BTRC cancels 16 ISP licences for non-renewal
According to the circular, all 16 ISPs, operating across various upazilas and metropolitan areas, had reached the end of their authorised terms but did not submit renewal applications within the stipulated timeframe
Highlights:
- The ISPs were operating across various upazilas and metropolitan areas
- They did not submit renewal applications in time
- Operating under cancelled licence illegal and punishable
- The operators must return their original licence certificates within 30 days
- Officials say the move aims to strengthen regulatory oversight
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 decision was announced in an official notice issued on 5 November, signed by Lt Col Syed Md Tawfiq-ul-Islam, director of the BTRC's Licensing Division.
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According to the circular, all 16 ISPs, operating across various upazilas and metropolitan areas, had reached the end of their authorised terms but did not submit renewal applications within the stipulated timeframe.
The notice stated that the cancellations were made following due legal procedures and after assessing each operator's compliance status.
List of cancelled ISPs
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).
Some ISPs, such as Bani Networks Ltd and Neuron Institution of Information Technology, had multiple licenses cancelled.
Legal consequences for operators
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.
Implications
Officials said the cancellation drive underscores BTRC's focus on regulatory compliance and accountability within the telecom sector.
By terminating licences of service providers that failed to fulfil mandatory renewal obligations, the BTRC aims to strengthen oversight, maintain service standards, and ensure lawful operation of all ISPs serving local communities, said an official.
