Dhaka: Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) chairman Maj Gen Md Emdad Ul Bari (retd) today vowed to ensure affordable, diverse, and safe services, emphasizing the need to reduce data prices as a key component of his service delivery strategy. “We want to make the services safe, affordable and diverse, and we will do whatever is required for it,” he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the chairman expressed his determination during a roundtable discussion titled ‘Importance of telecommunication networks to meet future challenges’, organized by Telecom and Technology Reporters’ Network, Bangladesh (TRNB) at a city hotel. He highlighted the necessity of a transparent approach involving industry consultation, public input, and expert advice in these matters.
Emdad Ul Bari underscored the importance of reducing data prices, asserting that it is crucial for service delivery. However, he cautioned against jeopardizing network sustainability by indiscriminately lowering data costs
. He emphasized the priority of making services accessible to people, stating, “It’s not our primary goal to make the business sustainable, we will do business sustainable as a means. Our aim is service.”
The chairman assured that measures will be taken to enhance outreach, contemplating the potential benefits of consolidating or expanding licenses based on value creation. He also indicated a shift from voice-centric to data-centric networks, while stressing the need for comprehensive evaluation before making decisions on unified licenses and technology-neutrality.
He mentioned the impending expiration of significant licenses by 2027, stressing the importance of stakeholder consultation to establish a sustainable network and ensure a level playing field. The BTRC is committed to supporting weaker entities through policy interventions.
Highlighting the role of young entrepreneurs, the chairman remarked that telecommunication infrastructure requires substantial investment but offers opportunities for the you
th in digital and internet services with smaller investments. He encouraged scaling up these businesses to engage more young people productively.
Addressing licensing, he advocated for a reduction in the number of licenses, citing the international gateway license as an example where fewer licenses would have been more logical. The BTRC intends to avoid dependency on a few companies, with the option to issue more licenses if necessary.
Former President of TRNB Rashed Mehedi presented the keynote. TRNB President Samir Kumar Dey chaired the event, with general secretary Masuduzzaman Robin delivering the welcome address. Key figures from the telecommunications industry and academia also participated in the discussion.