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Speakers at a discussion on Sunday focused on the need for reforms to improve internet service quality, reduce high data costs, and create a level playing field for all service providers in the country.
They also emphasised the importance of faster broadband service and price reduction, calling for collective actions across all sectors.
They made the observations at the discussion titled 'Measures to Ensure High-Speed, Quality, and Affordable Internet at the Grassroots Level'. Bangladesh Mobile Phone Users Association organised the programme at the National Press Club in the capital.
The speakers also pointed out the regulatory gaps that hinder fair competition, while taxation on data services remains a major barrier to affordable internet.
They underscored the need for coordinated efforts to modernise Bangladesh's telecom landscape, and ensure equitable access to high-speed internet for all.
They also pointed to the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the telecom sector to foster innovation, address the existing inefficiencies, and ensure that the country's digital infrastructure can meet the demands of both businesses and consumers.
Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor (CA), said the government is committed to launching satellite-based internet services, particularly Starlink, to enhance the country's telecom sector and attract foreign investment. However, to remain competitive, the local broadband and mobile operators must improve their service quality.
Taiyeb emphasised the need for price reduction of data services as well as comprehensive reforms within the sector.
He remarked that broadband speeds need to be much faster than the current ones. "Broadband speed should be at least 20 Mbps," he stated, stressing the importance of improving service delivery at every level.
The CA's special assistant also urged the domestic telecom entrepreneurs to create a stronger defence in the (future) competition with Starlink by upgrading their standards.
He addressed complaints against the mobile network operators (MNOs), urging them to acknowledge the concerns raised by consumers.
Additionally, he called on the nationwide telecommunication transmission network (NTTN) providers to focus on renting fibre infrastructure instead of selling bandwidth, with the aim of maximising the use of fibre networks - owned by the government institutions.
Taiyeb also revealed plans to monitor the international internet gateway (IIG) bandwidth usage to ensure greater efficiency in the system.
Ishraq Hossain, Special Assistant to the BNP's International Relations Committee, noted that access to the internet and information is a fundamental right.
He criticised the previous government for mismanaging the telecom sector, accusing it of fostering corruption and ineffective policies.
He advocated comprehensive reforms, emphasising the need for a white paper that would outline the corruption that took place in the sector over the last 16 years.
"We must eliminate monopolies and duopolies in the telecom sector, and future reforms should prioritise people's interests over corporate gain," he added.
Telecom expert Mahtab Uddin highlighted inefficiencies within the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), pointing out that the single-licence holders cannot compete effectively with those holding multiple licenses.
He stressed the need for a level playing field for all the service providers.
Fahim Mashroor, former president of BASIS, identified taxation as a major obstacle to reducing internet prices.
"Of every Tk 100 spent on data, Tk 60 goes to the government in taxes. Unless taxes are reduced, internet prices will remain high," he explained.
Saiful Islam Siddique, Managing Director of ICC Communication and former Senior Vice President of ISPAB, raised concerns about the challenges faced by the country's small internet service providers (ISPs).
"Despite our efforts to expand broadband to remote areas, we're facing stiff competition," he added.
Taimur Rahman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Banglalink, called for a simplified system involving 'one bill or one licence' - similar to practices in the developed countries.
He also suggested greater cooperation between the ISPs and the mobile operators to streamline operations.
Hossain Sadat, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at Grameenphone, echoed similar concerns, noting that licensing barriers prevent the operators from providing services efficiently.
Shah Md. Fazle Khoda, Director of Economic Regulation at Robi Axiata, opined that collaboration, not competition, is the key to moving forward in the telecom sector.
"That's why we chose not to apply for an ISP licence," he explained.
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