Telecommunication regulator is planning to impose fee on technology neutrality of mobile phone operatrors.
“There are examples of imposing fee on tech neutrality fee in other countries. We also have such plans,” Sarwar Alam, secretary and spokesman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, told the Dhaka Tribune.
According to the operators, technology neutrality will allow mobile the operators to use the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands for 3G services.
As the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands provide better coverage than 2100 MHz, mobile internet services could be provided more efficiently in rural areas.
Meanwhile, the BTRC is drafting a policy guideline to allow another operate to participate in 4G mobile broadband auction.
To get 4G license, every mobile operator will have to pay Tk15 crore and then a fee every year. After finalising the policy guideline, it will be sent to Posts and Telecommunication Division soon.
Sources said the commission is also planning to offer 4G licence before spectrum auction. But mobile phone operators are expecting spectrum auction urgently to ensure better services.
Although the BTRC is ready to provide tech neutrality, the mobile phone operators will have to give a fee to get it.
The operators don’t want to comment anything about it but said they are opposed to the tech neutrality fee.
If the BTRC fails to settle the tech neutrality or 4G auction issue with the mobile operators, the auction will hang in the balance this time also.
The regulator has almost finalised a structure on action at a meeting in March. It will now be sent to the telecommunication ministry for approval.
Now, BTRC sas 40 MHz spectrum in different bands. Earlier, the regulator took an initiative but failed to hold the spectrum auction due to mobile operators’ unwillingness.
In 2013, the regulator conducted the 3G spectrum auction in which four private mobile phone companies took part.
Source: http://www.dhakatribune.com/business/2017/04/07/btrc-plans-tech-neutrality-fee/