The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) reshuffled the existing mobile data plans to ensure customers' benefits from the packages.
The regulator said the three-day mobile internet package was discontinued, but the customers now have the option to enjoy it for a longer period of seven days.
The announcement was made in an event - 'Mobile phone operators' data and data-related packages 2023' - at the BTRC building in Agargaon area on Sunday.
The BTRC recently introduced the new guidelines that no longer include data packages for three-day duration. As per the updated guidelines, mobile internet plans for seven days, 30 days, and unlimited usage were included.
The directives will come into effect from October 15.
Meanwhile, both customers and mobile operators expressed discontent regarding the discontinuation of the three-day data package.
Mustafa Jabbar, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, inaugurated the new guidelines for mobile phone operators' data and various packages.
Speaking as the chief guest at the ceremony, the minister said considering the customers' convenience, various instructions - including new data packages and duration - were determined.
Stating that giving 15 GB data for three days does not benefit the customers, he said the mobile operators want to limit the data period for business interest.
Calling on the operators to come out of the habit of making exorbitant profit, he also said people were confused because of many packages. Now 40 packages in the new guidelines instead of the previous 85 would give comfort to the customers.
BTRC Vice Chairman Md. Mohiuddin Ahmed said the agency is working to create fair competition in the telecommunication sector and take telecommunication services at the doorstep of marginalised people.
As a result of the new data package guidelines, the customers would be able to choose the data packages according to their choice without suffering. In the competitive market the operators would reduce data prices for their own interest, he added.
Later, Director General of BTRC (Systems and Services) Brigadier General Md. Nasim Parvez elaborated on the new package guidelines.
He said for changing the guidelines, the BTRC conducted meetings and discussions with all the parties concerned, took opinions from and exchanged views with the customers, and conducted online surveys.
The packages would have duration of seven days, 30 days and unlimited, which earlier were three days, seven days, 15 days and 30 days.
He said every operator can offer unlimited data packages in three different volumes - 25 GB, 50 GB and 75 GB.
"Any of the three volumes will be considered as an unlimited package. The volume can be changed later with approval of the BTRC," he added.
Speaking at the event, Grameenphone Chief Executive Officer Yasir Azman said the operators are always customer friendly.
"Ensuring customers' satisfaction will be given importance in future discussions with the BTRC."
Managing Director of Teletalk A K M Habibur Rahman said the BTRC's new guidelines gave transparent concepts to the operators and freedom to the customers. Welcoming the initiative of 40 packages, as set by the BTRC, he said Teletalk started working for keeping the number of packages within 40.
Robi's Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer Mohammad Shahedul Alam said Robi always strives to provide quality customer service and resolve every problem.
Stating that the operators would work together with the customers for building a 'Smart Bangladesh' he sought the BTRC's assistance in this regard.
AMTOB President and Banglalink CEO Eric Aus welcomed the new guidelines, and said Banglalink gives utmost importance on the customers' satisfaction.
BTRC Chairman (Senior Secretary) Shyam Sundar Sikder said the BTRC is working according to the responsibilities given to it in the Telecommunication Act.
Source: https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade/btrc-reshuffles-mobile-data-plans