The Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has drafted the "National Broadband Policy 2023" to help Bangladesh grow as an advanced digital economy.
The policy aims at universal access to state-of-the-art, high-capacity broadband networks, services, technology platforms, devices and applications.
It will enable and expand access to new telecom operator licences and open-market entry with a level-playing field, including national and unified licences.
The policy will also authorize community-based networks for ensuring competitive infrastructure investments to expand access and connectivity.
Spectrum will be utilized more efficiently allowing more cost-effective and extended delivery of wireless broadband services by competing operators, according to the draft policy.
However, it will review licence and spectrum fees to enhance incentives for increased network investment and more equitable competition, which was a long demand of the telecom operators.
The telecom regulator has sought views/suggestions on the draft policy from stakeholders, experts, researchers or any other interested parties concerned by November 17.
The government will adopt and amend necessary laws and regulations relating to digital finance.
The policy will ensure consumer protection, security, legality of digital signatures, compensation for fraud or deficient service and other elements of e-commerce.
Broadband technologies will help generate new, well-paying employment and business opportunities in the ICT sector, and enable financial inclusion, more effective government services, and social integration and opportunity for all.
According to the policy, market competition will become more equitable, leading to increased investment, greater diversity of service options, higher quality of service and lower prices.
The policy will "help establish infrastructure and resources so that these are widely and efficiently shared among competing operators and across sectors, leading to reduced costs, more network investment and greater competition."
It will review corporate tax policies applied to network operators and investors to ensure maximum incentives for investment in the expansion of broadband infrastructure and services.
The policy will encourage private telcos to invest in the expansion of infrastructure and connectivity in unserved and underserved areas, and upgrade their networks under rational licence terms to be agreed.
The policy will develop rules and regulations to promote universal deployment of public ICT access facilities and services in all communities on a commercial and public service basis.
It will also develop a national public Wi-Fi policy.
The policy will consider further revisions of tax policies applied to various categories of devices and components, including both import tariffs and retail sales taxes, to ensure that the most effective balance of incentives and economic impacts are maintained to grow all segments of the industry.
Source: https://www.dhakatribune.com/business/329646/btrc-prepares-national-broadband-policy