Govt approves new telecom policy, operators optimistic, international gateways fear losing ground

The government has approved the Telecommunications Network and Licensing Policy 2025, introducing reforms aimed at simplifying Bangladesh's complex licensing regime and reinforcing digital sovereignty.

The policy, cleared by the Advisory Council today (4 September), reduces the existing 26 categories of licences, totalling 3,299, to just three broad types.

Announcing the details at the Foreign Service Academy, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, adviser in charge of the posts, telecommunications and ICT ministry, said the fragmented licensing system had long hindered service quality, fair pricing and innovation.

"The new policy seeks to ensure better quality of service, establish a simplified network topology, and create an investment-friendly environment," he said.

Under the new rules, international connectivity services, covering voice, data, internet and peering, will be managed by International Connectivity Service Providers. All such traffic must pass through Bangladesh to curb revenue leakage and illegal routes. 

Domestically, Access Network Service Providers will be required to interconnect voice and data locally, with options for consortium arrangements. Existing National Internet Exchange (NIX) licences will be scrapped, though peering arrangements are set to continue.

The policy also pledges to protect government revenue, expand affordable digital access to rural youth, and encourage local entrepreneurship.

Mixed reactions

Meanwhile, mobile operators have welcomed the move, describing it as a long overdue step towards unification.

Tanveer Mohammad, chief corporate affairs officer of Grameenphone, said, "The new licensing policy is a positive step towards unification, moving away from fragmented licensing. We believe this will benefit the industry. At the same time, we urge the government to finalise and publish the realistic guidelines at the earliest for effective implementation."

But, international gateway (IGW) operators voiced deep concern, warning the reforms could marginalise local businesses.

Asif Siraj Rabbani, president of the International Gateway Operators Forum (IOF), said, "The new policy risks handing over local businesses to foreign mobile network operators."

"In the IGW sector alone, we have invested Tk5,000 crore and contributed Tk10,500 crore in revenue to BTRC. Many skilled engineers work with us, yet policymaking hardly involves us. This is unacceptable and disappointing," he added.