Masuduzzaman Robin:
The regulatory body BTRC is bringing changes in the guidelines for Internet Service Provider (ISP) licenses. In the meantime, if this decision is finalized in the organization’s commission meeting, it has been sent to the Ministry of Telecommunication for approval. However, the investors of this sector are disappointed as the guidelines do not include the opportunity to upgrade the license.
Basically, the aim of this reform is to spread high-speed internet services at the grassroots level in Smart Bangladesh Binimarne.
Commissioner of BTRC Sheikh Riaz Ahmed said that some clauses of the existing guidelines have to be changed. The proposed change has been approved by our commission. We have already sent it to the ministry. It is under process, there approval will remove the complexity of renewal.
As part of the reforms, BTRC plans to temporarily stop issuing ISP licenses. These decisions are being taken due to lack of sufficient applications for licenses in certain areas and administrative complications in evaluating applications. The company wants to complete the licensing process through software to solve the complexity.
Sheikh Riaz Ahmed said, those who want ISP license, they can register through the software. If a provider is required at any location, 5 applications must be submitted. Licenses will be selected from among them, they will be in automated process.
Internet service providers are seeing the reform of licensing guidelines as a positive. However, investors in this sector are disappointed as the guidelines do not include an opportunity to update licenses.
ISPAB President Imdadul Haque said that the issue of upgrade was not brought in the new guidelines. If it is not brought, then what? If our small entrepreneurs do not see the future of their businesses, they will fold after a while.
It should be noted that the commission meeting of BTRC has decided to temporarily suspend the acceptance of applications for new ISP licenses from March 1.
