Local Entrepreneurs Raise Concerns Over New Telecommunications Guidelines
Local entrepreneurs in Bangladesh have raised significant concerns about the newly introduced guidelines under the Telecommunications Ordinance, alleging that they disproportionately favor foreign investors and telecom operators while neglecting domestic businesses. These allegations were made during a meeting organized by the Telecom and Technology Reporters Network Bangladesh (TRNB) at a hotel in the capital on Saturday.
Favouring Foreign Entities
Speakers at the meeting emphasized that the guidelines provide cross-cutting licensing benefits primarily to foreign entities. Masud Kamal, a senior journalist and political analyst, pointed out that foreign interests are being prioritized over local investment. “Foreigners are being protected, while domestic entrepreneurs are being ignored,” he said. He also expressed skepticism about the interim government’s commitment to addressing these issues.
Aminul Hakim, president of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), warned that the government’s restrictions on private submarine cable connections are hindering internet affordability. “If private submarine cables were allowed, we could offer customers double the current internet packages at the same price,” he explained.
Legal Action and Discrepancies in Licensing Fees
Entrepreneurs have urged the government to address the issue immediately. Masud Kamal noted that “the problems raised at the meeting can only be solved by an elected government.” The discussion also touched on why the interim government chose to reform the telecommunications sector urgently instead of focusing on more critical areas such as education and health.
While welcoming the government’s reform initiative, local entrepreneurs expressed concern about several provisions in the guidelines. A key point of contention is the discrepancy in license fees for foreign and local companies. For instance, foreign companies like Starlink are required to pay Tk 12 lakh, while local ISP firms must pay Tk 25 lakh. This disparity, according to Sumon Ahmed Sabir, Deputy Managing Director of Fiber@Home, appears to benefit foreign players.
Criticism of Government Statements and Policy Revisions
Technology policy analyst Abu Najam Muhammad Tanvir Hossain criticized the government’s statement that the internet would “never be shut down” under the new policy, calling it a “public relations stunt.” He argued that accountability must be ensured in the policy itself if the internet is ever shut down. “The reform should not have been rushed,” he added.
Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan, General Secretary of ISPAB, emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified internet, free from segmentation into mobile, satellite, or other forms. However, he acknowledged that the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser has indicated that revisions to the draft policy may be considered.
Prioritizing Domestic Interests
M. Nurul Alam of ICX stressed that the policy should prioritize domestic entrepreneurship, GDP growth, and employment. “Our concerns were ignored during the reform process. We are facing discrimination,” he warned. He highlighted the challenges faced by small local firms competing against large foreign investments.
KM Tarikuzzaman, CTO of Summit Communications, added that the new policy mainly protects mobile operators. “The barriers that were previously removed are now being reinstated—taking us back to the pre-2008 era,” he said.
Keynote Speech on Protecting Domestic Interests
Rashed Mehedi, former TRNB President, delivered a keynote speech titled “How much role will the new policy of the telecommunications sector play in protecting the interests of domestic entrepreneurs?” His speech underscored the need for policies that support local businesses and ensure fair competition.
Masuduzzaman Robin, TRNB General Secretary, delivered the welcome speech, setting the tone for a productive and insightful discussion.