ZCZC
BSS-20
BTRC-TOWERS-MNO
BTRC to force MNOs into accepting mobile tower cos
DHAKA, April 30, 2019 (BSS) – Amid the non-cooperation of mobile network operators (MNOs), the telecom regulator has started the process of preparing a draft agreement to help the business of mobile tower companies grow.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) would prepare the draft agreement within 2-3 weeks following the failure of MNOs and tower companies in reaching a consensus even after repeated directives, said officials.
BTRC Director General (Legal and Licensing) A K M Shahiduzzaman said without the cooperation of MNOs, the tower companies could not run their operation. “BTRC is compelled to intervene in the tower sharing (handover or lease or sale) process for their disagreement.”
On November 1 last year, the government issued license to four firms to run mobile phone tower operations as part of its move to separate the network business from telecom services with a view to rationalizing the number of towers in the country and reduce the financial burden of MNOs.
As per the license, edotco Bangladesh, TASC Summit Towers, Kirtonkhola Tower and AB Hightech Consortium are now responsible to build, maintain and rent out the towers to mobile operators, internet service providers and WiMAX operators. The MNOs must rent or lease or sell out their over 30,000 towers to the tower companies, according the licensing guideline.
But, apart from the edotco Bangladesh, all failed to comply with the roll out obligation mainly due to the MNOs’ non-cooperation. Edotco Bangladesh, a subsidiary of Axiata Group, took over the towers of mobile network operator Robi, another sister concern of Axiata in Bangladesh.
Shahiduzzaman said BTRC several times asked the MNOs and towers companies to reach an agreement but they failed, and later the commission sat with them but the meeting also ended without result. “MNOs are trying to impose some absurd conditions which cannot be implemented cent percent.”
Finally, BTRC gave them one week’s time for agreement but no result came and that is why the commission has intervened, he added.
“We would finalize a draft agreement following the existing agreement within 2-3 weeks, and MNOs and tower companies have to comply it as final decision after the approval of the commission,” said the BTRC Director General.
As per the licensing conditions, the tower companies will have to start operation within six months of getting the license.
After the commencement of operation, tower companies will have to provide service in all the divisional headquarters within one year, in the district headquarters in two years, 30 percent of the upazilas in three years, 60 percent of the upazilas in four years and all the upazilas in five years.
BSS/SPL/MAK/BR/1740