digital terrestrial television broadcasting system, more channels can be provided in the
same spectrum. Moreover, the possibilities of manufacturing analog broadcasting
equipments are likely to be stopped in future. Considering all these, in order to
switchover from analog to digital terrestrial television broadcasting, BTRC has
completed procedures of reserving spectrum from 522 to 698 MHz in UHF band. So,
in future, various television broadcasting organizations will be able to provide
improved picture and sound, interactivity, video on demand and datacasting by using
spectrum in digital terrestrial broadcasting system.
Satellite Television Broadcasting
Private satellite television broadcasting license is issued from the Ministry of
Information. Spectrum is assigned from BTRC to those operators who have license to
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BTRC
establish this satellite television broadcasting station from Ministry of Information. As
of today, uplink satellite frequency of 6/9/12 MHz bandwidth from 5.85-6.425 GHz
band has been assigned to 34 (thirty-four) satellite televisions. Moreover, frequency
assignment in favor of 10 (ten) new satellite television channels is in progress. The
assigned frequency of satellite TV channels in Bangladesh are listed below:
Sl.No.
Name of the TV Channel
Sl.No.
Name of the TV Channel
1
Bangladesh Television ( BTV)
18
Samay Television Ltd.
2
BTV World
19
Ekattor Media Ltd.
3
Diganta Media Ltd. (Diganta TV)
20
Mohna Television Ltd.
4
Multimedia Productions
21
My TV
Company Ltd. (ATN Bangla)
5
Ekushe Television
22
SA Television Ltd.
6
Impress Telefilm Ltd. (Channel i)
23
Vargo Media Ltd. (Channel-9)
7
International Television Limited (NTV)
24
Gazi Television Limited
8
National Television Ltd. (RTV)
25
Bijoy Television Ltd.
9
Shamol Bangla Media Ltd.
26
Times Media Ltd.
(Bangla Vision)
10
Boishakhi Media Ltd.
27
Asian Telecast Ltd.
11
Desh Television
28
Birds Eye Massmedia &
Telecommunication Ltd. (Gaan Bangla)
12
Islamic television Ltd.
29
Kazi Media Ltd.
13
Focus Multimedia Ltd. (CSB)
30
Rongdhonu Media Ltd.
14
Jamuna Television Ltd.
31
ATV Ltd. (ATV)
15
ATN News Ltd.
32
Barindo Media Ltd.
16
Independent Television Ltd.
33
Jadu Media Ltd.
17
Maasranga Television Ltd.
34
East West Media Group Ltd.
It is to be mentioned that the satellite television channels are playing a vital role to
deliver the news and culture of Bangladesh to the Bengali people of the world. The
broadcasting spectrums of Focus Multimedia Ltd. (CSB) and Channel One have been
revoked and broadcasting spectrum of Islamic Television Ltd. and Diganta Media Ltd.
has been suspended.
FM Radio Broadcasting
Radio wave is an important and cheap medium of communication. It is possible to
broadcast important news, news of development works and entertainment to the distant
people with the help of this medium very easily. The license to establish and operate
BTRC
47
FM radio station is provided from the Ministry of Information (MoI). Licensees are
assigned bandwidth from 87.5 to 108 MHz band by BTRC according to National
Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP), which is known as ‘FM Band’.
Each organization has been assigned 200 KHz bandwidth respectively from the FM
band and 200 KHz spectrum is kept empty between two FM operators for FM radio
broadcasting. As a result, it is possible to assign licenses/spectrum to 51 (fifty-one)
organizations in total in the FM band. Till 2014-2015 fiscal years, licenses have been
issued to state owned ‘Bangladesh Betar’ and twenty eight (28) non-government
organizations for FM radio broadcasting. Till now, twenty six (26) government and
non-government organizations have been assigned spectrum from BTRC for FM radio
broadcasting. Those organizations who have been assigned spectrum are as follows:
Sl. No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
48
Name of the Organization
Bangladesh Betar (Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi,
Sylhet, Rangpur and Dhaka)
Bangladesh Betar (Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi,
Sylhet, Rangpur and Dhaka)
Bangladesh Betar (Thakurgaon, Gopalganj and
Mymensingh)
Bangladesh Betar (Dhaka)
Bangladesh Betar (Khulna)
Bangladesh Betar (Comilla)
Bangladesh Betar (Dhaka and Khulna)
Bangladesh Betar (Dhaka and Rangamati)
Bangladesh Betar (Comilla)
Bangladesh Betar (Dhaka, Rajshahi and Bandarban)
Bangladesh Betar (Rajshahi, Sylhet and Barisal)
Bangladesh Betar (Barisal)
Bangladesh Betar (Chittagong and Rangpur)
Bangladesh Betar (Dhaka)
Radio Foorti Limited
Uniwave Broadcasting Ltd.(Radio Amar)
ABC Radio
Radio Broadcasting FM Ltd (Radio Today)
Dhaka FM Limited
Asian Radio Limited
Radio Dhoni Ltd.
BTRC
Assigned
Frequency
(Center)
88.80 MHz
90.00 MHz
92.00 MHz
97.60 MHz
100.00 MHz
101.60 MHz
102.00 MHz
103.20 MHz
103.60 MHz
104.00 MHz
105.00 MHz
105.20 MHz
105.40 MHz
106.00 MHz
88.00 MHz
88.40 MHz
89.20 MHz
89.60 MHz
90.40 MHz
90.80 MHz
91.20 MHz
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
People’s Radio Limited
Asiatic Marketing Communication Ltd. (Radio Shadhin)
Gungchil Media Ltd. (Radio Bhumi)
Enrich Net (Pvt.) Ltd. (Radio Next)
Vision Technologies Ltd. (Radio Din-Raat)
Araf Apparels (Radio Dhol)
Ekesi (Pvt.) Ltd. (Jagoo FM)
Bangla Radio
Inno-Vision (Radio Edge)
Media City Ltd. (City FM)
Radio Masala Ltd. (Radio Masala)
CIUS (Pvt.) Ltd. (Radio CIUS)
Broadcast World Bangladesh Ltd. (Times Radio)
Ratul Media & Communications Ltd. (Desh Radio)
Radio 71 Ltd.
Media Today Ltd. (Radio City)
Dhashiri Communications Ltd. (Radio Active)
Tune Bangladesh (Colours FM)
91.60 MHz
92.40 MHz
92.80 MHz
93.20 MHz
93.60 MHz
94.00 MHz
94.40 MHz
95.20 MHz
95.60 MHz
96.00 MHz
96.40 MHz
96.80 MHz
97.20 MHz
98.00 MHz
98.40 MHz
99.60 MHz
100.40 MHz
101.20 MHz
Moreover, Ministry of Information (Mol) gave licenses to new 15 (fifteen) organizations
to operate FM radio broadcasting in 2013-2014 financial years. Among those frequency
assignment to the following 03 (three) broadcasters is under process at BTRC:
Sl. No.
1
East-West Media Group Ltd. (Radio Capital)
2
Radio Masti
3
Gold FM
It is to be mentioned, it was observed by the Spectrum Monitoring Directorate that
some FM radio stations were using extra frequency beyond their assignment. As a
result of regular spectrum monitoring, it is possible to ensure that all FM radio stations
broadcast according to the frequency assignment.
Community Radio Broadcasting
In order to improve quality of life through providing information services, Ministry of
Information (MoI) issued Community Radio Installation, Transmission and Operation
Policy-2008 for the certain geographical locality’s people, people who hold folk of
equal socio-economy and the people of cultural attributes. Under this policy, Ministry
of Information (MoI) has issued approval/licenses to thirty one (31) organizations for
Community Radio broadcasting services till 2013-2014 fiscal years. Among them, 16
BTRC
49
(sixteen) non-government organizations have been assigned spectrum from 87.5-108
MHz band by BTRC according to National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP). The 16
(sixteen) licensed organizations from Ministry of Information who have been assigned
spectrum are as follows:
Sl. No.
50
Name of the Community Radio
Region
01.
RDRS Bangladesh
Kurigram
02.
CCD Bangladesh
Rajshahi
03.
Young Power in Social Action
Chittagong
04.
BRAC
Moulovibazar
05.
LDRO
Bogra
06.
Nalta Hospital and Community
Health Complex
Satkhira
07.
Barendra Radio
Naogaon
08.
Srijoni Bangladesh
Jhenaidah
09.
Krishi Tothya service
Borguna
10.
EC Bangladesh
Munshiganj
11.
Eklab
Teknaf
12.
Dip Unnayan Shangstha
Noakhali
13.
Broadcasting Asia of Bangladesh
Khulna
14.
Proyash Manob Unnayan Society
Chapai
Nababganj
15.
Mass Line Media Center
Borguna
16.
Coastal Association for Social
Transformation (Coast Trust)
Bhola
BTRC
Assigned
Frequency
99.20 MHz
98.80 MHz
99.00 MHz
Besides, in 2013-2014 fiscal years, procedures of spectrum assignment from BTRC to
the below stated 16 (sixteen) organizations, who have been awarded licenses in
non-government ownership for Community Radio Installation, Transmission and
Operation, are in process.
Sl. No.
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.
06.
07.
08.
09.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Name of the Community Radio
Najrul Smriti Samshad (NSS)
Progoti (peoples) Research on Grassroot
Ownership and Traditional Initiative
Borendra Unnoyon Prochesta
Oporajeo-Bangladesh
Bangla German Somprity (BGS)
Institute of Development Affairs (IDEA)
SKS Foundation
Voluntary Association for Rural Development
(VARD)
Sojag (Somaj O Jatigothon)
Sessaashebi Bohumukhi Mohila Somaj Kollyan
(SBSSS)
Kormojibi Nari
Bandhan Society
Jotey Development Foundation
Patuakhali Development Organization (PDO)
Coastal Association for Social Transformation
(Coast Trust)
Programme for Eco Social Development (PESD)
Region
Borguna
Shatkhira
Rajshahi
Rangpur
Tangail
Sylhet
Gaibandha
Sunamganj
Dhaka
Rajshahi
Kushtia
Kishoregonj
Kushtia
Patuakhali
Cox’sbazar
Bogura
The approved output power of community radio transmitter is 100 watt and its
coverage area is 17 KM. In order to provide the benefit of community radio to distant
population of the country, the policy to increase the output power of the transmitter
from 100 watt to 250 watt is under process. If the output power is increased, the
coverage area will also increase and more people could be served with information. As
the community radio will serve in a specific area only, the community radio service is
being provided by reusing the 03 (three) FM frequencies with 200 KHz bandwidth.
These are 98.80 MHz, 99.00 MHz and 99.20 MHz.
BTRC
51
Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) Service
PMR is the short form of Professional Mobile Radio Service. Professional Mobile
Radio which also known as Private Mobile Radio (PMR) in the UK and Land Mobile
Radio (LMR) in North America respectively is basically field radio communications
systems. PMR service is actually two way radio transceiver. According to International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) regulation and National Frequency Allocation Plan
(NFAP) of Bangladesh, spectrum of PMR service in HF Band (3-30 MHZ) and VHF
Band (30-300 MHz) are reserved for walkie-talkie. Moreover some part of UHF Band
(300-3000 MHz) is also used for PMR service. Beside this, for Citizen Band 26-27
MHz and for Short Business Radio (SBR) 245-246 MHz frequencies are used in shared
basis only for walkie-talkie to walkie-talkie communication without repeater. At
present, in all of the above cases bandwidth equivalent to 12.5 KHz is used.
Usage of PMR
To ensure the security of government/non-government/private organizations,
office-court, security agencies and law enforcing agencies of the government, United
Nations Missions, diplomatic agencies, the use of walkie-talkie has immense
importance. Currently 350 (three hundred and fifty) institutions are assigned
frequencies in different bands. Among those most of the institutions have been
assigned frequencies in HF, VHF and UHF band to communicate using base station,
repeater and walkie-talkie. In the year 2014-2015, 24 (twenty four) institutions, who
are providing security in small scale were assigned frequencies in UHF band and 51
(fifty one) institutions were assigned frequencies in SBR and CB band. Additionally,
with reference to NFAP, 02 (two) organizations are temporarily using frequencies in
VHF band for research and development purpose. The usage of PMR is increasing day
by day for the following reasons:
Point to Point and Point to Multipoint communication system;
Easy to maintain privacy;
Push to talk facility;
Wide area coverage;
Uninterrupted communication;
Usage of HF, VHF and UHF frequency bands;
Overall secure communication.
Governmental Radio Service
Some frequency bands are reserved for National Security Agencies and Law
Enforcement Departments in National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) of
Bangladesh. These frequency bands are known as Governmental Radio Band. In order
to provide security to the people and to maintain law and order, these frequencies are
used by Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Air force, Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh
Police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Ansar and VDP, Coast Guard, Fire
Service and Civil Defense. Governmental Radio Frequency is assigned to the
organizations from BTRC by the advice of Armed Forces Division (AFD).
52
BTRC
ISM Radio Service
Under the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) of Bangladesh, 26.957-27.283
MHz band, 40.66-40.70 MHz band, 2.40-2.483 GHz band and 5.725-5.850 GHz band
are identified as Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) bands. ITU Radio
Regulations have identified such ISM bands as Deregulated bands. BTRC however,
allows these bands to be used for telecommunications under specific conditions.
Telecom operator, ISP, Government / non-Government office, bank, insurance and
financial institution, the institutions related to power and energy use these bands for
radio links on a shared basis. At present, 2.400-2.483 GHz spectrum is being used
mostly to provide internet service through Wi-Fi network by the internet service
providers (ISPs). Recently, a policy guideline to provide service using 2.40-2.483GHz
and 5.725-5.850 GHz bands has been issued. In this guideline, the domain of using
wireless devices of short ranges and low energy consumption has been specifically
addressed so that applicants intend to use this band will have a definite idea about the
usage of this band.
Aeronautical Radio Service
As per NFAP of Bangladesh, 108.000 MHz to 117.975 MHz and 118.00 to 136.00
MHz spectrum are generally used for Aeronautical radio service. For safe and smooth
flying in the sky, as well as landing of an aircraft, it is very important to communicate
with air to air, air to ground and also ground to air. Moreover, Spectrum is also needed
in the aircraft and ground station for internal communication. These spectrums are
known as Aeronautical Band. In the aforesaid spectrum 108.000 MHz to 117.975 MHz
is used for Instrumental Landing System (ILS) and 118.00 to 136.00 MHz spectrum is
used for air to air, air to ground and also ground to air communications. As per Radio
Regulation of ITU, 960.00 MHz to 1215.00 MHz spectrum is used for measuring the
distance and to align the aircraft in the right track in the air. In fiscal year 2014-2015,
one new organization has been awarded license to use frequency and equipment for
aeronautical communication from BTRC. At present, BTRC has provided opportunity
to use aeronautical band’s spectrum to 49 (forty-nine) local and foreign organizations
including the one new organization. The airline service provider organizations avail
Call Sign and license to operate radio communications equipment for each aircraft by
paying fixed government revenue to the Commission.
Maritime Service
HF and VHF bands are reserved for Maritime Radio service as per ITU radio
regulation’s Appendix 17 and 18. 2182 KHz and 156.800 MHz frequencies are used for
distress call and safety services in maritime operations. Apart from these, 4116 KHz
and 8207 KHz (bandwidth is 3 KHz) in the HF band and 156.325 MHz and 157.375
MHz (bandwidth is 25 KHz) under VHF marine band are used as carrier frequency. 22
(twenty two) organizations have been provided “License to Operate Radio
Communications Equipment (Maritime)” from the Spectrum Division of Bangladesh
Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. Nowadays ultra-modern satellite
BTRC
53
technology named GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) is being
used for the communication of coastal stations with ocean going ship. DGPS
(Differential Global Positioning System) is installed by BIWTA (Bangladesh Inland
Water Transport Authority) using satellite technology within the territory of
Bangladesh. Determination of geo-location, hydrographic survey, water transport,
dredging and its related works of any place within the land of Bangladesh are being
possible to accomplish for the efficient usage of this system.
Satellite Service
Satellite Communication is one of the main mediums of modern telecommunication.
Usage of satellite has helped to attain groundbreaking changes in the field of
telecommunication. Besides telecommunication, other satellite radio services like
broadcasting satellite, meteorological satellite, radiolocation satellite, radio
determination satellite, earth exploration satellite, aeronautical satellite, maritime
satellite, and space-research satellite are being used in their own respective fields. Most
of the Developed and Developing countries brought massive changes in their
telecommunication, broadcasting, meteorological, defense, and telemedicine and
research activities by launching satellite.
BTRC has taken a project getting prior permission of Government to launch
Bangabandhu Satellite -1 since Bangladesh has no satellite of its own. As a primary
step to launch proposed Bangabandhu Satellite, BTRC appointed international
consultant under the project named “Preparatory Functions and Supervision in
Launching a Communication and Broadcasting Satellite”. The consultancy institution
has already completed the primary design of the proposed satellite estimated
expenditure, market statistics, number of subscriber and the sketch of company to
operate the said satellite. International tender has been called to procure Bangabandhu
Satellite system turnkey in May, 2015. Six organizations from USA, Canada, France,
China and India procured the tender document. Later on, four of them submitted the
tender. At present, evaluation procedures of those tenders are in process.
54
BTRC
VSAT Service
VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) is a wireless communication system that uses
a combination of a small antenna and satellite terminal equipment. It is possible to
provide high speed data and voice service very easily and uninterruptedly from any
place of the world by broad and narrow band wireless service using orbital satellite. As
an alternative of terrestrial, it provides various facilities. VSAT helps building cost
effective unique communication network in any dispersed area. VSAT networks offer
value-added
satellite-based
services capable of
supporting
the
Internet,
data,
LAN,
voice/fax
comm uni cations
and can provide
p o w e r f u l ,
dependable private
and public network
communications.
At present, there
Fig: VSAT Communication System
are 3 (three) VSAT
Providers (Hub License), 12 (twelve) VSAT provider Licensee, 29(twenty nine) VSAT
User Licensee in our country. The VSAT providers (Hub license) provides satellite
communication services to the users like Embassies, Corporate Offices, Banks, Branch
offices etc. For Data circuit, the Remote Terminal bandwidth may be 512 kbps in case
of symmetric service and maximum down link bandwidth may be 2048 kbps in case of
asymmetric service.
Amateur Radio Service
Amateur radio (also
known as ham radio)
uses designated radio
frequency spectrum for
purposes of private
r e c r e a t i o n ,
non-commercial
exchange of messages,
w i r e l e s s
experimentation,
self-training
and
e m e r g e n c y
communication.
BTRC
55
Amateur is used to specify persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal
aim and without direct pecuniary interest and to differentiate it from commercial
broadcasting, public safety (such as police and fire brigade) or professional two-way
radio services (such as maritime, aviation, taxis etc.). Amateur may serve as one of the
important means of telecommunication in case of natural disasters or other
emergencies. BTRC provides licenses with call-signs for amateur radio operators in the
VHF and UHF bands. At present, in self-entrepreneurship, 144 persons are operating
the said radio after getting amateur radio license.
To increase the number of amateur radio operators, BTRC took an examination for
issuing Amateur Radio License last year. The result published on 17th June, 2015
where 147 examinee succeeded .The procedures of awarding certificate and license to
said successful candidates are in process.
Issuance of NOC for Wireless Devices
According to clause 55 of ‘The Bangladesh Telecommunication Act 2001’, it is one of
the primary responsibilities of spectrum division of BTRC to issue No Objection
Certificate (NOC) for wireless equipment. According to the Import Policy, prior
approval of BTRC is required to import wireless equipment, and the rules and
procedures of importing wireless communication devices are available in BTRC’s
website.
Issuance of Dealer Possession and Radio Equipment Vendor Enlistment
Bangladesh has more than 125 (one hundred and twenty five) million of active mobile
subscriber. Spectrum Division ensures the correct IMEI number and standard mobile
phone handset importation and usage.
56
BTRC
‘Radio Equipment Importer and Vendor Enlistment Certificate’ allows importers to
import different kinds Radio Equipment like USB Modem, HF, VHF, UHF,
Walkie-Talkie, Base/Repeaters, Cellular Mobile Phone, Fixed Wireless Phone etc.
This year more than 60 copmany/organizations has got Radio Equipment Importer and
Vendor Enlistment Certificate.
Miscellaneous Activities
In order to provide telecommunication services, the procedures of issuing many
instructions have been accomplished in 2014-2015 fiscal year. Among these,
Direct-To-Home service and Amateur’s instruction are in the list. The technical
re-evaluation of existing FM broadcasting policy with these instructions is in process.
Beside these, with the members from BTRC and Stakeholders from Telecom Industry,
two committees have been formed, one to provide opinion on Justification of
reevaluation of the present guideline for FM and another to provide opinion on
upgradation of monitoring equipment of Spectrum Division. It is expected that if these
policies are implemented, telecommunication sector of this country will be operated
orderly with its modernization. In order to ensure standard and good quality handsets,
Bangladesh has taken initiatives to provide services to mobile phone importers through
BTRC. If these facilities are started, standard quality and warranty of mobile phone
handsets will be ensured. Beside this, subscriber can enjoy different services of their
purchased handsets
BTRC
57
Spectrum Monitoring
BTRC’s existing spectrum management and monitoring system consisting of 06 (six)
FMSs (Fixed Monitoring Station) located in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna, Bogra
and Rangpur and 05 (five) MMSs (Mobile Monitoring Station) was procured in the
year 2009 under the project named “Strengthening the regulatory capacity of BTRC”
in order to monitor the spectrum assigned to different telecom service providers.
Spectrum in the range from 20 MHz to 3 GHz can be monitored with the help of this
system. At present using this system, spectrum of different telecom operators are
monitored regularly to check whether they are using their spectrum properly according
to the assignments or not. In addition, this system is used to ensure that the unassigned
spectrum is not illegally used by any unauthorized entities and to detect the transmitters
causing interference to others. In recent days, immense progress in telecom sector has
been achieved through continuous developments in information technology sector
worldwide. Likewise in the past few years, tremendous success has been achieved in
Bangladesh also. As a consequence, subscriber rate is continuously increasing keeping
pace with potential growth of services in different higher frequency bands. Taking into
account the importance and prevalence of telecom sector, initiatives have been taken to
modernize the existing monitoring system. Accordingly, upgradation works of the
existing monitoring system had already been started in the FY 2014-2015, in order to
strengthen and improve the monitoring strategies so as to compete with the upcoming
upgraded technologies to be used by the operators. As a part of the modernization,
procurement of 10 (ten) Handheld Spectrum Monitoring devices is under way for
monitoring and identifying signal sources to hard-to-reach areas very easily. Besides,
procurement of equipment for upgradation of existing spectrum management and
monitoring system is in progress.
Like past years also during the FY 2014-2015, significant number of interference
problems were identified and resolved by the spectrum monitoring team of BTRC. It is
to be mentioned that these monitoring activities are basically performed in different
spectrum bands based on the statistical data, interference related complaints from the
stakeholders and on regular weekly basis.
Some remarkable activities of Spectrum monitoring directorate which had been done
during the financial year 2014-2015 are mentioned below:
1. Upon complaint from Bangladesh Biman, an interference problem was resolved in
their assigned 121.8 MHz frequency which was occurring due to the transmission of
the Radio Bhumi operating in 92.8 MHz frequency. The issue was identified by a
joint inspection conducted by representatives from BTRC, Bangladesh Biman and
Radio Bhumi. Thereafter, an instruction was made to Radio Bhumi to change their
transmission pattern, and the problem was resolved fully.
58
BTRC
2. Transmission of a private FM radio operator, Radio Shadhin was affected by Dhaka
FM’s transmission along with a huge noise in their broadcasting channel. Programs
of Dhaka FM were found in the band assigned to Radio Shadhin. After the
monitoring of their assigned bands, an instruction was given to Dhaka FM to install
the necessary filter to their transmission side, thus the issue is resolved now.
3. Upon request of BTCL, their frequency usage for CDMA WLL system in 1900 MHz
band was detected.
4. Interference occurred in 121.5 MHz, which was used by the civil aviation authority
for emergency communication (air-to-ground/ground-to-air) of the aircrafts.
BTRC’s spectrum monitoring team identified that an obsolete DC-10 aircraft inside
Hazrat Shah Jalal International Airport was causing the problem, hence the problem
was resolved.
5. Interference in the frequency of BWA operator Augere was resolved in Lalbagh,
Bata signal, Puran Dhaka and adjacent areas.
6. In Natore, one interfering transmitter was identified which was affecting the
frequency of Airtel in 3G band.
BTRC
59
60
BTRC
Engineering and Operations Division
BTRC
61
Engineering and Operations Division
Engineering and Operations (E&O) Division deals with different telecom system
establishment, operation and maintenance and standardization aspect in the
telecommunication sector. This division plays the key role in BTRC to ensure effective
and smooth operation of different types of telecom operator according to the licensing
guideline. This division regulates interconnection among the telecom operators and
resolves interconnections disputes. It monitors and ensures technical implementation of
the licensing guidelines. The E&O Division monitors and analyzes the bandwidth
utilization of ANS and Gateway operators. This Division issues NOC for non-radio
equipment and technically assists the Commission in revenue assurance aspect.
E&O division also analyzes and determines telecommunication indicators for
Bangladesh. E&O division assigns National Signaling Point Code (NSPC) to various
ANS and gateway operators according to their requirements. It monitors the
telecommunication infrastructure development in the country and ensures proper
implementation of Infrastructure Sharing Guidelines to enable optimum use of available
telecom resources.
The main functions of this division are given belowLaunching 3G Technology:
In order to provide the long awaited 3G facility to mass people four mobile operators
were given the 3G license on 08 September, 2013 through auction. Incumbent mobile
operator Teletalk is providing 3G facility to the end user since October, 2012 in
Bangladesh. According to the licensing guideline all 3G operators are rapidly
expanding their 3G network. By this time all 3G licensee have completed their network
expansion in all divisional headquarters along with important districts and upazilas.
Till June, 2015 there are in total of 17,988,231 3G subscribers available in Bangladesh.
The statistics of the increment of 3G subscribers in last one year that is July, 2014 to
June, 2015 is given as below:
3G Subscriber
Subscriber
4,844,547
8,157,130
9,638,728
10,307,546
10,798,311
11,183,189
11,307,545
11,503,429
12,297,037
16,671,931
17,424,401
17,988,231
Month
July-14
August-14
September-14
October-14
November-14
December-14
January-15
February-15
March-15
April-15
May-15
June-15
62
BTRC
Growth Rate
68%
18%
7%
5%
4%
1%
2%
7%
36%
5%
3%
In 2G technology maximum internet speed was up to 64 Kbps where as in 3G
technology minimum internet speed is 512Kbps and maximum internet speed can be
avail up to 4Mbps. By 3G service it would be possible to provide high speed internet
connection to the mass people of Bangladesh. Subscribers will be able to avail the
service of E-commerce, E-banking, E-education, E-agriculture, E-health,
E-governance and teleconference through high speed mobile internet.
International Gateway (IGW) Operator
There are a total of 29 IGW operators including incumbent BTCL to route all types of
International calls to ensure better revenue sharing of the government from
international calls. IGW operators BTCL, Bangla Trac Communications Ltd., Novotel
Ltd. and Mirtel Limited started their commercial operations in September, 2008. Later,
the commission awarded 25 new IGW licenses to the operators.
Statistics on International call Volume of the last fiscal year is given below:
Month
Incoming Call Minutes
July-14
August-14
September-14
October-14
November-14
December-14
January-15
February-15
March-15
April-15
May-15
June-15
1,839,763,761
1,807,473,477
2,095,187,297
3,208,380,902
3,162,867,084
3,128,691,392
3,189,013,582
2,951,599,376
3,516,682,478
3,514,498,748
3,832,355,760
3,252,221,955
Outgoing Call
Minutes
28,674,067
28,564,268
30,014,557
31,315,618
27,512,710
23,518,139
27,098,149
23,951,087
27,402,725
27,597,581
27,549,148
31,397,056
BTRC
63
In July, 2014 total international incoming call minutes routed through IGWs were
1,839,763,761 which reached to 3,252,221,955 call minutes by June 2015. On the other
hand, the total international outgoing call minutes were 28,674,067 in July 2014 and
31,397,056 in June, 2015.
Interconnection Exchange (ICX) Operator
To ease the management of international and domestic calls, 03 ICXs have been in
operation including incumbent operator BTCL since 2008. Later, with the direction of
the Government, BTRC awarded 23 ICX licenses to the operators. Routing of calls
through ICXs has simplified the interconnection scenario between different operators
and enabled the regulator with more transparent platform to monitor and analyze the
call volume handled by different mobile, PSTN and IPTSP operators to ensure proper
64
BTRC
revenue sharing mechanism for the government. In July 2014, the total domestic call
minutes routed through ICXs were 5,955,855,743 which reached to 5,251,377,558
call minutes by June 2015.
Statistics of domestic call minutes through ICXs of the last fiscal year is given below:
Month
July-14
August-14
September-14
October-14
November-14
December-14
January-15
February-15
March-15
April-15
May-15
June-15
Domestic Call Minutes
5,955,855,743
6,045,539,506
5,598,223,115
5,034,934,835
4,582,687,554
4,777,656,143
4,853,454,518
4,689,534,572
5,342,543,865
5,197,209,583
5,398,518,194
5,251,377,558
BTRC
65
Domestic Paid Mins-On Net Calls
Significant amount of traffic is exchanged through the network of ANSs itself, which
is called On-Net traffic. In July, 2014 total on-net traffic was 13,911,328,771 call
minutes which reached to 14,035,139,608 call minutes in June, 2015.
Month
July-14
August-14
September-14
October-14
November-14
December-14
January-15
February-15
March-15
April-15
May-15
June-15
66
BTRC
On -Net Call Minutes
13,911,328,771
14,198,895,930
13,741,414,285
14,377,668,069
13,613,026,516
13,941,161,785
13,984,613,582
13,232,567,420
14,621,672,790
14,098,461,424
14,752,152,417
14,035,139,608
International Internet Gateway (IIG)
To effectively manage the international Internet bandwidth, International Internet
Gateway (IIG) license has been introduced by BTRC. Two such gateways, BTCL and
Mango Teleservices Ltd. have started their operation since 2008. Recently, with the
direction of the Government, BTRC has issued another 35 licenses in this category.
Out of these licensees, 27 companies have started their operation in this fiscal year and
another 03 companies are in the process to start their IIG operation. All enduring IIGs
are managing their operations with 101.68 Gbps of which 17.16 Gbps have been taken
from BSCCL and 84.52 Gbps from International Terrestrial Cable (ITC) operators.
Recent status of IIG’s is given as below:
Sl. No.
1
2
3
4
5
Subject
Number of License
Operational
In Process to start operation
Total Capacity (STM)
Total Bandwidth Usage
Information
37
26
03
101.68 Gbps
86.38 Gbps
Submarine Cable System and International Terrestrial Cable System
Competitive environment has been created on the bandwidth price as six new ITC
operators has come into operation in addition with incumbent submarine cable operator
BSCCL as SEA-ME-WE-4 consortium member for international connectivity.
Additionally, Service quality of ITC and BSCCL is improving day by day as the market
is competitive. Following to the infrastructure guideline, ITC operators are now
carrying out gateway data and voice services by establishing POP at defferent locations
of Bangladesh. In the last year the use of bandwidth increased from 67 Gbps to 135
Gbps. Considering the growing bandwidth demand, BSCCL with approval of the
government signed a memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 28 December 2011 to
join SEA-ME-WE-5 consortium to make a back up of existing submarine cable and to
make direct connection to a new location. Meanwhile, an agreement signed with
SEA-ME-WE-5 on Contractions and Maintenance (C & MA) on 07 March 2014. The
second submarine cable landing station has planned to be deployed in Kuakata of
Patuakhali district and the project is on the way to be implemented. SEA-ME-WE-5
may begin its activities by 2016 and its capacity will be about 1400 GB. Moreover, 300
Km long interconnection submarine cable will be deployed between mentioned two
landing stations (Cox’s Bazar-Kuakata) through 2 pair fiber. As a result, mass people,
educational institutes and industries of outlying areas of the country are being involved
more closely to the world communication system. Foreign investors are becoming
more interested to invest in different sectors as ITC and BSCCL provide redundancy to
each other.
BTRC
67
National Telecommunication Transmission network (NTTN)
In 1989, Pacific Bangladesh Telecom ltd (PBTL) first introduced CDMA based mobile
network in Bangladesh. Later 5 other operators got mobile license on GSM band. All
these operators took own initiative to expand their nationwide optical fiber network up
to the Upazilas.
Later in 2008, Government decided to formulate Nationwide Telecommunication
Transmission Network (NTTN) guidelines and the decision of providing such license
was made. Motto of this license is to separate the access layer from the transmission
layer and to create a common backbone of optical fiber nationwide.
Following is the list of licensed NTTN operators:
Sl.
1
2
3
4
6
Fiber@Home Limited
Summit Communications Limited
BTCL
PGCB
Bangladesh Railway
Date of Issued License
07-01-2009
09-12-2009
28-10-2014
28-10-2014
20-11-2014
Fiber@Home limited received NTTN license on 7th January, 2009. At the same time
this licensee got the responsibilities to expand optical fiber network nationwide. BTRC
provides 10 years roll out target obligation. According to that compulsion 1st year of
roll out is 5%, 2nd year is 10%, 3rd year is 20%, 4th year is 30%, 5th year is 40% and
in 10th year the 100% Upazilas shall be under the coverage of optical fiber network.
Failure of fulfilling the target performance bank guarantee (PBG) of 10 crore is kept.
Later 9th December 2009, summit communications limited awarded with NTTN
license under the same licensing obligation.
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BTRC
Following is the current status of Fiber@Home limited and Summit Communications
Limited.
Fiber@Home Limited
According to NTTN licensing guideline, year wise roll out target and progress of
NTTN operator Fiber@Home limited is as follows:
Year
2011 (1st year)
License obligation
Year wise Fiber@Home’s upazilla Coverage
5% i.e. 24 Upazillas
20 Upazilas
2012(2ndyear)
2013(3rdyear)
Additional 24 i.e. total of 49 Upazilas
2014 (4thYear)
2015 (5thYear)
2020 (10thYear)
I.e. within next 5 years total additional
coverage 291 Upazilas
Current Status of Fiber@Home Limited:







Network Coverage : 10,420 Km.
Upazila Coverage : 278 .
District Coverage :60.
Underground own optical fiber network : 5595.45 Km.
Lease Fiber (PGCB) 2,192.83 km (as NSP).
Lease Capacity 2631.01 km (from different Operators).
Swapping Fiber (BTCL) 550 Km.
BTRC
69
Summit Communications Limited:
According to NTTN licensing guideline, year wise roll out target and progress of
NTTN operator Summit Communication limited is as follows:
Year
2011 (1st year)
License obligation
Year wise Fiber@Home’s Upazila Coverage
25 Upazilas
2012(2ndyear)
2013(3rdyear)
2014 (4thYear)
2015 (5thYear)
2020 (10thYear)
100% i.e. 485 Upazillas I.e. within next 5 years total additional coverage
228 Upazilas
Current Status of Summit Communications Limited:







Network Coverage : 17,077 Km
Upazilas Coverage :310
District Coverage :61
Underground own optical fiber network : 810 Km
Overhead own optical fiber network :14,717 km
Lease Fiber (PGCB) 1800 km (as NSP)
Lease Capacity 4961 km (from different Operators)
To summarize this, the district and Upazila coverage of Fiber@Home limited is 60 and
271 and for Summit Communications Limited they are 61 and 310.
NSP (network Service Provider) coverage and planning of Fiber@Home Limited
and Summit communications Limited:
At the 11th meeting of Domestic Network Coordination committee (DNCC) it had
been decided to provide internet connectivity to all government offices nationwide. In
this regards the 1 core of optical fiber of PGCB has been distributed based on zones
among two private NTTN operators, Fiber@Home Limited and Summit
communications limited. These two organization have been awarded NSP (network
service provider) and in a lease agreement with PGCB for 15 years of time.
District Based Distribution:
Name of Operator
Division/District
Chittagong and Barisal Division
Fiber@Home Limited
Summit
Communications
Limited
70
BTRC
Rajshahi Division(31)+Ishshordi
+Pabna
Rongpur Division
Remarks
101+40=141 Upazillas
Upazilla 32 Upazillas
13 Upazillas
Dhaka + Khulna Division
122+59= 181 Upazillas
Greater Mymensingh (Mymensingh
+Sherpur+Netrokona+Jamalpur)
Sylhet Division
13 Upazillas
14 Upazillas
Sirajgonj +Pabna(Except Ishshordi Upazilla )
13 Upazillas
Operators are obligated to fulfill the roll out target of their respective zones which is the
expansion of optical fiber network in 64 districts, 250 upazilas,4500 unions by 3 years
of period.
Following is the current status of PGCB’s NSP network:
Division
District
Upazila
Fiber@Home
limited
(Upazila s)
Dhaka
Rajshahi
Chittagong
Khulna
Barishal
Sylhet
Rongpur
Total
17
8
11
10
6
4
8
64
122
67
101
59
40
38
58
485
4
7
16
3
3
0
9
42
Summit
Communications
Limited
(Upazilas)
26
23
2
19
0
10
0
80
Optical Fiber Network of Mobile Operator:
Since the mobile operator got their licenses, they started building their own optical
fiber network optical fiber network and allow only NTTN operators to build such
infrastructure. As a result, the expansion of optical fiber infrastructure of mobile
operators is stopped completely. And followed by the regulation and the permission
from the commission they are allowed to build their optical network only if the
presence of NTTN network is not available in such area.
Following is the upazilla based optical fiber coverage of mobile operators:
Organization
Own OFC Network
Covered Upazilla
Pacific Bangladesh Telecom
Limited (PBTL)
1193 km
69
Grameenphone Limited
2730 km
181
Banglalink Digital
Communications Limited
3 111 km
162
Robi Axiata Limited
592 km
29
Airtel Bangladesh Limited
298 km
21
Teletalk Bangladesh Limited
160 km
60
BTRC
71
Bangladesh Railway:
In the year 1997, Bangladesh Railway provided lease to grameenphone for 2 core of
2010 km optical fiber network till the year 2027. Later due to the expiration of the
lifetime of that optical fiber grameenphone took the initiation to upgrade that existing
fiber from 2 cores to 32-48 cores based on the location. Grameenphone also handed 4
cores optical fiber to Bangladesh railway for using in their signaling purpose. At
present, Bangladesh railway has optical fiber network coverage among 105 upazilas
that is maintaining and monitoring by grameenphone network. Besides recently,
Bangladesh railway took initiatives to deploy 152 km 48 cores optical fiber cables.
PGCB:
Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Ltd. (PGCB) provides electricity through high
voltage grid lines nationwide. That organization has 3314 km OPGW (optical ground
wire) high voltage transmission line nationwide that covers 195 upazilas.
However, these electrical transmission optical fiber cables basically used for signaling
and the requirement for that is really low. As a result, huge unutilized resources are
available. Considering that, with the permission from BTRC, PFCB is leasing dark
fiber to different telecom operators. PGCB also provided 2 core of optical fiber lease to
NTTN operators under the NSP (Network Service Provider) permit.
Recently PGCB and Bangladesh Railway awarded with NTTN license on 28/10/2014
and 20/11/2014 and their work plan are still in process.
BTCL:
BTCL provides optical fiber network in 56 districts out of total 64 and having
microwave connectivity at the rest 8 districts (Potuakhali, Borguna, Vola, Manikgonj,
Soriyatpur, Sunamganj, Khagrachori and Chapainobabgonj). BTCL’s optical network
covers 126 upazillas, 108 unions. Recently two projects are under going with the target
of covering 290 upazillas and 1000 unions with the optical fiber network by the year
2016. Besides, with the financial aid from JICA a project of deploying optical fiber in
seven districts except Vola currently using microwave is under process.
72
BTRC
BTRC
73
Broadband Wireless Access (BWA)
To increase the Broadband services all over the country, the Commission awarded two
Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) licenses to Banglalion Communication Ltd.
(BCL) and Augere Wireless Broadband Bangladesh Ltd. (AWBBL) in 2008.
At present AWBBL has their network presence to all Divisional Headquarters with 2
ANS gateways located at Dhaka and Chittagong. Besides this, Narayanganj, Chandpur,
Lakkhipur, Nator, Nowga, Shirajganj, Comilla, Feni, Coxbazar, Pabna, Bogra, Rangpur
and Dinajpur districts are also covered in the Network Coverage. Khagrachori,
Rangamati and Bandorban Districts do only not have network coverage yet.
Total active
Subscriber at
AWBBL
Year
2010
26,317
2011
2012
107,906 126,286
2013
135,456
2014
104,593
June, 2015
82,798
Like AWBBL, Banglalion Communications Ltd. also has their network presence to all
divisional Headquarters with ANS gateways located at Dhaka and Khulna, Chittagong.
At present Munshigonj, Narayangonj, Chandpur, Lakkhipur, Noakhali, Feni, Comilla,
Coxsbazar, Kustia, Meherpur, Chuadanga, Jhinaidoho, Rajshahi, Faridpur, Magura,
Norail, Jessore, Gopalgonj, Madaripur, Shariyatpur, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur, Bagerhat,
Shatkhira, Borguna, Potuakhali and Bhola districts are also covered with BCC
Network. Only Khagrachori, Rangamati and Bandorban districts are not yet covered by
BCL network. However, BCL has planned to expand network in these three districts
within October, 2015.
Year
Total active
Subscriber of
BCL
2010
22,034
2011
1,43,511
2012
1,88,498
2013
2014 June,2015
1,80,339 1,64,958 96,989
It can be mentioned that Bangladesh Internet Exchange Limited (BIEL) has not started
its commercial operation yet. In the fiscal year 2014-2015, total internet subscriber
especially mobile internet subscriber has mentionable increment Wimax operators
have started losing their subscribers after the introduction at 3G technology in 2013
which has been continuously appeared in different media and official reports.
However, BWA operators have important and efficient role to materialize environment
friendly and beautiful wireless capital city planned by the government.
74
BTRC
Call Centre
Call Centre is one of the most promising sectors in Bangladesh. To address the need for
promoting ‘Call Center’ in Bangladesh for generating employment and earning foreign
currency, BTRC started issuing licenses to Call Centers in April 2007. With the
participation of local entrepreneurs and non-resident Bangladeshis the industry began
to flourish. Currently, call centers of different companies from the US, Canada, UK,
Australia and other countries are operating here in Bangladesh.
BTRC has taken number of initiatives to accelerate the growth in Call Centre
industry. As a part of the promotional activities, BTRC participated at the Call-Center
Expo in Birmingham, UK in 2008, 2009 & 2010 and also published advertisements
on Outsource Magazine to assist or exploring potential Call Centre market. Besides
on June 2-3, 2014 Officers from BTRC and Bangladesh Association of Call Center &
Outsourcing (BACCO) also successfully participated at World BPO ITO Forum
2014 in New York, USA. Licenses are being issued at a very nominal fee with
revenue sharing holidays of 3 to 5 years. The bandwidth cost (IP/IPLC) has also been
cut by 60% for Call Centers. Besides the Submarine Cable the ITC license holders
have started its operation in case of bandwidth uses, which ensures the facility of
redundant path.
A comparative description of call centre activities is given in the table below:
Description
Existing Call Centre Licensee (CC/HCC/HCCSP/ICC)
International Call Centres
Domestic Call Centres
Employment
2013-2014
229
54
20
24000+
2014-2015
270
62
23
24000+
To facilitate the call centre industry in Bangladesh, BTRC is going to take immediate
measures to develop skilled agents for international call Centers. In this context,
formulation and implementation of Call Centre Training Institute (CCTI), already
accreditation given to 6 CCTI Institutes. Among them 5 institutes already received the
license and is operating now.
Bangladesh has a good potential for the BPO and Call Centre industry. With all these
initiatives, BTRC hopes to encourage the call centre entrepreneurs to tap the market
and earn foreign currency for the country in addition to generating employment for our
educated unemployed youths.
Quality of Service (QoS)
Quality of Service is defined in as the collective effect of service performances which
determines the degree of satisfaction of a user of the service. Quality of Service
comprises requirements on all the aspects of a connection. Such as service response
time, loss, signal-to-noise ratio, cross-talk, echo, interrupts, frequency response,
BTRC
75
loudness levels and so on. In a competitive scenario, the customer depends on the
operator’s QoS while deciding to use an operator among so many. BTRC acts as a
regulator, benchmarking the quality of service (QoS) which provides a yardstick for
comparison of QoS of different service providers and by publishing such information,
it helps a discerning customer to select his/her operator. This would also help to make
an environment of healthy competition among the service providers. To meet the above
objectives, BTRC has issued specific directives for mobile operators on January 2014.
The operators shall have to submit compliance reports of benchmark standards in
respect of each Quality of Service parameter specified in the directive to the
Commission. The Commission may publish the ranking. Besides, to ascertain the QoS,
BTRC cross-check the compliance report given by the operators and conducts the
surveys by its own drive test tools. For this purpose, BTRC has already started
monitoring the networks of all mobile operators using its own drive test equipment and
issued directions to the operators to improve the QoS of certain areas. Besides this,
several meetings have been organized to improve the network performance of all
mobile operators. We have gathered so much information regarding QoS of the
operators. All operators have their own drive test equipment and adequate manpower.
They are working on these fields. BTRC is planning to make a drive test in the presence
of all operators and after analysis the collected data, BTRC will take an appropriate
action against them as per published directives. As a result the network quality of the
operators will increase day by day and will make a competitive market among the
operators. The mobile subscribers will get a better service from the operators.
Besides this BTRC along with Ministry of Health and other concerned organizations
has measured the EMF radiation of the Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) of Mobile
Operators on a sample basis. EMF radiation has been measured in accordance with the
benchmarking of World Health Organization (WHO) and International Commission on
Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
Infrastructure Sharing
BTRC has been encouraging the telecommunication service providers to create a
framework for better cooperation in infrastructure sharing by reducing land use as well
as optimizing the use of existing infrastructure and facilities. This would result in
avoiding duplication of investment for network facilities, reducing cost of network
deployment and increasing efficiency in the use of network infrastructure. At present,
most telecom operators are sharing their infrastructure rather than building separate
one which is mutually benefiting all operators in terms of providing faster and cost
effective services to their valued subscribers. In accordance with the BTRC’s
Infrastructure Sharing Guideline, mobile operators are executing passive infrastructure
sharing agreements with each other with the scope of sharing, whenever feasible,
tower, space, room and generator. Each service provider however, has to maintain
liaison with others on a regular basis to explore and share future infrastructure
opportunities following BTRC guidelines. These agreements are helping both
76
BTRC
infrastructure seeker and provider to share resources as much as possible within the
scope defined by BTRC.
According to infrastructure sharing guideline, a process of collecting data of
nationwide optical network coverage of telecom operators is in progress. BTRC is
aiming to create a national OFC network database through the information of OFC
coverage maps, active network, upazila coverage etc of individual operators. With the
combination of assistance of ITU and ESCAP under the infrastructure guideline BTRC
is in process of building interactive web map of regional transmission as part of global
terrestrial OFC transmission network.
Cyber Cafe
To make the internet usage more effective and services available at the people’s
door-step, BTRC has been awarding Call Center with Cyber Cafe license since 2009,
which have brought the Cyber Cafe services under a licensed framework. Due to this
initiative, any SME can offer internet and Cyber Cafe service with small capital. At the
same time, to prevent the users to get involved with illegal VoIP activities and to bar
the use of offensive/illegal content through the Cyber cafe, their activities are
constantly monitored. The operators are directed to keep subscriber information and
log-in/log-out time accordingly. So far, 242 entities have been awarded with Cyber
Cafe license. Cyber cafes are contributing appreciably for intensifying internet and
information service to end users.
IP-PABX
BTRC approves the use of IP-PABX system in the light of a specific policy imposing
certain conditions for non-commercial intra office communication within the country.
Under the circumstances, currently many government and private organizations are
using this technology. It should be noted that IP-PABX is a cost effective and modern
solution for internal communion within organizations; using this system the business
organizations have acquired technological skills.
IP-Telephony
Bangladesh government is working continuously to introduce new and modern
telecommunication technologies and services for domestic as well as international
communication. BTRC is directly involved in the introduction of new telecom
technologies and their transformation into reasonably priced services suited to modern
day customers’ needs. Internet Protocol Telephony, commonly known as IP
Telephony, is the most affordable technology of transmitting voice calls through
internet in the form of data packets. It is one of the most affordable ways of making
international voice calls on the internet. BTRC has already issued 42 IP Telephony
licenses (IPTSP) to the Internet Service Providers under certain terms and conditions.
At present, 27 IPTSP operators are in operation. This new service provisioning would
significantly contribute to the rural telephony offering an affordable alternative for the
people to stay connected.
BTRC
77
No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Engineering and Operations division issues NOC to import the non-wireless
telecommunication equipment to licensed telecom operators and other entities. This is
done in accordance with the respective licensing guidelines and related directives to
ensure maintenance of standards for telecommunication equipment. In the last
financial year, the Engineering & Operations division issued NOCs to operators for
importing huge quantities of various transmission and switching equipment, routers,
modems, rectifiers, amplifiers, cables etc. BTRC thus assists in maintaining the quality
and standards of telecommunication accessories in the domestic market in Bangladesh.
Call Traffic Analysis
Call Detail Record (CDR) Analyzer System has been established at BTRC to analyze
and to investigate the call record of Gateways. IGW, ICX and IIGs have established
Mediation server, Database server, Application server including Monitoring console
under the CDR Analyzer System. By using this platform, BTRC is monitoring traffic
volume, financial data and route analysis including real time analysis of Gateway
operators by which revenue sharing, real time call distribution including detection of
uneven call pattern can be ensured. Besides IGW, ICXs have extended operation &
maintenance (O&M) terminal at BTRC to analyze the trunk group of traffic and routing
statistics. BTRC is in the process to establish a centralized platform to be able to
customize the traffic records data derived from the terminal of IGW and ICX operators
to suit the requirement of BTRC.
Prevent Illegal call Termination
High powered monitoring committee of BTRC has enhanced the control mechanism to
protect illegal call termination. BTRC, Law enforcing agencies nominated officials are
directly involved in the Committee. The necessary steps which have been taken by
BTRC are as follows:
1. To Conduct Operation
The Committee formed by BTRC and law enforcing agencies are conducting operation
regularly to identify the illegal installations abusing VoIP technology of malicious
users. BTRC always prompt to identify the SIM Box users those who are using new
technique and various technical strategy is adopting to conduct operation. In the fiscal
year 2014-2015, 35 operations have been conducted. Generally in these types of
operations, Channel Box, Gateway, Server, illegally registered SIM, Computer along
with other related equipments are blocked. Regular cases have been lodged to the
respective police station after conducting operation.
2. Monitoring to protect illegal usage of bandwidth
It is continuing to monitor the wrong usage of bandwidth of illegal installations using
VoIP technology of various International Internet Gateway (IIG) and Internet Service
Provider (ISP). Following of that, Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and Multi Router
78
BTRC
Traffic Grapher (MRTG) link monitoring is a continuous process including the
issuance of necessary warning letter to the respective operators. Recently BTRC has
discouraged the illegal usage by bandwidth limit; control the UL/DL ratio etc. for the
limited time.
3. To analyze Call Detail Record (CDR)
CDR Terminal from all IGW operators has already been established at BTRC to
analyze the call volume among all operators as well as to ensure accurate statistics.
Report is prepared from the thorough analysis and examination of retrieved CDR from
the terminal. Besides statistics of call from different tabular format are collecting from
all operators and then in depth analysis & cross examination applies for call volume
among all operators. Wrong information or mismatch can be detected through this
process. Already CDR mismatches and misdeclaration has been detected and necessary
directives have been issued to maintain ethical operational activities. It can be worked
as a catalyst to ensure the true revenue from the operator end.
4. SIM BOX Detection System
SIM Box Detection System has been established at BTRC in association with the all
mobile operators to discourage fraud registration and malicious users of illegal SIM
Box. Very recently, increase of additional hits including virtual circuits has been
rearranged into the SIM Box detection system as per BTRC directives. It will be
effective for incremental detection of many suspicious numbers in the system.
5. Self Regulations System
BTRC has taken necessary steps at different time to prevent illegal VoIP. As a part of
this, various types of methods has been taken to detect and deactivate those SIM/RUIM
that has been used in illegal VoIP. To detect the illegally used SIM/RUIM, BTRC has
developed some logics which are known as self regulations system. Those logics are
implemented every day by all mobile operators at a fixed time interval to detect
illegally used SIM/RUIM. As per direction of the Commission it is mandatory for
respective operator to deactivate to that SIM/RUIM. BTRC also change or extend those
logics time to time by analyzing the situation. As a result, usage of SIM/RUIM in
illegal VoIP is discouraged.
6. Regular Operational Activities
Inspection is conducting into the operators’ premises licensed by BTRC. By this way,
operators are becoming more conscious about proper utilization of their network. Also
the concern official of BTRC can be acknowledged regarding the application of
licensing condition, guideline and respective directives. Besides these,
inspection/investigation has been conducted according to the report of various
newspapers and from different sources.
BTRC
79
Video Conferencing
Commission has issued a directive on video conferencing for government and private
organizations for domestic and international use. However, no tariff has been imposed
for the domestic and non-commercial use. In the light of the above, currently many
government and private organizations are continuing video conferencing with their
branch and associate organizations. Demand of video conferencing is increasing day
by day among corporate entities, educational institutions, government organizations
and NGOs.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
The role of ISPs has been instrumental in providing the latest technology services to
meet the ever growing demands of clients. ISPs are playing a pivotal role in providing
digital communications, spreading ICT education and increasing internet penetration in
Bangladesh. Total Internet solutions; i.e. Dial UP, Cable, Wireless and DSL Broadband
internet connection for home and corporate clients, data connectivity (L2/L3
Connectivity, IP-VPN & MPLS-VPN, MPLS & SDH) and other services like domain
registration, web design, web hosting, managed network solutions, network security
solutions, DNS Parking, video conferencing, email hosting, streaming and FTP server
related services are being provided by the ISPs.
There are many categories of ISPs of which more than 100 ISPs are operating
nationwide . Besides this, there are zonal ISPs and upazila based ISPs with cyber cafés
are providing internet services in the country. ISP coverage spans over most of the
major districts of Bangladesh. ISP operators, in addition to their own network through
accessing networks of telecom operators have extended their network in over 45
districts of the country. They are providing services using both wireless and optical
fibre backbone. They are also providing data offloading service to mobile operators
through their Wi-Fi network spanned around the metro cities.
VoIP Service Provider (VSP)
With the view to facilitate international incoming calls, applications for VoIP Service
Providers (VSP) license were invited in March 2012. A total of 1504 applications were
received in this regard. After evaluation, BTRC issued 842 VSP licenses primarily duly
approved by the government. Being directed by the government, BTRC issued another
40 VSP licenses in the second phase. Currently, there are 882 VSP licenses in total.
According to the licensing guideline, all VSPs are operating as non-facility based
operator and each operator is allowed to use a maximum of 90 ports from only one
IGW operator. Since there are only 21 IGW operators are operational, each IGW
operator is allocated with a maximum of 60 VSP operators. Among those, IGW
operators were primarily allowed to select 20 VSPs on their own choice the remaining
40 VSPs are assigned in phases by BTRC.
80
BTRC
National Numbering Plan & Short Code
To meet the ever-growing challenges of the telecom industry and in conformity with
the ITU standards, BTRC formulated the Numbering Plan in 2005. In the Numbering
Plan, the dialing procedure follows ITU-T recommended E.164.
As per New Numbering Plan, the numbering patterns of different operators are as
follows:
BTRC
81
The E&O division allocates short codes to operators/organizations for offering
special/value added services. Short codes are special telephone numbers, significantly
shorter than full telephone numbers that can be used to address SMS, MMS messages or
dial up service from mobile phones or fixed phones. Short codes are designed to be easier
to read and to remember than normal telephone numbers. Like telephone numbers, short
codes are unique to each operator at the technological level. Short codes are widely used for
value-added services. As per Numbering Plan, level ‘1’ is used for accessing special/value
added services like emergency services, supplementary services, enquiry and
operator-assisted services etc. Some codes are also defined for intra operator network.
BTRC is working on Intra Network Service Short code procedure.
Short codes allocated to different operators/organizations for different services are as
follows:
82
BTRC
BTRC
83
84
BTRC
BTRC
85
Management Information System
(MIS), Directorate General of
Health Services (DGHS), Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare
86
BTRC
BTRC
87
88
BTRC
BTRC
89
90
BTRC
BTRC
91
92
BTRC
As per Bangladesh National Numbering Plan, for toll free services, the number series has
been set as 0800 and the number structure is as follows:
0800+SCP CODE+ IN
SCP = Signaling Control Point
IN = Intelligent Network.
BTRC has already formulated separate policy for allocation of short code for inter-network
service. For more information please visit website: www.btrc.gov.bd.
BTRC
93
Data and Information Review
Number of Mobile Subscribers, Growth Rate and Market Share:
In June, 2015 mobile subscriber increased to 126,866,091. During 2014-15, Overall growth
of Mobile Phone subscriber increased by 8.6% which is quite impressive. Monthly growth
rate during this period is around 1%.
Mobile Subscriber
94
Month
Subscriber
July-14
August-14
116,870,915
117,576,803
September-14
October-14
118,492,547
118,931,730
November-14
119,623,221
December-14
120,350,497
January-15
February-15
121,859,834
122,656,662
March-15
April-15
123,690,371
124,704,869
May-15
June-15
125,970,743
126,866,091
BTRC
Growth Rate
1%
1%
0%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
In addition to this, the competition in the mobile market is growing and market
equilibrium is moving positively during this year. As a result, each mobile operator is
always developing their network and services and customer satisfaction is thus
achieved.
BTRC
95
Internet User, Internet Density & Growth Rate:
During the fiscal year 2011-2014, internet especially mobile internet subscriber has
increased substantially. The internet market has been raised to 5.6% in this year.
Monthly growth rate has been observed to be as high as 1% on average.
Internet subscriber
Subscriber
39,353,142
40,832,387
42,281,931
44,081,942
42,996,687
43,641,604
42,765,829
43,418,999
44,624,748
45,676,609
47,421,468
48,346,739
Month
July-14
August-14
September-14
October-14
November-14
December-14
January-15
February-15
March-15
April-15
May-15
June-15
96
BTRC
Growth Rate
3.76%
3.55%
4.26%
-2.46%
1.50%
-2.01%
1.53%
2.78%
2.36%
3.82%
1.95%
Also, the Broadband penetration is increasing due to the roll-out of 3G and WiMAX
operators and increasing penetration of ISP services. The number of broadband
subscriber reached about 16.4 million with a density of 10.4%. The popularity of
wireless broadband will have significant impact in the future growth of broadband
adoption.
BTRC
97
SMS Information
Beside the basic voice service in mobile network, SMS is the most popular and widely
used data services. Millions of SMS are sent and received every day, from both
domestic and international sources.
98
BTRC
BTRC
99
100
BTRC
Legal and Licensing Division
BTRC
101
Legal and Licensing Division
Government had taken decision to establish a regulatory Commission intending to
make developed and efficient regulation of telecommunication system and services in
Bangladesh, for the orderly development of a telecommunication system that enhances
and strengthens the social and economic welfare of Bangladesh; to ensure, in keeping
with the prevalent social and economic realities, access to reliable, reasonably priced
and modern telecommunication services and internet-services for the greatest number
of people, as far as practicable; to ensure the efficiency of the national
telecommunication system and its capability to compete in both the national and
international spheres; to prevent and abolish discrimination in providing
telecommunication services, to progressively effect reliance on competitive and market
oriented system, and ensuring effective control; to encourage the introduction of new
services and to create a favourable atmosphere for the local and foreign investors who
intend to invest in the telecommunication sector in Bangladesh. Considering the above
mentioned objectives, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
(BTRC) was established in 31st January, 2002 under the Bangladesh
Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 (Act 18 of 2001). Since its inception, with
the direction of the Commission, Legal and Licensing Division has been performing
their duties as an important division like other division.
Necessary laws related to regulate telecommunication services:
There have been enacted laws in different times to regulate the development and technological
progress of telecommunication services. Some of those laws are noted as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
The Telegraph Act, 1885
The Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001
The Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006
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Amendments of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001:
Amendments of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 from time
to time have been taken by considering the interest of the country and importances of
telecommunication development are as follows in short:
1.
2.
3.
4.
102
Ordinance 1 of 2005 which was repealed by Ordinance 7 of 2006. The
duration was till 10-05-2005.
Ordinance 7 of 2006. The duration is still continuing from 05-11-2005.
Ordinance 58 of 2008. The duration was till 24-02-2009 from 22-12-2008.
Ordinance 41 of 2010. The duration is still continuing from 01-08-2010.
BTRC
Policies related to regulate telecommunication services:
Policies are taken by the government in different times for the implementation of the
laws concerning telecommunications services and at a time for the proper blooming
and regulate of this service sector. These policies are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
National Telecommunications Policy, 1998
ILDTS Policy, 2007
National Broadband Policy, 2009
National ICT Policy, 2009
ILDTS Policy, 2010
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Rules/Orders related to regulate telecommunication services:
To perform the duties and activities of Commission, Government executes Rules/Orders
time to time. These Rules/Orders are as follows:
1.
2.
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Regulations sent for government approval:
To perform the duties and activities of the Commission, it has introduced several
regulations regarding issue license for serving the telecommunication services,
interconnection, service regulation for Commission’s Officers/ Employees and
procedure of implementation of such regulation. Daily activities of the Commission
are regulating by these regulations. For carrying out the objectives of Bangladesh
Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 the Commission formulates the Regulations
and thereafter, notifies in the official gazette with prior approval of the Government
under Sections 18(4), 24(2)(b), 31(2)(q), 32, 36(6), 38, 49(3)(b), 54(1), 55(3), 57(1),
65, 75, 87(3) and 99 of the said Act, consistent with this Act and the Rules made by the
Government. The drafts of the following regulations were prepared by the Commission
and sent to the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications for approval:
1.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s Officers/ Employees
Welfare and Joint Insurance Fund Regulations, 2011
2.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (License)
Regulations, 2011
3.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (Telecommunication
Competition) Regulations, 2011
4.
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BTRC
103
The following Regulations are effective now:
1.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (Licensing Procedure)
Regulations, 2004 (BTRC Regulation No. 1 of 2004).
2.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (Interconnection)
Regulations, 2004 (BTRC Regulations No 2 of 2004).
3.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (Employees) Service
Regulations, 2005.
4.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Amendment no 1 of 2005
of the BTRC Licensing Procedure Regulations, 2004 (Regulations No. 1 of 2004).
5.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Amendment no 1 of 2007
of the BTRC Licensing Procedure Regulations, 2004 (Regulations No. 1 of 2004).
6.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (Administrative Fine)
Regulations, 2007 (BTRC Regulation No. 2 of 2007).
7.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
(Amendment) Regulations, 2008 (BTRC Regulation No 1 of 2008).
8.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Interconnection
(Licensing Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations, 2008 (BTRC Regulation No. 2 of
2008).
9.
(Second Amendment) Regulations, 2008 (BTRC Regulation No. 3 of 2008).
10.
(Amendment) Regulations, 2009 (BTRC Regulation No. 1 of 2009).
11.
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Interconnection
Legal and Licensing (LL) Division of BTRC is comprised of two directorates, one is
legal and another is licensing. Two directors perform in two directorates as
directorate head and a director general perform as divisional head of Legal and
Licensing (LL) Division. Activities and duties of Legal and Licensing (LL) Division
are as follows in short:
104
BTRC
Legal Directorate:
Legal directorate performs implementation of all decisions of the Commission relating
to legal issues, giving legal advice on all matters as per requirement of the
Commission, legal vetting of proposed contracts, hearing of complaints and dealing
with issues relating to show-cause notice, to assist the Government for drafting
regulations, guidelines and licenses, dealing with the cases lodged on behalf of and
against the Commission in the Supreme Court and other Courts of Bangladesh, to
perform all activities in the light of the decision of the Commission relating to
regulations, giving legal advice to the other Divisions of the Commission to run their
functions, resolve dispute between the licensees, conduct inspection on violation of
licensing conditions, inform the ministry about cases, dealings with different law firm
and senior lawyers, lawyers appointed in different cases, submit charge sheet/FRT after
investigation, sanction charge sheet/FRT submitted by investigation officer of different
police station, examine the VoIP equipment, prepare affidavit, and any other issues of
the Commission are detailed below:
1) Implementation of all decisions of the Commission relating to legal issues.
2) Advise and assist the Commission regarding legal issues and cases.
3) Supervise, investigate and conduct the cases lodged on behalf of and against the
Commission in the lower court of 64 districts of Bangladesh by licensees.
4) Approve the charge sheet/final report in the cases filed by law and order
controlling agency, to submit by investigating officer to the court to the provision
of section 78(9) of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001.
5) Present the seizure listed documents and goods before the court, in the cases filed
under the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001.
6) To take steps for giving technical experts opinion regarding seizure listed
documents and goods as par the requirements of investigating officer, in the cases
filed under the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001.
7) Advise and prepare the witnesses in different cases.
8) Conduct hearing and settle the dispute of inter operator and licensee in arbitration
cases lodged before the Commission.
9) Submission before the court on behalf of Commission according to the provision
of section 80(7) the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001.
10) Prepare the Para-wise statements of cases and submit before the court.
11) Dealing with the cases lodged on behalf of and against the Commission in the
Supreme Court and other Courts of Bangladesh
12) Compilation the power for swear affidavit in writ cases and submit before the court.
13) To take steps to give vokalatnama for appointment of lawyers on behalf of the Commission.
14) Preserve the seizure listed documents and goods as par the direction of the court
seized by law and order controlling agency.
15) Assist the lawyers and law chambers appointed by Commission in conducting cases.
16) Vetting of show-cause notice for the violation of licensing conditions as the legal action.
17) Examine the activities regarding show-cause notice vetting by other division of the
Commission.
18) Vetting all kinds of rules, regulations, guidelines, license, directions, permit, agreement
BTRC
105
and memorandum of understanding with other legal documents of the Commission.
19) Assist the Commission in amending all regulatory rules and law.
20) Conduct inspection on violation of licensing conditions.
21) Present the agenda relating to legal issues to the Commission meeting for decision;
22) Do all activities relating to investigation according to the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1898 as follows:
a) Lodge the cases in violation of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001.
b) Appoint investigation officer.
c) Collect FIR and other related documents from concern police station and court.
d) Visit place of occurrence and take statements of eye witness.
e) Verify the PCPR of the accused persons.
f) Arrest the accused persons and take legal steps before the court.
g) Present the seizure listed documents and goods before the court.
h) Maintain diary of proceedings in investigation.
i) Assist the investigation officer appointed from police station or other law and
order controlling agency in the case filed under the Bangladesh
Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001.
j) Present the update information time to time regarding investigation before the
Commission.
k) Taking approval from Commission before submitting investigation report.
l) Submit investigation report (Charge sheet or Final report) before court.
23) Filing PDR cases for recovery of outstanding dues according to the Public Demand
Recovery Act, 1913 and section 26(1) of the Bangladesh Telecommunication
Regulation Act, 2001.
24) Appoint certificate officer in PDR cases according to section 26(2) of the
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001.
25) Do any other activities by order of superior authority.
Appointed Law chambers and senior Lawyers of the Commission:
For dealing the cases of the Commission, the following law chambers and senior
lawyers are attached with Legal and Licensing Division:
1) Lex Counsel (Legal Adviser), BSEC Bhaban (Level- 10), 102 Kazi Nazrul Islam
Avenue, Kawran Bazar, Dhaka- 1215.
2) Panel Law Chambers:
a) Patwary Jurist and Associates, Rupayon Karim Tower, Suit No.- 7C, 7th
Floor, 80 Kakrail, Dhaka- 1000.
b) Solutions Legal, Baily Ritghs, Flat No.- C-3, 3rd Floor, 1 New Baily Road,
Dhaka- 1000. Court Chamber: Room- 415, Supreme Court Bar Annex
Building, Dhaka-1000.
Cases filed against and on behalf of the Commission in the financial year
2014-2015:
Generally, the Commission resorts to the Honb’le Court whenever The Bangladesh
Telecommunication Act, 2001 is violated by any offender. At times, the aggrieved
persons/organization also files cases against the Ministry/BTRC in both lower and
106
BTRC
higher judiciary. The pending cases in the Courts lodged by or against the Ministry/
Commission in the financial year 2014-2015 are described below:
Sl
No.
Name of the
Court
Nature of Suit / Cases
1.
2.
3.
Judge Court
Judge Court
Honb’le High
Court Division
4.
Honb’le
Appeallate
Division
Civil
Criminal
Writ Petition, Company Matter,
Criminal Revision, Contempt
Petition, FMAT
Appeal
On
behalf
of
BTRC
03
02
00
06
Against
BTRC /
Minist r y
Total
Suit /
Cases
01
00
33
03
48
Total Number of Suit /Cases
11
37
Statistics of Cases filed against and on behalf of the Commission in the financial year 2014-2015:
Cases disposed in the financial year 2014-2015:
Sl
No.
1
2
3
Name of the
Court
Judge Court
Sessions Court
Honb’le High
Court Division
4
Honb’le
Nature of Suit/ Cases
Civil
Criminal
Writ Petition, Company Matter,
Criminal Revision, Contempt
Petition, FMAT
Appeal
No. of disposed Cases
01
02
15
09
Appeallate Division
Total Number of Suit/Cases
27
Chart of disposed cses in the financial year 2014-2015
BTRC
107
Cases filed and disposed against and on behalf of the Commission from the
financial year 2010-2011 to 2014-2015:
Sl No
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Financial year
2014-15
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12
2010-11
Cases filed
48
33
20
51
14
Cases disposed
27
5
16
18
12
Yearwise Statistics of Cases filed and disposed against and on behalf of the
Commission from the financial year 2010-2011 to 2014-2015:
Cases pending in the lower judiciary:
BTRC takes legal action against any person for providing telecom service without any
license or necessary approval from the Commission. Generally, criminal action is taken
against the offender by lodging G.R cases with the concerned police station. The LL
division always guides and co-operates with the complainants and the investigation
officers to run the proceedings in the Courts in order to achieve positive result in favor
of the Commission. At present, the number of the total pending criminal cases lodged
by the Commission in the lower judiciary is 122 (One hundred and twenty two), among
these criminal cases under trial are 69, disposed are 27 and civil cases under trial are
23, disposed are 3 in number.
Approval of CS/FR in the illegal VoIP related criminal cases:
According to section 78, 61 and the related sections of The Bangladesh
Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001, the authority has given to the law
enforcement authority to take necessary legal action to prevent illegal VoIP. According
to section 78(9) of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulations Act, 2001,
investigation officer has obligation to take approval from the Commission to submit
investigation report in the investigation of the offence of this Act. According to that,
108
BTRC
the officer powered by the commission, Director General (LL), after analyzing case
diary (CD), supplementary case diary (SCD), charge sheet (CS) or final report (FR)
gives written approval or necessary legal order.
Cases pending in the higher judiciary:
This division conducts various cases filed against the Commission by any individual/
organization. It may be mentioned that the aggrieved persons generally seek relief by
filing Writ of Mandamus and Writ of Certiorari under the writ jurisdiction of the
Honorable High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. Relief is also
sought by filing criminal revisions against the orders for framing of charge by the
Session Courts. To contest the cases, LL Division prepares affidavit in opposition for
filing to the concerned Bench and conducts the hearing through concerned law
chamber. Besides, the preliminary tasks such as preparing letter of authorization for
swearing the affidavit, power (Vokalatnama) and notice, and collection of all
documents for making annexure to the concerned affidavit in opposition, are also
performed by the LL Division. In the financial year of 2013-2014, a total of 20
(Twenty) cases were lodged in the High Court Division. It can be noted that there are
1(one) First Miscellaneous Appeal, 4(Four) Criminal Revisions, 89 (Eighty Nine) Writ
Petitions, 6 (Six) Company Matter and 2 (Two) Contempt Petition pending in the High
Court Division lodged against the Ministry/ BTRC.
Administrative Fine:
In case of any violation of any conditions of any license or directives or provisions of
the Act/ Regulations by the licensee, LL Division issues a show cause notice to the
concerned licensee for putting forward their statement. If the reply of the licensee is not
satisfactory, it is placed to the Commission for taking decision of imposing fine to the
concerned licensee. Legal and Licensing Division execute the decision of the
Commission.
Dispute Resolution:
If any operator or a subscriber lodges a well-founded complaint to the Commission
about another operator, the Commission may, within 7(seven) days of receipt of such
complaints, direct the concerned party to redress/ resolve the grievance/ matter. The LL
division may also summon the concerned operators to resolve the dispute amicably. It
is obligatory for the licensees of the Commission to abide by the decision of the
Commission regarding any dispute between the licensees.
BTRC
109
Licensing Directorate
Licensing directorate takes necessary steps to issue, renew, amend and cancel all kinds
of licenses relating to telecommunication and to make different regulations under the
provisions of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001. Licensing
directorate also implements all decisions of the Commission relating to licenses, with
prior approval of the Government. These include issuance/revalidation/renewal/
suspension/ cancellation/ surrender/ amendment/ merger of licenses and amendment of
licensing conditions. This directorate performs all activities relating to obtaining
Government approval for invitation of application for licenses, acceptance of proposal,
evaluation of application, issuance and renewal of license, to update the information
relating to the licenses on BTRC website etc.
Activities of Licensing Directorate:
Some important activities of this directorate are as follows in a nutshell:
1) Implement all decisions of the Commission relating to licenses, with prior
approval of the Government.
2) Invitation of application for licenses through advertisement.
3) Acceptance of proposal for license and evaluation of application or proposal.
4) Send the evaluation report of license to the Ministry.
5) Preparation of license as par the decision of Ministry.
6) Issuance of all types of license.
7) Renewal of all types of license.
8) Receive and settle the annual endorsement of license.
9) Issuing show-cause notice on violation of licensing conditions.
10) Issuing all types of guidelines compiled by the Commission.
11) Assist to audit activities of the Commission.
12) Assist to preparation of different types of licensing report including annual report.
13) Preserve and update all information regarding issuance and cancellation of
license and published on BTRC website.
14) To take steps for implementation of the decision of the Commission relating to
issuance/revalidation/renewal/suspension/cancellation/surrender/amendment/
merger of licenses and amendment of licensing conditions.
15) Do all activities regarding impose of licensing conditions.
16) To take steps to approve different types of telecommunication service in
consistence with the policy of the Government.
17) Name and address bring changein of licensing organization.
18) Present the agenda relating to license to the Commission meeting for decision.
19) Implement the decision of Commission meeting.
20) Execute the Compulsory implementation Order.
21) Preserve, deduct and release of Bank guaranty relating to roll out.
22) Communication with ministry and implementation of the decision regarding license.
23) Settle the application regarding share transfer.
24) Settle the issue regarding merger of company.
25) Do any other activities by order of superior authority.
110
BTRC
Issuance of License:
Regulations, 2004 (BTRC Regulation No. 1 of 2004) has been compiled in view of
issued license to the organization serving telecommunication service in consistent with
and implementation of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001.
According to the said licensing regulation, license for telecommunication service has
been issued by bidding/ auction and open procedure.
1. Open Licensing procedure
The licenses for providing ISP, call center, vehicle tracking, NTTN and VSAT services
are issued by the Commission following the open licensing procedure. After receiving
the applications for these licenses, a committee detailed by the Commission inspects
the applicants’ establishment to verify the legal requirements and submit a report to the
commission. A report basing on the committee’s proceeding is sent to the government
for the approval for issuance of license. After obtaining approval of the government the
license is issued from the Commission.
Here, issued licensed by the Commission from open licensing procedure are given
below on flowchart:
BTRC
111
2. Bidding/Auction licensing procedure
The licenses limited in number are awarded through bidding system. Generally, the
licenses are awarded according to the guidelines made for licensing procedure for
every type of license. The Commission forms an evaluation committee for proper
scrutiny and examination of applications applied for each type of license. The
concerned evaluation committee evaluates all applications and recommends for the
eligible applicants. This division sends the aforesaid views/ recommendation to the
MoPT for obtaining prior approval of the government to take subsequent action. As a
valuable and precious property of the country, spectrum related licenses are awarded
by bidding or auction. The auction is done following the procedure described in the
concerned guidelines which is duly approved by the Commission and the government.
Here, issued licensed by the Commission from bidding licensing procedure are
given below on flowchart:
112
BTRC
Since its inception the Commission to 30th June, 2015 with the view
of issued various license the following guidelines issued:
BTRC
113
The guidelines are sent to the government for approval:
Regulations, 2004 (BTRC Regulation No. 1 of 2004) has been compiled in view of
issued license to the organization serving telecommunication service in consistent with
and implementation of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001. The
following Guidelines has been sent to the Ministry for government approval in the year
2014-2015:
1. Guidelines for Invitation of Proposals/offers for Spectrum Assignment from 2100 MHz
Band to Cellular Mobile Phone Service Operators and Issuing License for Establishing,
Operating and maintaining 3G Cellular Mobile Phone Services in Bangladesh.
2. Guidelines for Invitation of Proposals/offers for Spectrum Assignment from GSM 1800
MHz Band to Cellular Mobile Phone Service Operators and Issuing License for
Establishing, Operating and maintaining Cellular Mobile Phone Services in Bangladesh.
3. Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Bangladesh.
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BTRC
4. Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Mobile Number Portability Services in
Bangladesh.
5. Regulatory and licensing Guidelines for Tower Sharing.
A brief description of the service of licenses issued by the Commission is provided
below:
1. International Gateway (IGW) Services: This license has been issued with the
view to earn government revenue by routing international voice transmission
through legal routes. IGW is switching system through which international voice
can be received and transmitted. The traffic flow can be monitored in the IGW.
The Commission has issued 25 (Twenty Five) IGW licenses with the prior
approval of the government. All IGW operators have been performing their
activities abiding by rules & regulations.
2. Interconnection Exchange (ICX) Services: For the convenience of call
management of both international and domestic voice calls, ICX licenses have
been issued. ICX is refers to switching system which provides interconnection
network among the existing/future telecommunication network of the operators
and allows monitoring, lawful interception facilities and roaming of number
portability. The Commission issued 26 (Twenty six) ICX licenses with the prior
approval of the government. All ICX operators have been performing their
3. International Internet Gateway (IIG) Services: IIG licenses have been issued
in order to ensure proper use of internet bandwidth and to analyse different usage
of the internet subscribers. IIG is a system through which data traffic is recieved
and transmitted internationally. The Commission, with the prior approval of the
government has issued 37 (Thirty Seven) IIG licenses. All IGW operators have
been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.
4. Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) Services: This license has been issued to
link the rural people of the country with the information super highway by
providing high speed data services along with the voice services through mobile
phones. The aim of this license to introduce wireless broadband in the country to
keep pace with the new technology. WiMAX is such a platform from where
operators can provide newer value added services to the interest based people of
the country. The Commission has issued 3 (Three) BWA licenses. All BWA
operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.
5. International Terrestrial Cable (ITC) Services: The idea is to link up with the
neighboring country and through them to connect with the international super
highway i.e., submarine cable by laying optical fiber network within the country.
Through this service, uninterrupted telecommunication services of both data and
voice can be ensured around the globe. 6 (Six) ITC licenses have been issued with
the prior approval of the government. All ITC operators have been performing
their activities abiding by rules & regulations.
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115
6. PSTN Operator License: This license was issued in order to reach fixed phone
services to the door steps of the people of the country in parallel to providing mobile
phone services. In PSTN, people are served with telecommunication services by
using wire and WLL system.The Commission has issued 12 (Twelve) PSTN
licenses. All PSTN operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules
& regulations.
7. National Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN): BTRC has issued
NTTN licenses for building a unique and common telecommunication extension
network and for its maintenance throughout the country. The main objective of this
is to help making ‘Digital bangladesh’by creating an opportunity for all
telecommunication service providers to use a country-wide transmission network
backbone.The Commission, with the prior approval of the government has issued 5
(Five) NTTN licenses. All NTTN operators have been performing their activities
abiding by rules & regulations.
8. Vehicle Tracking Service: This service enables to locate all types of transports of
the entire country through mobile phone. The technology of GPS and cellular
mobile phone system used in this field. 22 (Tweenty two) Vehicle Tracking
licenses and 3 (Three) Service Approval have been issued with the prior approval
of the government. All Vehicle Tracking Service Providers have been performing
their activities abiding by rules & regulations.
9. Internet Protocol Telephony Service Provider (IPTSP) License: Internet
Protocol Telephony is commonly known as IP Telephony by which voice calls can
be transformed into data packets to transmit from one point to another through
internet. Through this telecommunication system a voice call can be made in a
cheap rate by using internet. The Commission, with the prior approval of the
government has issued 42 (FourtyTwo) IPTSP licenses. All IPTSP operators have
10. Internet Service Provider (ISP) License: ISP operators provide the service of
dialup, cable, wireless and DSL broadband internet connection, data connectivity
to various organizations and to individual subscribers. They also provide other
services like domain registration, web design, web hosting, managed network
solution, network security solution, DNS parking, video conference, e-mail hosting
etc. The Commission issued 289 (Two Hundred Eighty Nine) ISP licenses with the
prior approval of the government. All ISP operators have been performing their
11. Internet Service Provider with Cyber Café: Small entrepreneurs can provide
internet and cyber café service investing a short capital. Generally, cyber cafes are
providing services in the city for reaching easy internet access to the urban people.
116
BTRC
The cyber cafés have been brought under the Licensing format to prevent the
student folk from unexpected illegal activities by the unobstructed use of cyber
café. The Commission, with the prior approval of the government has issued 252
(Two Hundred Fifty Two) Cyber Café licenses. All Cyber Café operators have
12. Call Center License: A Call center can provide services like exchange of
information, conducting business, marketing etc., to a third party by using
telecommunication facilities and internet. Call center is one of the promising
sectors of Bangladesh. Call Center was introduced as a new era of earning foreign
exchange and to create employment opportunity in Bangladesh since 2008. Call
Center service will expand further with the establishment of a redundant submarine
cable in our country. The Commission issued 282 (Two Hundred Eighty two) Call
Center licenses. Recently with the prior approval of the Government the
Commission introduces call center registration instead of license by excluding call
center from telecom service. In the mean time, 108 (One Hundred Eight)
organizations have registered for providing different categories’ service related call
center. It is expecting that for the above mentioned decision all kind of call center
will developed and it will contribute in socio economic sector of the country. All
Call Center Licensees have been performing their activities abiding by rules &
regulations.
13. National Internet Exchange (NIX): National Internet Exchange is the neutral
peering point of internet service providers. The main objective of having NIX is to
ensure routing of domestic internet traffic. NIX would help the development of
local contents, web hosting and ease the routing of domestic traffic and thereby
would minimize use of international bandwidth to save foreign currency.The
Commission, with the prior approval of the government has issued 02 (Two)
National Internet Exchange (NIX) licenses. All NIX operators have been
performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.
14. VoIP service Provider (VSP): VoIP is a voice conversation system over internet
or internet network protocol. Here voice data are transmitted using packet switch
network instead of dedicated circuit switch voice transmission line.The
Commission, with the prior approval of the government has issued 881 (Eight
Hundred Eighty One) VoIP service Provider (VSP) licenses. All VSP operators
have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.
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117
Status of the licenses in the year of 2014-2015:
The Commission has issued various licenses in the financial year of 2014-2015 for
providing various telecom services like International Gateway (IGW), Interconnection
Exchange (ICX), International Internet Gateway (IIG), Vehicle Tracking Services, ISP
and Call Center etc. A total of 76 (Seventy Six) different licenses were issued by the
Commission in this financial year. The description is given below:
S/No. Category of License
No. of Issued License
1
National
Telecommunication
Transmission
03
Network (NTTN)
Vehicle Tracking Services
04
2
3
Internet protocol Telephony Service Provider 02
National wide
Internet Service Provider- Nationwide
07
4
5
Internet Service Provider- Central Zone
03
6
Internet Service Provider- Category A
03
Internet Service Provider- Category B
01
7
Internet Service Provider- Category C
05
8
Call Center Registration Certificate
48
9
Total
76
Statistics of the issued licenses by the Commission in the financial year of 2014-2015:
118
BTRC
The list of newly issued NTTN License in the year of 2014-2015:
The list of newly issued VTS License in the year of 2014-2015:
The list of newly issued IPTSP License in the year of 2014-2015:
The list of newly issued Nationwide ISP and Zonal ISP License in the year of 2014-2015:
BTRC
119
The list of newly issued ISP including Cyber Cafe License in the year of 2014-2015:
The list of newly issued Call Center Registration Certificate License in the year of 2014-2015:
120
BTRC
BTRC
121
Status of Different Active Licenses:
The list of different licenses issued from BTRC that are active as on 30 June, 2015 is
mentioned below:
S/No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
122
Category of License
International Gateway (IGW) Services
Interconnection Exchange (ICX) Services
International Internet Gateway (IIG) Services
National Internet Exchange (NIX)
Broadband Wireless Access (BWA)
Cellular Mobile Telecom Operator
3G Cellular Mobile Phone Service Operator
International Terrestrial Cable (ITC) Services
Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) Operator
Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN)
Internet Protocol Telephony Service Provider- Nationwide
Internet Protocol Telephony Service Provider- Central Zone
Internet Protocol Telephony Service Provider- Zonal
Internet Service Provider- Central Zone
Internet Service Provider- Zonal
Internet Service Provider- Category A
Internet Service Provider- Category B
Internet Service Provider- Category C
VSAT- User
VSAT- Provider
VSAT- Provider With Hub
Call Center
Hosted Call Center
Hosted Call Center Service Provider
International Call Center
VSP
Total
BTRC
No. of
Licensee
25
26
37
2
3
6
4
6
12
5
22
32
7
3
129
96
64
175
29
48
22
12
5
180
40
35
2
881
2016
Statistics of issued license by the Commission:
The Year-Based Developing Images of License is issued by the Commission
from starting to 30 June, 2015:
Statistics of Issuance of License based on number
2,200
1,836
1,650
1,946
2,016
1,100
939
804 823
550
562 604
429
332 395
0
139 221
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
BTRC
123
The Proportional Figure of different license issued by the Commission:
Share Transfer and Merger of Licensee of the year of 2014-2015:
On receipt of an application from any operator regarding transfer of their share or to
merge with other operator/ company/ entity, LL division, on behalf of the Commission,
examines the application in reference to section 37(2)(i) of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001. If the applicant fulfills the conditions mentioned
therein, the report is forwarded to the MoPT for prior approval of government. The
Commission takes necessary action basing on the government decision. With the
approval of the government, the Commission accorded permission for the following 09
(Nine) companies on the basis of their prayer to process the share transfer issues with
the Joint stock Company in fiscal year 2014 – 2015:
S/No.
1
2
3
4
5
Category of License
International Gateway (IGW) Services
Interconnection Exchange (ICX) Services
Cellular Mobile Phone Services
Call Center Services
Total
124
BTRC
No. of Licensee
02
01
01
02
03
09
License Cancellation, Withholding and Issuance of Enforcement Order:
If any Licensee/ Operator fails to comply with or violates any of the applicable
licensing conditions of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2001, the LL division
takes steps for cancellation/ withholding as per section 46 of The Bangladesh
Telecommunication Act, 2001. The process requires the LL division to issue a show
cause notice to the licensee asking him/her to explain within 30 (Thirty) days
specifying the reasons as to why the license will not be cancelled/suspended. If the
licensee does not reply or if the reply given by the licensee/operator is not considered
satisfactory, then the matter is sent as a report to MoPT according to the provisions laid
in section 46 (3) of the Act. The Commission takes necessary action basing on the
government decision. With the approval of the government, the Commission cancelled
4 (Four) number of licenses in fiscal year 2013 – 2014:
The list of Cancelled IGW License in the year of 2014-2015:
Besides, if any licensee/holder of a certificate or permit violates any provision of this
Act or its regulations or any other condition of operation or service provision as
provided in the license/permit or has procured the license/permit/technical acceptance
certificate by furnishing a false information, the Commission may direct the licensee/
holder of the permit or certificate to show cause within 30 days as to why an
enforcement order shall not be issued license/permit/certificate shall not be cancelled.
If the licensee fails to reply or if the reply given is not deemed satisfactory, then a
decision is sought on the matter from the Commission under section 63(3) of the Act.
This Division also informs the licensee/operator of decision of the Commission
regarding any permit or administrative fines/suspension/cancellation.
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The list of Other Surrendered Licenses in the year of 2014-2015:
Renewal of License:
Usually, license renewal is done as per the conditions laid down in a license and on the payment
of such fees as may be prescribed in the license or relevant circular/ administrative orders
issued by the Commission and on the basis of performance of the licensee, a report is sent to
the government. Finally, on the approval of the MoPT, the license renewal activities are
completed. In 2014 – 2015, a total of 71 (Seventy One) licenses have been renewed; list of
which are shown below:
S/ No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
126
Category of licenses
No. of Renewed Licensee
08
Internet Service Provider- Central
07
Zone
Internet Service Provider-Zonal
06
Cyber Café-Category A
08
Cyber Café-Category C
01
VSAT User
19
VSAT Provider
05
VSAT Provider with Hub
05
02
Total
61
BTRC
Statistics of the renewed licenses by the Commission in the year of 2014-2015:
VTS
3%
ISP
29%
VSAT
55%
The list of renewed Nationwide ISP and Zonal ISPLicense in the year of 2014-2015:
date: 18-06-2008
date: 20-05-2008
date: 26-05-2008
date: 08-11-2009
date: 18-06-2008
date: 05-08-2009
date: 30-06-2009
date: 22-07-2008
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Date: 11-08-2008
Date: 29-07-2009
Date: 22-07-2008
Date: 11-05-2009
The list of renewed ISP including Cyber Café License in the year of 2014-2015:
128
BTRC
The list of renewed VSAT User License in the year of 2014-2015:
Date: 28-08-2004
BTRC
129
The list of renewed VSAT ProviderLicense in the year of 2014-2015:
/2007-20
The list of renewed VSAT Provider with HUB License in the year of 2014-2015:
Date:
Date: 05-01-2010
Date: 28-02-2007
The list of renewed Vehicle Tracking License in the year of 2014-2015:
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BTRC
Amendment of Conditions of License:
In order to fulfill the objective of section 39 of The Bangladesh Telecommunication
Regulation Act, 2001, the Commission may, amend any condition of any of the license
subject to the prior approval of government.When the Commission, on its own
initiative, brings any amendment in the conditions of a license, LL division serves a
notice to the licensee informing the reasons for the proposed changes with a scope to
submit his/her comments. In response, if there is any reply/comment from the licensee,
the changes/ amendments are sent to the MoPT in the form of a report by LL division.
The Commission takes necessary steps on the decision of the Government. Besides
these, the Government may take step to change the condition of license by its own
accord or operators may apply to change the condition for reasonable ground to the
Government/ Commission.
Notable description of the licenses issued in the financial year 2014-2015:
1. 3G Network Roll out:
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, with the approval of the
Government, issued 3G license in favor of Grameenphone Ltd, Banglalink Digital
Communications Ltd, RobiAxiata Ltd and Airtel Bangladesh Ltd on 19-09-2013. As
per the provisions of the license the operators having 3G licenses have to complete
their network coverage in divisional HQs within 09 (nine) months, in 30% of district
HQ within 18 (eighteen) months and in all district HQs within 36 (thirty six) months.
As Grameenphone Ltd, Banglalink Digital Communications Ltd and RobiAxiata Ltd
have already complied with the provisions of 3G license to complete all the phases
within the stipulated timeframe mentioned in the 3G license, the Commission has
released their performance bank guarantee amounting to 150 crore BDT. As Airtel
Bangladesh Ltd has completed their first phase of rollout obligation, the Commission
has released their PBG amounting to 50 crore BDT. At present 2nd and 3rd phase of
their 3G roll out is going on.
Here, Node-B statistics set up by the Different 3G operator licensed by the
Commission are given below:
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131
Statistics of Upazilla coverage by the Different 3G operator licensed by the
Statistics of District coverage by the Different 3G operator licensed by the
132
BTRC
2. Second Submarine Cable
With the goal of connecting the second submarine cable (SEA-ME-WE-5 consortium), Bangladesh
signed a memorandum of understanding at Dec 28, 2011. Currently the connecting process of second
submarine cable is under construction to make the physical structure of the landing station of second
submarine cable with in the fiscal year 2014-2015 is planned and hopes that all activities to connect
with second submarine cable will be finished at the end of 2015.
Noted that, tender has been invited from the commission with the goal of issuing submarine cable
service license. Due to unavailable of competent organization, such license could not be issued. If
government gives permission, advertisement will be published. At present, Govt. owned Submarine
Cable Co. Ltd. provides Submarine Cable service with the permission of BTRC.
3. Social Obligation Fund Rules
According to section 21 (Ka) of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001, there
have a provision to form a fund with the name of ‘Social Obligation Fund’. Government has
approved the condition to pay 1% subscription from total income of mobile phone operator to the
‘Social Obligation Fund’ of the commission in license renewal related guideline according to the
provision of law. Activities of ‘Social Obligation Fund’ has been started as immediate as the
execution of ‘2G Cellular Mobile Phone Operator Guideline’ in 11/09/2011. The Commission has
already formed ‘Social Obligation Fund’ and open an account in specific scheduled bank. To ensure
proper and right use of the fund, Commission has drafted ‘Social Obligation Fund Rules, 2012’ and
sent to the Ministry of Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology in 03/06/2012 and
according this letter, the Guideline was issued in 09-12-2014 which was published in Gazette in
14-12-2014.
There has been described in details about deposit and withdrawal of money and procedure of running
account, procedure of collecting dues, income and expenditure, subscription rate, procedure and time
of payment, fund management committee, power and functions of fund management committee and
duties and responsibilities of the Commission regarding fund administration and proper utilization of
fund. Social Obligation Fund management committee has been formed comprising the Minister,
Ministry of Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology; Secretary, Post and
Telecommunication Division, Ministry of Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology;
Secretary, Information Technology Division, Ministry of Post, Telecommunication and Information
Technology; Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare, Chairman and Vice Chairman of BTRC; MD of
BTCL; representative of AMTOB; representative of Association of PSTN operators of Bangladesh
and DG, System and Services Division, BTRC. All power of fund administration and management
vested on that Committee.
4. Newly issued NTTN License
To provide internal transmission services throughout the country the Commission has issued 02
(two) NTTN licenses in favor of Fiber@Home Ltd on 07-01-2009 and Summit Communications Ltd
on 09-02-2009.
The Commission is working with the broad objective mentioned in the Bangladesh
Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 to expedite development and encouragement to the
systematic development of a telecommunication systems which may facilitate to the acceleration and
consolidation of the social and economical development of Bangladesh and in complying with the
existing economic and social reality in Bangladesh, ensuring of reliable, reasonable cost-effective
and modern telecommunication and internet services, as per as it is practicable, for the greater
position of the population. The broad objectives of the Commission also includes introduction of
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133
innovative telecommunication services and creation of favorable environment for the local and
foreign investors.
Due to the effective steps taken by the Government, Bangladesh is now connected with other
countries through 01 Submarine Cable and six International Terrestrial Cables. For this reason
competitive environment has been created and prices of international bandwidth has been reduced
drastically. On the other hand, the bandwidth price and the telecommunication transmission cost
have not been reduced as per expectation due to lack of business competitiveness among the NTTN
operators. The Government has taken steps to provide internet services to the door steps of the mass
people as well as establishment of ICT service centers in Union level, e-post offices and other
telecommunication or ICT services. For this reason high speed internet and nationwide backbone is
needed. To meet the increasing need of telecommunication service, to make the services affordable
and to expand the services quickly the Commission has issued NTTN license to the Government
organizations name by Bangladesh Railway, Bangladesh Telecommunication Company Ltd (BTCL)
and Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) as they have their own transmission facilities.
5. Activities regarding issuance of one new 2G and two 3G cellular operator license including
spectrum auction from 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz band: In 2013 four mobile operators were
allocated spectrum from 2100 MHz band and license were issued for providing 3G services. For the
development of the network of mobile operators, their investment and improvement of QoS, the
Commission has formulated two different draft guidelines and sent to Post and Telecommunication
Division for the necessary approval. The Commission will arrange spectrum auction after the
approval of the said guidelines by the Government. As a result, it will ensure QoS as well as huge
Government revenue.
Conclusion:
In 2007, due to the easy access of technology, telecommunication business in Bangladesh started
growing without any control. To curb the uncontrolled development, the government took the first
step to address the issue by approving “International Long DistanceTelecommunications Service
(ILDTS) Policy 2007”; on the demand of non-resident Bangladeshis, local business entrepreneurs
and multinational companies. Later, with the careful analysis of the experience and problems of the
implementation of ILDTS policy 2007, the MoPT, acting under the power set out in section 33 of The
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 (Act 18 of 2001), approved and promulgated
ILDTS Policy, 2010.
The ILDTS Policy, 2010 has an important role in materializing the present Government’s
declaration of the vision of making Digital Bangladesh by the year 2021. With the prior
approval of the Government, the Commission has issued a total of 1838 (One thousand eight
hundred and thirty eight) licenses in 27 (Twenty seven) different categories to the interest of the
subscribers for providing international telecommunication facilities at an affordable price and
to encourage the local entrepreneurs to invest in the telecom sector using modern technologies.
The present Government is strongly determined to turn Bangladesh into a poverty free country
by using ICT properly. With a sound plan for providing telecommunication facilities,
Bangladesh would be focused as a modern country in the world by 2021. The Government has
already started amending to update the National Telecom Policy, 1998. Under the changed
situation, the internal telecommunication system is being modernized for keeping pace with the
modern world by nsuringspeedy information flow arrangements and making new
infrastructures. It is expected that Bangladesh will become digital technology dependent middle
income country before 2021 if the trend of the developement continues in this way.
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BTRC
Finance, Accounts & Revenue Directorate
BTRC
135
Finance, Accounts & Revenue Directorate
Finance, Accounts and Revenue is the pivotal directorate of Bangladesh
Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). This directorate prepares income
and expenditure budget of the commission. The main function of Accounts section is to
prepare monthly pay bills of all officers and staff of the commission and disbursement of
salary in due time. Accounts section is responsible for the preparation and expenditure of
travelling allowance bills, contingency bills and it bears the responsibility of deducting
income tax and VAT from the bills of suppliers and contractors and deposit the same into
government treasury through Challan. Accounts section prepares monthly statement of
expenditure, makes reconciliation of bank statement. This section prepares annual income
and expenditure statement. Preparation of Balance Sheet is the most important task of this
department. The Balance Sheet reflects actual financial position of the Commission.
BTRC is responsible for collection of non-tax revenue of the government from the Telecom
operators. The main sources of income are the collection of License fee, License Renewal
fee, Revenue Sharing and Spectrum Charge as well as service charge from different
telecom operators. It collects revenue from Mobile Operators as well as PSTN, IGW, ICX,
IIG, ISP & VSAT licensees. According to the provision of VAT Act, Revenue section of the
Commission collects VAT from all kinds of license fees, license renewal fees, spectrum
charges and deposit the collected VAT to Bangladesh Bank through Treasury Challan.
These are the day to day job of the Revenue and Accounts section of the Commission.
1. Synopsis of income and expenditure accounts of the financial year 2014-2015
In the financial year 2014-2015, the target of revenue collection of the commission was
taka 7,000.00 crore. Administrative expenditure target was taka 64.80 crore while capital
expenditure target was taka 31.04 crore. The total expenditure budget was taka 95.84 crore.
In the fiscal year 2014-2015, actual revenue collection was taka 4,219.19 crore and
administrative expenditure was taka 40.59 crore and capital expenditure was taka 0.25
crore. A lot of money was saved in expenditure sector due to strict compliance of the
expenditure control. It was supposed to deposit 3,000.00 crore taka in Government fund
through BTRC for 4G (Fourth Generation) auction in the financial year 2014-15. But it
was not accomplished in that period. In spite of that taka 219.19 crore more achieved than
the regular budget of taka 4,000.00 crore of the commission which was deposited in the
government treasury over budget target.
2. Revenue collection details in the year of 2014-2015
S/N
Description
01
02
03
04
05
License fee
Revenue Sharing
Spectrum Charge
License Acquisition Fee
Legal & Licensing Fee (ISP, V-SAT, DDCSP
& Others)
Income from Administrative fine & Late fee
Other Income
Total Revenue
06
07
136
BTRC
Actual Revenue (Taka in
Crore)
182.65
3,534.94
409.38
1.11
0.12
14.93
76.05
4,219.19
3. A Comparative feature of revenue collection since Formation of BTRC
S/N
Financial
Year
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
2001-2002
2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
2009-2010
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Total
Target amount of
revenue collection
(Taka in crore)
04.26
89.00
91.00
270.00
449.25
512.31
1,501.92
2,547.68
2,135.35
2,556.74
6,302.57
5,159.32
9,497.00
7,000.00
38,116.4
Actual Revenue collection
(Taka in Crore)
3.45
120.07
147.85
357.14
735.70
565.61
1,677.85
3,195.38
2,370.98
3,047.28
6,957.70
5,404.69
10,085.35
4,219.19
38,888.24
Revenue collection (taka in crore) by Chart :
Taka in Crore
BTRC
137
4. Information System Audit
According to the provisions of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act 2001,
Information System Audit of the Mobile Operators is mandatory to execute in the
proper way. As part of that, auditing of the Mobile Operators is under process that to
be accomplished successively from the fiscal year 2015-2016.
5. Social Obligation Fund
Social obligation Fund (SOF) has been formed according to the provisions of the clause
21-KA of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act 2001 (Amended Act 2010).
The fund has been raised for extending telecom facilities for the underprivileged
population i.e. to the telecom facility deprived area. This would also develop the
socio-economic condition, alleviate poverty and contribute in the economic progress of
the country. The receivable amount of money from the following sources is deposited
in this fund:I. Government grant,
II. Any other native, overseas or international organization’s grant,
III. Subscription from the telecom and radio stakeholders, and
IV. Contribution from any other legal sources.
Money of SOF is being deposited in a scheduled bank, as determined by the
commission. According to the provision of the licensing guideline, the telecom
operators have to subscribe at the rate of 1% on their gross audited revenue to the SOF.
This fund is to be invested with the approval of the commission in order to make
telecommunication facilities available to the poor and to the people of remote areas
where there is deprivation of Telecom facilities. An amount of taka 681.54 crore has so
far been collected as on 30th June’2015 and deposited in the SOF account.
6. Steps taken for the welfare of officers/staff
(A) Contributory Provident Fund (CPF): CPF scheme has been introduced for the
welfare of officers and staff of BTRC. According to CPF Rules -1979, 10% of basic of
each officer/staff is deducted from monthly pay. The Commission also pays equal
contribution i.e. 10% from Commission’s fund to the employee’s CPF Account. A total
amount of taka 2.93 crore has been deposited in the CPF account as on 30th June’2015.
(B) Medical Assistance: In case of illness, an employee or dependent members of his
family including dependent parents are provided medical assistance in the form of
money usually not exceeding one month’s basic pay of that employee. The amount is
payable to the employee on production of doctor’s prescription, medical test report and
138
BTRC
vouchers in support of purchase of medicine.
(C) Trusty Board: According to the provisions of Benevolent Fund & Group
Insurance ordinance, 1982, Group insurance & Benevolent Fund has been formed for
the welfare of the officers/staff of the Commission. The Commission has formed an
eleven (11) member Trusty Board with one Commissioner as the Chairperson for a
three year term. The Trusty Board maintains Benevolent and Group Insurance fund
according to the rules and procedures of Benevolent fund & Group Insurance
Ordinance-1982. The Trusty board is to submit its report along with expenditure
statement to the Commission within two months at the end of every financial year.
(D) Pension Allowance & Pensionary Benefit Scheme: The Commission has
introduced Contributory Provident Fund for the benefit of the employees. The
Commission has also formed Employees Gratuity Fund to extend retirement benefit to
the employees immediately after retirement.
7. Annual Audit: According to the provision of Article 27(2) of Bangladesh
Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001, Annual Income and Expenditure Account
of the Commission is to be audited by a registered Chartered Accountant Firm within
60 (sixty) days after the closing of each financial year and to be forwarded it to the
Ministry in order to produce before the parliament within the next 60 (sixty) days.
Besides, the Auditor General of Bangladesh conducts Audit of accounts of BTRC after
the expiry of each financial year according to the provision of Bangladesh Constitution.
BTRC
139
140
BTRC
Taka in Crore
BTRC
141
142
BTRC
Media and Publications Wing
BTRC
143
Media and Publications Wing
Media and Publications wing of BTRC plays vital role for continuous and effective
communication between the stakeholders and the Commission with the active support and
cooperation of print, online, electronic media and news agencies.
The wing publicizes news and information related to the programs, policies and functions
of the Commission through the media in one hand and bring those to the higher authority on
the other. It also acts as the public relation wing of the commission.
This wing is pledge bound to highlight the potentials and achievements of
telecommunication sectors and also committed to disseminate information about the
affordable and modern telecom services, protection of consumer rights and the use of
existing and new technology, etc. to the general public.
The wing is directly attached to the Chairman’s office. The Commission Secretary (deputy
secretary to the government) and an Assistant Director are working for public information
and external communication on behalf of the commission.
Chairman
Commission
Secretary
Media and
Publications
Wing
Enforecment &
Inspection
Directorate
Structural tree of Media & Publications Wing
Significant activities performed by the Media and Publications Wing in 2014-15 fiscal year:
1. During the period it prepared 358 daily news monitoring report consisting of news
clippings on telecom sector and distributed it among the high officials and also took
action under the direction of the chairman.
2. Rigorously monitored news and features related to ICT publicized in national
dailies, online news portals, television and radio channels.
3. Provided useful information, news and content to the journalists, media and
maintained professional contacts with them.
4. Arranged meeting and interview of Chairman with various media and news
agencies.
5. Prepared 12 (twelve) monthly comprehensive news clipping reports and circulated
those up to director level officials.
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6. A press conference was arranged at Hotel Radisson Blue water garden on 10
September 2014 in Dhaka on the occasion of Commonwealth Telecommunication
organization’s 54th Council Meeting and Annual Forum. More than 80 journalists
were present to cover the program where CTO secretary general was present as
chief guest.
Meet the Press on CTO`s Annual Forum: Seated on the stage (from left), Secretary General of
Commonwealth Telecommunication Organization (CTO), Chairman of BTRC and Secretary, BTRC.
7. Bangladesh was reelected for the second term (2015-2018) in International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) council election. The election was held in Busan, a port
city of South Korea during ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in October 2014. Bangladesh
was ranked 7th among 13 countries in Asia and Australasia zone (E-Zone) after left behind
strong opponent India, Pakistan and Thailand. Instantly BTRC media wing outreached the
news of the success story of ITU election to the whole country. Bangladesh’s victory
received high importance in the media with “Breaking News” headline.
Honorable state minster of ICT division Mr. Junaid Ahmed Palak M.P, delivers his speech on behalf of
Bangladesh in the ITU Plenipotentiary conference held in Busan, South Korea.
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145
8. On occasion, BTRC chairman exchanged views with the journalists on different
important issues of telecommunication sectors. By this discussion meeting,
representatives of different media give their valuable informative advices to
accelerate the function of BTRC. To inform people about different development
activities of BTRC, media wing successfully implements this by the assistance of
journalists.
BTRC Chairman Sunil Kanti Bose addresses a view sharing meeting with telecom journalists.
9. On 15 January 2015, BTRC signed an agreement with Intersputnik International space
communication a Russian company, for the purpose of lease in/procurement of their
space orbital slot 119/1E to launch the first communication satellite Bangladesh
Bangabandhu-1. Mr. Monirul Alam, Commissioner of BTRC and Convener of
Bangabandhu satellite project implementation committee and Mr. Vadim Belov,
Director General of Intersputnik International Space Communication signed on the
contract signing paper on behalf of their own organization. Mr. Sunil Kanti Bose,
Chairman BTRC, high officials of BTRC and Mr. Timothy Abramov, commercial
director of Intersputnik international were present in the contract signing ceremony.
After contract signing ceremony, media BTRC organized a press conference in the
afternoon. Mr. Sunil Kanti Bose, Chairman BTRC spoke on the occasion and
answered various questions of journalists.
10. Private television channel “Independent Television” telecast an interview of the
chairman, BTRC, on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of BTRC, where the
chairman discussed about various development activities, problems and dimension of
successes of the Commission.
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BTRC Chairman Sunil Kanti Bose gives an interview to Independent Television on the occasion
of the 13th anniversary of BTRC.
11. On 31th March 2015, ATN News telecast a special program named “Business
lunch” on various developing initiatives of BTRC in telecommunication sector and
its contribution to economic development of the country. In this interview, BTRC
chairman discussed about the role of BTRC for the economic development of the
country.
12. To ensure the security of mobile user of the country, mobile phone operators took
steps to register all existing SIM/RUIM cards according to the guideline of BTRC.
BTRC media wing made a TV commercial for the purpose of public awareness.
Different government and private televisions telecast this TV commercial for
public concern.
13. Banglsdesh Government has observed World Telecommunication and Information
Society Day in 17th May 2015 and a prees meeting was organized on this occasion.
In this press meeting secretary of posts & telecommunication division and
chairman BTRC have delivered their speeches and answer to the questions of the
journalists. About 70 journalists were presents in the press meet.
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Secretary of posts & telecommunications division Mr. Faizur Rahman and chairman of BTRC
Mr. Sunil Kanti Bose are present with other officials in a prees meeting organized on the
occasion of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
Besides this, Media and Publications wing organized and coordinated various round
table meetings of chairman, BTRC with the journalists. This wing also provided
professional supports to prepare reports, speeches and message for chairman BTRC.
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Enforcement and Inspection Directorate
BTRC
149
Enforcement and Inspection Directorate
In the organogram of the BTRC the Enforcement & Inspection directorate is formed
with 38 (thirty eight) manpower. The official function of the directorate was
inaugurated on 5th March of 2014. Under the supervision of the honorable Chairman of
BTRC, a team of one Director, one Assistant Director and four Deputy Assistant
Directors is working relentlessly to keep up the daily functions of the directorate. At
present six officers and one staff are working in this directorate. Beside this, three
committees were formed by the Commission and they are actively working in order to
curb illegal international call termination, illegal VoIP setup and
unauthorized/organizations that are providing telecommunication services and
illegal/registration process of SIM/RUIM.
Ongoing Activities:
A. Conducting inspectional activities to stop illegal international call termination
and to find out and stop the activities of illegal VoIP equipment and setup.
B. Identify the setup which are being used for providing unauthorized
telecommunication services and also take necessary action to stop their activities.
C. Take initiatives to stop registering SIM/RUIM by providing false information
and to verify whether operators are following Commission’s directives while
registering SIM/RUIM or not.
D. To observe and ensure, whether the Telecom operators are complied or not with
the licensing conditions and the Directives which are issued time to time by the
BTRC.
E. To provide all kinds of support to the high level committee named
“Telecommunication Setup Inspection/Examine, Identification and
Investigating Committee” formed by the Commission and any other national
committee related to such functions.
F. To assure that operators are following the ‘Self-Regulation System’ in order to
protect illegal VoIP.
G. To take care of the SIM Box Detection System at BTRC and Operators premises.
H. To provide any other support as and when required to the Commission to
collect revenue from the operators for the greater interest of the state.
I. At the end, to monitor and take necessary actions against the telecom operators
if there is any violation occurs in reference of Bangladesh Telecommunication
Regulatory Act-2001 (Amended-2010).
Significant Activities:
Like any other department of the Commission “Enforcement and Inspection
Directorate” is working with its own identity and ability of success through keeping its
effectiveness and dynamic pose. In total 315 successful illegal VoIP operations have
been conducted to till date. Among these 95 no of opts; were in 2014 and 18 no of opts.
were in 2015. From January 2014 to June 2015, 55,58,372 illegal VoIP SIM have been
disconnected in which 52,11,311 were disconnected due to ‘Self-Regulation’, 2,26,749
were disconnected through ‘SIM Box Detection System’ and 1,20,312 were seized in
VoIP operations. Till now 78 cases have been filed regarding illegal VoIP by the
commission.
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This directorate is working along with the representative of the mobile phone
operators, regarding millions of confiscated illegally used VoIP SIM, curbing Govt.
revenue fraudulence and so many issues. This directorate also inspects the operator’s
premises on time to time basis to supervise their operational activities. In order to
create public awareness after every successful operation, the news become published
by the BTRC website. Awareness messages are also circulated through various media
in order to keep the people alert about these illegal activities.
Snapshots of illegal VoIP Installation:
Seized routers in illegal VoIP Operation. These were used for internet connection.
SIM used for illegal VoIP activity. These SIMs were used in SIM Box.
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An illegal VoIP setup which has been seized in its operational stage.
International master card through which the financial transactions of illegal VoIP have been made.
In order to prevent illegal call termination a highly authoritarian committee has been
formed by BTRC which is regularly monitoring the illegal activities of the telecom
sector of the country. Officials of BTRC and law enforcement organizations of
Bangladesh are the members of this committee. Measures taken by the commission to
prevent the illegal usage of VoIP technology are described below:
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BTRC
a) Conducting Regular Operations
The Committee formed by BTRC and law enforcing agencies are conducting operation
regularly to identify the illegal installations abusing VoIP technology of malicious
users. BTRC always prompts to identify the SIM Box users those who are using new
technique and various technical strategy to conduct operation. In the fiscal year
2014-2015, 75 operations have been conducted. Generally, in these types of operations,
channel box, gateway, server, illegally with false information registered SIM,
computer along with other related equipments are being seized. In last 75 operations
huge amount of aforesaid items were seized. Regular cases have been lodged after
completion of the operation to the respective police station of the operational area.
b) SIM BOX Detection System
SIM Box Detection System has been established at BTRC in association with the all
mobile phone operators to discourage fraud registration and malicious users of illegal
SIM Box. Very recently increase of additional hits including virtual circuits has been
rearranged into the SIM Box detection system as per BTRC directives. It will be
effective for incremental detection of many suspicious numbers in the systems.
c) Self-Regulatory System
BTRC has taken necessary steps at different time to prevent illegal VoIP. As a part of
this, various types of methods have been taken to detect and deactivate the SIM/RUIM
that has been used in illegal VoIP. To detect the illegally used SIM/RUIM, BTRC has
developed some logics which are known as self-regulation system. Implemented these
logics are being used every day by all mobile operators at a fixed time interval to detect
illegally used SIM/RUIM. As per direction of the Commission it is mandatory for
respective operator to deactivate that SIM/RUIM. To achieve more efectiveness,
BTRC do changes or extends those logics time to time by analyzing the situation. As a
result, usage of SIM/RUIM in illegal VoIP is going to be discouraged tremendously.
d) Regular Operational Activities
Inspection is being conducted to the operator’s premises licensed by BTRC. So,
operators are becoming more conscious about proper utilization of their network. Also
the concerned official of BTRC can be acknowledged regarding the application of
licensing condition, guideline and respective directives. Besides these, emergent
inspection/investigation has been conducted according to the report of various
newspapers and from different sources.
e) Public Awareness
In addition, to take instant action regarding crime prevention in telecom sector the
“Enforcement and Inspection Directorate” is also performing an important role by
broadcasting and publishing public awareness information in various media. Recently
month long public awareness programs have been telecast in television, radio and other
media to prevent false registration of SIM/RUIM and usage of these. This will encourage
the consumers to register SIM/RUIM with correct information and prevent crime.
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BTRC
Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project
Implementing Agency: Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
BTRC
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Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project
To ensure a continuous and advanced telecommunications system through opening up
new doors of opportunities in the telecommunications sector, the first ever Satellite of
Bangladesh in space named ‘Bangabandhu Satellite’ launching activities are ongoing
under Posts & Telecommunication Division and being implemented by BTRC. The
ECNEC has approved the DPP of ‘Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project’ with an
estimated project cost of 2967.9577 Crore taka on 16 September 2014.
The major components of ‘Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project’ are: Satellite
Manufacturing, Launching services, two Ground Stations with Civil works,
Establishment of a Satellite Operating Company of international standard, Insurance,
Lease/Purchase of Orbital Slot and Project Management.
1) Ministry / Division
2) Implementing Agency
3) Implementation Period
4) Estimated Project Cost
: Posts & Telecommunications Division Ministry of
Posts, Telecommunications and Information
Technology
: Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory
Commission (BTRC)
: From 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2017
: 2967.9577 Crore Taka (GOB 1315.5135 Crore taka
and Project Aid 1652.4442 Crore taka)
A USA based international consultancy firm, Space Partnership International (SPI),
has been providing consultancy services to launch Bangabandhu Satellite since 29
March 2012 under a preparatory project titled ‘Preparatory Functions and Supervision
in Launching a Communication and Broadcasting Satellite’.
The major responsibilities of the Foreign Consultant are: Market Analysis and
Feasibility Studies, preparation of a Business Plan, (prepare a framework for forming
an 'Operating Company', exploration of various sources for Project Funding, providing
assistance in developing the DPP for the 'Bangabandu Satellite Launching Project',
Orbital Slot Analysis and its Frequency Coordination, Preparation of tender document
along with Technical Specifications, providing assistance with Contract Negotiations,
technical monitoring and supervision during Satellite Manufacturing, Launching,
'In-Orbit Testing (IOT)', installation of Ground Station equipments, Network
Acceptance Testing and commissioning.
SPI has so far assisted to complete Market Analysis and Feasibility Studies, preparing
a Business Plan, constructing a framework for 'Satellite Operating Company', sources
for funding the project, works to develop the DPP for the 'Bangabandhu Satellite
Launching Project', selection of the orbital slot, satellite tender documents along with
technical specifications.
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(A) Progress of the Project According to its Objective & Responsibilities
Notable progress has been achieved during the fiscal year 2014 - 2015 of the project's
timeline on the satellite launch related activities. Under the 'Bangabandhu Satellite
Launching Project' and the Preparatory Project, the initiatives taken and implementation
progress are as follows:
1. Finalizing the Orbital Slot
Orbital slot is a crucial part of launching a satellite. In order to finalize a orbital slot to
launch Bangabandhu Satellite, all possible orbital slots in the orbital arc between 45°E
and 135°E has been analyzed considering the geographical position of Bangladesh (at
90 E), and then the consultancy firm SPI has recommended for securing 119.1°E
orbital slot by way of leasing-in/Purchase from INTERSPUTNIK. The Intersputnik
International Organization of Space Communications (INTERSPUTNIK) is a satellite
communication services organization represented by 26 member states, having its
headquarters at Moscow.
After approval of Posts and Telecommunications Division, the final agreement was
signed between BTRC and INTERSPUTNIK on 15 January 2015 to secure 119.1°E
orbital slot for launching Bangabandhu Satellite. Mr. A.T.M. Monirul Alam,
Commissioner of BTRC and Mr. Vadim Belov, Director General of INTERSPUTNIK
signed the Contract.
Contract Signing Ceremony between BTRC and INTERSPUTNIK to Secure 119.1°E orbital slot
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A press conference was held after the signing of Contract with INTERSPUTNIK and
the Chairman BTRC has answered various questions asked by the journalists
regarding Bangabandhu Satellite launching and orbital slot contract. The
representatives of INTERSPUTNIK, officials of Bangabandhu Satellite Launching
Project and higher officials of BTRC were present at that press conference.
Chairman, BTRC is addressing at the Contract Signing Ceremony
Press Conference after Contract Signing Ceremony for securing 119. 10E orbital slot
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BTRC
Hon'ble State Minister, ICT Division, Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, M.P. shares greetings at a
dinner organized in honour of the delegation of INTERSPUTNIK
Total 3200 MHz frequency is filed at ITU against the leased/purchased orbital slot
119.1° E. The coordination activity is on-going for the orbital positions at 69°E, 74°E,
102°E and 133°E filed at ITU.
2. Finalization of Tender Documents and Technical Specifications for
procurement of Bangabandhu Satellite System and invitation of tender
Under the 'Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project' the turn-key tender document has
been finalized including the technical specifications for Satellite manufacturing,
launching and Ground segment and designs with the assistance of foreign consultancy
firm SPI, USA. As per technical specifications, 'Bangabandhu Satellite' will have 40
transponders, of which, 14 will be C-band and 26 will be Ku-band transponders.
Depending on the success of the frequency coordination for 119.1°E orbital position,
Bangladesh, SAARC nations, Indonesia, Philippines and part of the 'STAN' countries
will come under its coverage.
Glimpse of Tender document finalization activities to procure Bangabandhu Satellite System
by Project Officials and Consultants
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An international open tender was invited on 24 March 2015 to procure ' Bangabandhu
Satellite System'. A total of six companies purchased the tender documents. The
Pre-Tender meeting was held on 27 April 2015. Five out of six companies who
purchased the tender document have attended the Pre-Tender Meeting. Till the last date
of submission 04 international satellite manufacturing company from China, Canada,
France and USA have submitted their proposal. The Proposal Evaluation Committee is
evaluating those proposals.
Tenderer's representatives at Pre-Tender meeting and Tender Opening Meeting for the
procurement of Bangabandhu Satellite System
3. Formation of the Operating Company
To manage and operate the satellite after its launch, formation of a commercial company
of international standards is underway.
4. Ground Station Survey
Foreign consultancy firm SPI, USA has done the radio frequency survey and assessed
the technical feasibility for two Ground stations. The tenderer representatives visited
selected locations for primary and secondary Ground Stations at Gazipur and Betbunia
respectively.
5. Extension of the Preparatory Project and the contract with foreign consultancy firm
The extension process of current Preparatory Project and the extension of foreign
consultant's contract till the lunching and In Orbit Test (IOT) is underway, to complete
the Bangabandhu Satellite launching activities successfully. The first revised DPP of the
'Preparatory Project' is under process for approval.
(B) Meetings related to Project Implementation and Progress
To implement the project successfully, the officials of the project have organised and
participated in meetings during the fiscal year 2014-2015. Within this fiscal year, 02
Project Steering Committee (PSC) meetings of the Preparatory project were held at the
Posts and Telecommunication Division and 03 Project Implementation Committee
(PIC) meetings at the Project Office in BTRC.
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(C) Training/Seminar/Meetings/Symposium/Workshop of project held in the fiscal
year 2014-2015
 During 8-12 December 2014, a seven-member team representing Posts and
Telecommunications Division, Project officials and foreign consultant SPI, headed
by the Chairman, BTRC have visited Moscow, the Russian Federation, to negotiate
and discuss with INTERSPUTNIK for lease-in (right to use)/purchase of 119.1° E
orbital slot, for launching Bangabandu Satellite.
Discussion and negotiation meeting with INTERSPUTNIK
 One project official represented Bangladesh in 'International Satellite Symposium 2014:
Satellite Regulation-First License and Renewal' held during 18-19 September 2014 in
Bangkok, Thailand and participated as a speaker with the invitation of International
Telecommunications Union (ITU).
Project official as a speaker and panelist in ‘International Satellite Symposium 2014’
 Under the leadership of Mr. A.T.M. Monirul Alam, Commissioner, BTRC,
eight-member team have participated in a training course titled "Advanced
Technical Training Course in Satellite and Ground Segment" during 8-13 June
2015, organized by 'Space Partnership International (SPI) and held in Washington
D.C., USA.
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Receiving certificate after the completion of a technical training on Satellite and Ground
Segment held in Washington D.C., USA
A part of training session on Satellite and Ground Segment
During a visit of Satellite Manufacturing Facilities
(D) Future Work plan
1. Completion of Evatuation of four (04) Proposals Received.
2. Contract signing with the selected Tenderer after the approval of Cabinet Committee on
Government Purchase (CCGP).
3. The selected tenderer will start the satellite manufacturing after the signing of contract.
4. Signing of amended contract with foreign consultant SPI, USA for the extended period.
5. Completion of technical coordination as required under the contract signed with
INTERSPUTNIK for lease-in (right to use)/purchase of 119.1° E orbital slot.
6. Takeover the land at Gazipur and Betbunia from BTCL for establishing the primary and
the secondary Ground Segments and starting of the Civil works by the selected Tender.
7. Formation of an operating company of international standard, at least one and a half
year prior to the launching of Bangabandhu satellite.
The activity of satellite project is being advanced rapidly, with a commitment of making
significant progress in space technology and ensuring the command over space through
launching of Bangabandhu Satellite. A successful launch of Bangladesh's first satellite
will ensure a reliable and advanced network connection with the world. If the work is
being progressed as per work plan, the 'Bangabandhu Satellite' is expected to be launched
by the December 2017 at the designated orbital slot of 119.1° E. With the launch of the
'Bangabandhu Satellite', realization of the dream of 'Digital Bangladesh' will be advanced
to a step closer.
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World Telecommunication and
Information Society day-2015
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163
World Telecommunication and Information Society day-2015
Bangladesh observed the World Telecommunication and Information Society
Day (WTISD)-2015 on May 17, 2015. With the theme “Telecommunications and
ICT: Drivers of Innovation” this day is celebrated at Bangbabandhu International
Conference Center (BICC) of Dhaka and chief guest of this program was Honorable
Prime Minister of Republic of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina. Honorable State Minister
of ICT Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP; Chairman of Parliamentary Standing
Committee on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry
Mr. Imran Ahmed, MP attended the function as special guests. BTRC Chairman
Mr. Sunil Kanti Bose was present at the function. Posts and Telecommunictions
division’s Secretary Mr. Md. Faizur Rahman Chowdhury chaired the function.
Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other guests of program arranged for World
Telecommunication and Information Society Day-2015
At the program of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day-2015
Prime Minister said that, Bangladesh was awarded by South South Award South South
Co-Operation Visionary Award, WSIS Global ICT Exellence Award along with other
prominent reputation in the ICT sector. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh
is elected as ITU’s Council member for 2nd time after 2010-2014.
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BTRC
Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina giving speech at program arranged for World
Telecommunication and Information Society Day
Television talkshow and special supplement at newspaper are arranged to celebrate the
day.Online eassy competition is also arranged and prize is given among the winners to
celebrate this day.
Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina giving prize of online eassy competition at
program arranged for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day-2015
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165
A seminar was arranged by BTRC for celebrating WTISD-2015 on the theme
“Telecommunications and ICT: Drivers of Innovation”. In this seminar wideness and
necessity of ICT brought up towards future generations.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Published a commemorative stamp at BICC to celebrate
150 years of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in this program.
Representatives of different organizations at seminar arranged for World Telecommunication and
Information Society Day-2015
A supplement is published at newspaper highlighting the theme on WTISD-2015. Roads
of Capital and Building of BICC is decorated with many bannars, festoons, posters
containing text of the theme “Telecommunications and ICT: Drivers of Innovation”.
Honorable State Minister of ICT Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP; Chairman of Parliamentary Standing
Committee on Posts,Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry Mr. Imran Ahmed, MP;
and honorable parliament member Mr. Moazzem Hossain Ratan at the program of “Road Show and
Rally” to celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day-2015
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Bangladesh International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) Council Election-2014
BTRC
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ITU Council Election and Bangladesh:
International Telegraph Union (ITU) started its journey on 17 May 1865. In 1932, it
changes its name into International telecommunication Union (ITU). This organization
has completed 150 years in 2015. In 1947 it becomes a special organization of United
Nations. Headquater of this organization is situated in Geneva. On 27 October, 2014
Bangladesh become elected for the 2nd time (2015-2018) as council member in the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council election.167 Countries vote at
the election among 193 members of ITU. Among 48 membership of ITU 13 are alloted
for Asia Zone. 18 Countries along with Bangladesh competed for these membership at
the election. Among 167 votes Bangladesh got 115 votes and secured 7th position.
Close competitors were India, Srilanka and Thailand. China, Japan, South Korea,
Australia, Malaysia also took part at this election. To elect 13 council membership this
election was so competitive. As per Diplomatic analysis, it was not so easy, but
difficult. Earlier, in 2010 Bangladesh become ITU Council member for the 1st time. In
2010 about 17 countries compete for 13 posts. Bangladesh got 6th position in the
election of 2010. In 1973 ITU got general membership of ITU. At present, ITU consists
of 193 member countries and 2700 private organizations.
By being ITU council member for the 2nd time Bangladesh shows success of
Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at telecommunication and ICT sector and the
government got recognization at International sector for this continuous success.
Vision 2021 of Digital Bangladesh got final approval and position of Bangladesh in an
important international organization get established by this victory.
Head of Bangladeshi representative Honorable State Minister of ICT Mr. Zunaid
Ahmed Palak thanked to all related with ICT sector along with BTRC for their
continuous communication, Competence and well controlled activities at Busan. State
Minister of ICT Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, State Minister of Foreign affairs Mr.Md.
Sahariar Alam, BTRC chairman Sunil Kanti Bose and High Officials of related
Ministry took part in promotion of Bangladesh for the purpose of Election. Honorable
five members of ICT Ministry, AMTOB-the organization of mobile operators and its
representatives also took part into ITU council election campaign.
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BTRC
Bangladesh representatives with other countries representatives at ITU Plenipotentiary
Conference (PP-14) at Busan, South Korea
Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-14) and ITU Council Election held in 20 October-07
November, 2014 At Busan, South Korea. At this Council a representative group
consisting State Minister of ICT, State Minister of Foreign affairs along with high
officials of Posts and telecommunication department conduct election promotion,
opening ceremony and reception as election activities. Being elected a ITU council
member Bangladesh will be developed at ITC sector.
Commonwealth Telecommunication Organization (CTO) council meeting and
annual forum-2014
Bangladesh, for the first time organized Commonwealth Telecommunication
Organization (CTO) Council Meeting and Annual Forum in Dhaka on 8-12
September 2014. Around 250-300 delegates of different countries with ministers of
telecom and ICTs of CTO countries, including ministries, head of regulators, high
officials of government and private sectors took part in the meeting. Different
sessions including inauguration program of the Forum was held in hotel Radisson
Blue Water garden in Dhaka.
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169
Ministers and High officials of member countries, head of telecom regulator and
representatives of other international telecommunication organizations
The CTO is a renowned organization among the international organizations of the world,
which head quarter is in London. It is the oldest and largest commonwealth organization.
Currently it has 53 countries as members. Bangladesh is a full member country of CTO.
The CTO Forum is the premier ICT platform of the Commonwealth. This event draws
high level participation from ICT ministries, regulators and operators from across the
Commonwealth. This Forum focuses on key aspects of ICT access and utilization
including infrastructure, connectivity, applications, value added services, data security,
Cyber security, IP technology, green technology etc. The theme of the year was: ICT for
development from access to Inclusive and Innovative Services.
The CTO is governed by its Council, which consists of representative from all member
countries. It is the highest policy making body of the CTO, It meets annually to measure
deferent parameters of telecommunications and ICTs, formulate future program, examine
the progress of the Organization, and to suggest future programs.
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Mobile Phone Industry in Bangladesh
Bangladesh introduced Advanced Mobile Phone system (AMPS) technology back in
1993 as the first ever country in South Asia. Though the first mobile phone license was
awarded in 1989, in fact, it took quite a long years to reach its services to the people of
the country. Because the network coverage at that time was too limited. The subscriber
state was also very poor because of high call rate. In 1996, the then Prime Minister,
Sheikh Hasina awarded three more mobile phone licenses to create a competeive
market in the mobile phone industry and to reach the services to the root level
subscribers. In the later stage, with the entrance of few more operators in this sector, the
market became very competeive in the last decade. The growing sub-sectors around the
telecom arena created job opportunities for the general people and contributed in
education and health sector. This has influenced millions of people and made
communication easier between people and our economy has been greatly boosted up.
According to the report of Bangladesh bank, 8% of the national revenue has been
earned from telecom sector in 2008 and 59% direct investment has been made in this
particular sector. A few important contribution of Bangladesh telecom sector are
enumerated below:
•
Achievements in a decade – From 1997 – June, 2015
Only 4 lac people received this services in 1997.
Tele-density was less than 0.4%
At present, the teleccom subscriber state is 12.68 crore and the tele-density
is above 81%
-
•
Out of total telephone subscribers of the country, 98% are mobile subscribers
and remainder 2% are PSTN and other operator subscribers.
•
Telecom market (June, 2015):
Total telecom penetration rate: 81.93%
Total mobile penetration rate: 80.35% means subscribers are 12.68 crore
Total internet penetration rate: 30.62% means subscribers are 4.83 crore
•
-
Improved lifestyle and support to business:
Agro related information, telemedicne, latest news, utility bills payment,
sms and mms, share market information are part of life now.
In business sector, access to internet, mobile e-mail, sms banking, data, fax,
EDGE, GPRS, International roaming etc. have become indispensable.
•
Providing services at affordable prices:
Looping in low income groups by offering the world lowest call charges.
-
BTRC
171
•
Internet:
Its advancements mostly depends on the development of the mobile industry.
Among 4.83 crore internet users, 97% are using mobile internet which
means with increased mobile penetration, internet usage also increase.
-
•
Initiatives of the mobile operators – Corporate Social responsibility (CSR)
School sponsorship: Various training program for development of children’s
skills and offering local / foreign scholarship.
Environmental projects: Undertaking beautification of the city/town,
cleaning and maintaining Cox’s Bazar sea beach, face lifting of the airports,
road safety, preservation of heritage, awareness building programs etc.
Supporting the disadvantaged: Mobile operators have been providing quick
distribution of relief, healthcare services, monetary assistance as well as
voluntary support to different flood and cyclone affected areas in
Bangladesh.
-
 Mobile sector has the potential of playing a pioneer role in implementing our
national dream of “Digital Bangladesh”.
172
BTRC
Network Coverage
Countrywide underground optical fiber network diagram
BTRC
173
Countrywide mobile phone network:
Revenue and Investment (Mobile Operators): 2014-2015
SL.NO
1.
Operator
Grameenphone Limited
Revenue (TK)
10300,83,28,496
Investment (TK)
1881,43,36,185
2.
Banglalink Digital
Communications Limited
Robi Axiata Limited
43,651,490,000.00
13,847,770,000.00
5058,61,99,124
1825,63,80,091
4.
Pacific Bangladesh
Telecom Limited
134,79,16,110
00
5.
Airtel Bangladesh
Limited
Teletalk Bangladesh
Limited
1397,65,09,737
377,24,72,549
753,69,00,000
197,48,00,000
3.
6
174
BTRC
Comment
Mobile Tarrif
Development of telecommunication service and telecommunication service at a cheap
rate is one of the main objectives of BTRC. The main purpose of reducing call charge
is to build up a fair compitition among mobile phone operators along with preserving
consumer interest. At present call rate of mobile phone belongs from 0.25 Tk. to 2.00
Tk. Average call rate of Bangladesh were 9.60 Tk. Which has reduced about 8.77 Tk.
by last 10 years. This information is much hopeful and in future this trend will be
continued. Now, mobile subscribers can tail at a cheap rate with highest 10 seconds
pulse. For successful control of BTRC in case of mobile tariff Bangladeshi people are
now enjoying lowest call charge.
3G Mobile Technology
Government has taken step to issue 3G license in view to provide speedy internet
service and video call, mobile TV, audio streaming, video health service, video
conferencing service etc. in low cost. Ministry of the Post and Telecommunication on
12-02-13 approved 3G Cellular Mobile Phone Services Regulatory and Licensing
Guidelines, 2013 and requested the Commission to take next necessary steps. 3G
auction has held on 08-09-13. The Commission has issued 3G license to Grameen
Phone Ltd., Robi Axiata Ltd., Airtel Bangladesh Ltd. on 12-09-2013 and Banglalink
Digital Communications Ltd. on 19-09-2013. Picture of allotted block, spectrum and
spectrum fee are as follows:
SL
No.
1
Name
of
organization
Grameen
Phone Ltd.
No. of
block
2
Alotted spectrum
1935-1945/
21252135= 10 MHz
2
Robi
Ltd.
Axiata
1
1950-1955/
2145= 5 MHz
2140-
3
Airtel
Bangladesh
Ltd.
Banglalink
Digital
Communicati
ons Ltd.
1
1945-1950/
2140= 5 MHz
2135-
1
1955-1960/
2150= 5 MHz
2145-
4
Spectru fee (per Total spectrum fee
MHz)
21 (Twenty one) 210 (Two hundred
million US dollar and ten) million US
dollar
21 (Twenty one) 105 (One hundred
million US dollar and five) million US
dollar
dollar
dollar
There have been created immense employment opportunity with the local and foreign
investment in telecommunication and ICT sector by issuing 3G license. By the 3G
service, there have been opened the door of huge development in the education, health,
agriculture, marketing and banking sector.
BTRC
175
PSTN Operators
After Establishment of BTRC in 2004 total 37 license of PSTN operators are given to
15 company.After that, some license are cancelled and some operators are given to 14
company. After that, some licenseare cancelled and some operators give up their
license. Moreover, for illegal call termination in 2010 about 5 PSTN operators license
are cancelled; such as: Rangs Telecom Ltd., National Telecom Ltd., Peoples
Telecommunication and Information Services Ltd., Dhaka Telephone Company LTD.,
and World Tel Bangladesh. But, as per the govt. decision, 3 PSTN Operators such as
Rangs Telecom Ltd., National Telecom Ltd., and World Tel Bangladesh’s License
cancellation order has been removed and license cancellation of 2 operators : Dhaka
Telephone Company LTD. and Peoples Telecommunication and Information Services
Ltd. is under consideration. However, a rural PSTN operator got license from the
commission to operate their services.
According to the promise of present govt. to materialize the dream of Digital
Bangladesh ILDTS Policy, 2010 played a very important role. By prior approval of
Govt., the Commission has given 1837 license to 27 category for giving international
telecommunication service at a cheap rate and encouraging local entrepreneurs at
telecommunication sector by using modern technology to preserve consumer interest.
The present govt. is strict to establish Bangladesh as a proverty free developed country
by ensuring proper usage of information technology. Within 2021 Bangladesh will be
able to emerge as a developed country by taking proper decision at telecommunication
service. Already, the Govt. is working by correction of national telecom policy, 1998.
The Commission has been working to make the country’s internal telecommunication
system more moving and modern for establishing fast forward IT infrastructure.
As the first step of controlling illegal and easily accessable telecommunication business
and growth and discipline on telecommunication sector in 2007 international Long
Distance telecommunication service (ILDTS) Policy, 2007 is approved. At last, Posts
and telecommunications ministry explaining experience and problem of regulation by
following Bangladesh telecommunication Law, 2001, (33 article) International Long
Distance Telecommunication Service (ILDTS ) Policy, 2010 is approved.
176
BTRC
Diverse Activities of BTRC (2014-2015)
BTRC
177
BPATC Special Foundation Training course for BTRC Officers:
30 (Thirty) officers of different department of Bangladesh Telecommunication
Regulatory Commission’s attended a Special Foundation Training Course
(SFTC) from 22 December, 2014 to 19 February 2015 in Bangladesh Public
Administration Training Centre (BPATC) Savar, Dhaka. The two-month long
first ever special course covered allmost all areas of government rules and
regulations as well as day to day service affairs.
Participants of 2nd SFTC for BTRC officers with BPATC officials in a frame
Proposed Call Center Village:
The idea of globalization has put political economy on an intelligent based infrastructure
throughout the world. Basing on this idea, many information technology centers have
grown up around the globe of which, silicon Valley and Bangalore are notable.
Bangladesh has a huge opportunity to develop call center industry because of the very
geographical location of this country which is far away from the time zone of countries
like USA, UK and Europe who prefers to outsource various value added services for
their own. Above all, Bangladesh has a huge young educated workforce who with little
bit of training could be converted into call center agents.
178
BTRC
Considering all this factors, BTRC is planning to establish a call center village so that
the workforce can concentrate in their job and step into the next phase of their career.
The main idea of call center village is to create an independent work place with positive
environment for the call center industry. There would be a multi-storied building in the
call center village comprising a number of officers where there would be recreation
centers, baby care center for the working ladies. There would be a departmental store
where there would be different products along with separate food court with different
items of food. There should be arrangement of accommodation also for the working
individuals. Over and above, all facilities that are required for an office and residential
complex would be available in the call center village.
There would be provision for modern transport facilities at the end of every shift so that
the shift personal can link up with the call center village and their place to stay and also
can link up with town.
- The land for the call center village will be acquired from the government.
- There would be numbers of multi-storied building in the Project.
The location of the project will neither be established at an industrial area nor far from
the capital city. Rather, it could be made a satellite city which would be in the comfort
zone of ICT industry professionals.
There would be a school in the project area which will be run as a branch of a reputed
school of the capital. A 10 bed hospital would be there to take normal and emergency
medical care of the employees. A gymnasium also could be a part of the set up.
Facilities of a four or five star hotel would be made available so that both local and
foreign entrepreneurs may stay there and can hold meeting as and when required.
The village would be brought under national grid to ensure uninterrupted power
supply. Apart from this, small power generating centers could also be established to
ensure uninterrupted power supply. Needless to mention that high speed Internet
arrangement will be made available with redundant connectivity for uninterrupted
communication. Special security arrangement would ensure the safety and security of
the call center work force.
Call Center
Call Center is one of the most promising sectors in Bangladesh. To address the need for
promoting ‘Call Center’ in Bangladesh for generating employment and earning foreign
currency, BTRC started issuing licenses to Call Centers in April 2007. With the
participation of local entrepreneurs and non-resident Bangladeshis now the industry
began to flourish. Currently, call centers of different companies from the US, Canada,
UK, Australia and other countries are operating here in Bangladesh.
BTRC
179
BTRC has taken number of initiatives to accelerate the growth in Call Center
industry. As a part of the promotional activities, BTRC participated at the Call-Center
Expo in Birmingham, UK in 2008, 2009 & 2010 and also published advertisements
on Outsource Magazine to assist or exploring potential Call Center market. Besides
on June 2-3, 2014 Officers from BTRC and Bangladesh Association of Call Center &
Outsourcing (BACCO) also successfully participated at World BPO ITO Forum
2014 in New York, USA. Licenses are being issued at a very nominal fee with
revenue sharing holidays of 3 to 5 years. The bandwidth cost (IP/IPLC) has also been
cut by 60% for Call Centers. Besides the Submarine Cable the ITC license holders
have started its operation in case of bandwidth uses, which ensures the facility of
redundant path.
A comparative description of call center activities is given in the table below:
2013-2014
2014-2014
229
54
20
24000+
270
62
23
24000+
1. Second Submarine Cable
With the goal of connecting the second submarine cable (SEA-ME-WE-5 consortium),
Bangladesh signed a memorandum of understanding at Dec 28, 2011. Currently the
connecting process of second submarine cable is under construction to make the
physical structure of the landing station of second submarine cable within the fiscal
year 2014-2015 is planned and hopes that all activities to connect with second
submarine cable will be finished at the end of 2015.
Noted that, tender has been invited from the commission with the goal of issuing
submarine cable service license. Due to unavailable of competent organization, such
license could not be issued. If government gives permission, advertisement will be
published. At present, Govt. owned Submarine Cable Co. Ltd. provides Submarine
Cable service with the permission of BTRC.
2. Social Obligation Fund Rules
According to section 21 (Ka) of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act,
2001, there is a provision to form a fund with the name of ‘Social Obligation Fund’.
Government has approved the condition to pay 1% subscription from total income of
mobile phone operator to the ‘Social Obligation Fund’of commission in license
renewal related guideline according to the provision of law. Activities of ‘Social
Obligation Fund’ has been started as immediate as the execution of ‘2G Cellular
Mobile Phone Operator Guideline’ on 11/09/2011. The Commission has already
180
BTRC
formed ‘Social Obligation Fund’ and open an account in specific scheduled bank. To
ensure proper and right use of the fund, The Commission has drafted ‘Social
Obligation Fund Rules, 2012’ and sent to the Ministry of Post, Telecommunication and
Information Technology on 03/06/2012 and according this letter, the Guideline was
issued on 09-12-2014 which was published in Gazette on 14-12-2014.
There has been described in details about deposit and withdrawal of money and
procedure of running account, procedure of collecting dues, income and expenditure,
subscription rate, procedure and time of payment, fund management committee, power
and functions of fund management committee and duties and responsibilities of the
Commission regarding fund administration and proper utilization of fund. Social
Obligation Fund management committee has been formed comprising the Minister,
Ministry of Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology; Secretary, Post
and Telecommunication Division, Ministry of Post, Telecommunication and
Information Technology; Secretary, Information Technology Division, Ministry of
Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology; Secretary, Ministry of Social
Welfare, Chairman and Vice Chairman of BTRC; MD of BTCL; representative of
AMTOB; representative of Association of PSTN operators of Bangladesh and DG,
System and Services Division, BTRC. All power of fund administration and
management vested on that Committee.
BTRC
181
List of overseas Training, Conference, Workshop, Seminar and Forum
Officers from BTRC and different ministries have attended a total of 18 training,
conference, workshop, seminar and forum in different countries in fiscal year 2014-2015.
182
BTRC
List of conference/Seminar/Workshop/Presentation held in the Commission
2014-2015 financial year, in the Commission there held 93 meetings/ seminars/ workshops /presentation
BTRC
183
184
BTRC
BTRC
185
Dialogue with Important Local/Foreign Representatives
In 2014-2015 financial year many important national and international persons visit
BTRC office. This acquaintances are as follows:
186
BTRC
,
BTRC
187
Conclusion
Due to the successful execution of the responsibilities given to Bangladesh
Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), at present tele-density has
increased to 81.9%, Internet density to 30.62%, mobile phone subscribers have
reached 12 crore and sixty eight lakhs and Internet subscribers have reached 4 crores
and eighty three lakhs. The number of different types of licensed organization is 2,016,
daily average international incoming call is 10 crore and 8 lakhs minutes, voice call
charge (average minute/taka) 0.83 taka, Internet bandwidth price is 2 thousand and 7
hundred taka (per Mbps) and number of BTS has increased to 55,570.
BTRC is continuously trying to bring down the Internet package price to the lowest
possible level so that the internet is within the reach of ordinary people of the country,
to allow them the opportunity to access it. Besides, through introduction of 3G
technology the subscriber can easily access important services like M-Commerce,
M-Banking, M-Education, M-Agriculture, M-Health, M-Governance and
Teleconference by using rapid internet through mobile phone; which, in addition to
providing a public service, is a major source of revenue for the government. The effort
to introduce 4G in due time is also in progress.
According to the promises of the present government to materialize the dream of
building Digital Bangladesh by the year 2021, in order to ensure consumers rights by
implementing advanced international standard technology at low cost, and to
encourage local entrepreneurs, the Commission has given 2016 licences in 29
categories, based on pre-approval by the Government. The Government is committed
to establish Bangladesh as a poverty free, developed country by ensuring the proper use
of IT. Through proper planning in providing telecommunication services, Bangladesh
can modernize itself within 2021.
According to the ICT Guideline, 2009, Ministry of Post, Telecommunications and
Information Technology and BTRC are responsible for launching Bangladesh’s first
satellite to space. In this regard, Department of Posts and Telecommunications and
BTRC have already started the satellite launching process. A USA based firm has been
appointed as consultant under the project ‘Bangabandhu Satellite’. The DPP of the
‘Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project’ has been approved from ECNEC and in
November 2014 the government order regarding the approval of the DPP has been
issued.
In accordance with government policy, BTRC is working relentlessly to achieve the
goal of creating an investment friendly environment and proper regulation in the
telecommunication sector for faster development of society and the economy. It is
hoped that, if current progress is continued the country will become a full-fledged
technology dependent middle income country before 2021.
188
BTRC

bangladesh teletalk

Transcription

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