DHAKA, Feb 4, 2020 (BSS) – Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) has taken a scheme to run several projects involving Taka 22,000 crore in different capacities to turn the company into services oriented through establishing a strong foot prints in telecom industry by 2030.
Besides, the state-owned company has been implementing another four projects with a cost of Taka 2,835 crore to upgrade its switching system, network and internet protocol (IP), said officials.
In a meeting with the Telecom Reporters’ Network Bangladesh (TRNB), a platform of journalists who work in telecommunication and digital issues, BTCL top officials elaborated their future plan and the ongoing projects.
They said establishment of telecom network in Mirersarai Economic Zone area and WiFi services at over 500 school and colleges after connecting those with fiber optic cable projects are the mentionable among the ongoing projects.
The company has also another five projects which are waiting for approvals in both planning and telecommunication ministry approximately involvement of Taka 3,975 crore.
At the same time, BTCL also conceptualized another nine projects which would require Taka 15,310 crore.
“The government is very serious about 5G mobile services and that is why BTCL has the responsibility to develop a compatible network equipped for it as a network operator,” said BTCL Managing Director Dr Md Rafiqul Matin.
As previously BTCL’s IP based network was not stronger enough, the current management is trying to make their service even competitive with the private entities, he said.
When the ongoing projects will be completed BTCL can challenge anyone with their internet quality, said Matin.
“Once there was said that if BTCL’s network went off in Thursday it will not live again before Sunday, but the scenario has changed now and are making it live within hours.”
Deputy managing director (planning) A K M Habibur Rahman said they have run different feasibility studies before finalising any projects and hoped these projects will make the state-owned venture stronger.
He informed they have plans to ensure household connectivity and establish fiber optic network in 16 hard to reach upzilas.
The company is also planning to establish telecom network in Utarra third phase and other Rajuk approved large residential areas.
It also plans to establish telecom museum and Telecom University.
Replying to a query regarding listing at stock market, Rafiqul Matin said there is a process for listing, but before it BTCL needs to secure profit at least three consecutive years.