ZCZC
BSS-32
TELECOM-MARKET-EQUILIBRIUM
BTRC to focus on telcos’ market equilibrium
DHAKA, Jan 24, 2019 (BSS) – The telecom regulator plans to concentrate on market equilibrium in the telecommunication sector to break the uneven market share of mobile network operators (MNOs).
Officials said Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is going to implement the legal framework dubbed “significant market power (SMP)” as early as possible for the purpose.
BTRC Chairman Md Zahurul Haque said they would finalize the mode of SMP implementation in the next commission meeting.
“No more monopoly would exist in the telecommunication market after the implementation of the SMP,” he added.
Meanwhile, BTRC prepared a set of policy guidelines for MNOs to promote fair competition in telecommunications industry by creating a level playing field.
Bangladesh’s telecommunication sector has attained significant achievements last year such as introduction of 4G, member of elite satellite owners’ club, mobile number portability (MNP), successful test of 5G etc, but the telecom regulator has to do lot for ensuring market equilibrium as well as consumer’s satisfaction by addressing problems like call drop, mute call, unwanted promotional activities and data connectivity disruption.
In November 2018, BTRC issued a gazette notification regarding the SMP. The guidelines said an operator should be considered an SMP if its market share is above 40 per cent.
As per the new guidelines, BTRC officials said, leading mobile phone operator Grameenpnone would be considered as an SMP for having 45.8 percent market share. Besides, the second largest operator Robi has 30 percent stake in the market followed by Banglalink 22 percent and Teletalk has only 2.5 percent.
If any operator violates the guidelines, the commission will take action as per Section 64 of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2001 (amended 2010). It also allows the regulator to impose a fine of up to Taka 300 crore and a five-year jail term in case of non-payment of the fine within the timeframe set by the commission, they added.
After spending a long time, the guidelines have been finalized with everyone’s opinion. Although some market players will be affected commercially all have agreed on it for the sake of fair market competition.
Earlier in 2011, BTRC had planned to launch the SMP and prepared the guidelines. Later, on August 21, 2011, the guidelines were sent to the posts and telecommunications division for approval.
BSS/SPL/MAK/BR/1835