Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and its licence holders are at odds over a proposed amendment to the telecommunication act, which suggests the revocation of licences for those who fails to pay dues in time.
"If the licensee fails to pay the fees, charges, etc. in time, it shall be liable to pay a late fee of 15 per cent per annum at a compound rate on the outstanding amount. If the amount along with late fee is not paid in full within 60 (sixty) days as stipulated, such failure may result in cancellation of the licence." according to proposed clause to be incorporated into Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act 2001.
As the licensees raised objections to this change, the BTRC has now invited their opinion on the issue.
In a notice issued last week, BTRC asks the licensees to give their opinions within 15 days mentioning their name, licence No. and mobile numbers.
In view of the government's directive regarding the proposed amendment or additions, comments, observations, opinions and recommendations of the stakeholders have been sought as per Section 39 of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act 2001, BTRC said.
Earlier, mobile phone operators raised strong objections to the move to unilaterally amend the Telecom Act, saying it could hamper business and erode investor confidence.
They said any amendment to the Telecom Act should be done through discussions, taking the views of the stakeholders into consideration.
BTRC said it clarified the rules relating to the payment of late fees and charges by Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) companies.
In February 2022, the Post and Telecommunications Division approved the amendments made by BTRC in the guidelines for issuing NTTN licence.
For NTTN companies, annual license fee should be paid within the stipulated date as per the proposed amendments.
Amount overdue can be paid within a window of 60 days after the due date, in which case, the licensee will have to pay the commission along with late fee at the rate of 15 per cent per annum as compensation. In default, the license may be cancelled.
Now, BTRC wants to replicate this for all other licensees.