Teletalk's short-notice 'public hearing' draws fewer participants

State-owned mobile operator Teletalk convened what it termed as a "public hearing" just a day before the beginning of Durga Puja holidays, which appeared to be more restricted and low-profile than a genuine consultation.

The one-hour session, held virtually on 30 September from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, drew fewer than 100 participants and allowed only 15 persons to speak.

The programme's announcement was made only two days ahead through a short Facebook post, leaving many stakeholders unaware.

The operator also allowed a few selected journalists to cover the hearing session.

Several participants were critical about the poor publicity and ad-hoc arrangements, suggesting that Teletalk had made little effort to encourage willing participants.

Those who did manage to join the programme raised their grievances about weak network coverage and frequent call drops and absence of recharge points, inoperative data packs, inadequate customer services and SIM card overpricing in the hill tracts areas.

They also demanded reinstatement of a one-second pulse under the Bornomala package and making the mobile app more user-friendly.

The session was moderated by Deputy Manager of Teletalk Sharmin Siddika while the company's Deputy General Manager Mohammad Khalekuzzaman responded to the customers' complaints.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Siddika assured that such hearings would be arranged monthly in line with a government "Reform Commission" directive.

Speakers from across the country shared their experiences about call dropouts, limited or poor internet facility, poor services and inadequate recharging facilities and charging higher prices of SIM at hill tract areas.

However, the company termed the event an opportunity for gathering public opinions on its services.

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