Cancelled ISPs: Who lost licences, what are the legal consequences
"Any activities carried out under a cancelled licence will be considered illegal and punishable under the Bangladesh Telecommunication (Amendment) Act, 2010," the circular said.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has cancelled the licences of 16 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) after the companies failed to renew their permissions despite the expiry of their validity periods
The cancelled licenses cover ISPs operating in various upazilas and metropolitan zones of Bangladesh.
The cancelled IPSs are 3G Point Internet (Fatullah), Amar Online BD (South Keraniganj), Bani Networks Ltd (Gulshan & Banani units), BD Solution Online (Khilgaon), Durend Network & Agro (Shanthia), Friends Network (Sarankhola), Desh BD Technologies (Kafrul), Neuron Institution of Information Technology (Jibannagar, Damurhuda, Chuadanga sadar), Online Cable Network Connection (Tongi West), Search Net (Adabor), Sky Fiber Communications (Bangshal), Smart Net (Kamrangirchar), SS Networks (Kushtia Sadar).
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Some ISPs, such as Bani Networks Ltd and Neuron Institution of Information Technology, had multiple licenses cancelled.
Legal consequences for operator
The BTRC warned that any telecommunications or internet-related activities under a cancelled licence will now be deemed illegal.
"Any activities carried out under a cancelled licence will be considered illegal and punishable under the Bangladesh Telecommunication (Amendment) Act, 2010," the circular said.
Such activities include operating network infrastructure, providing services to customers, or conducting any telecom-related business in the affected areas.
The cancelled ISPs have also been instructed to return their original licence certificates to the commission. Additionally, BTRC's finance, accounts and revenue divisions have been directed to recover any outstanding dues from the operators within 30 working days.
