Telcos warn of network disruptions, seek priority fuel and power

Mobile telecom operators have urged the regulator to ensure priority allocation of fuel and electricity for network operations, warning that disruptions in supply could affect nationwide connectivity.

Limited availability of fuel at filling stations is creating risks for maintaining uninterrupted telecom services across the country, Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) said in a letter to the chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) yesterday (9 March). 

Companies have also expressed concern about sustaining operations during the upcoming Eid holidays amid government indications of possible load shedding.

AMTOB Secretary General Mohammad Zulfikar said mobile operators rely heavily on diesel- and petrol-powered generators to keep networks running, particularly during power outages. 

"If fuel supply becomes uncertain, it could hamper maintenance activities, generator operations and emergency responses required to keep the telecom network functioning," he said.

The association noted that telecommunications have been declared an essential service by the government and currently support more than 185 million mobile subscribers across the country. 

Telecom infrastructure also plays a vital role in enabling emergency communication, public safety services, digital financial transactions, business operations and government services.

According to the letter, reduced fuel availability at some filling stations has already created operational challenges for operators. 

AMTOB warned that insufficient fuel supply could lead to network outages across large geographical areas, instability in data centres, equipment damage and longer service restoration times.

To prevent such disruptions, the association requested the regulator to coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure priority fuel allocation for mobile network operators and tower companies. 

It also called for uninterrupted fuel supply for core network facilities and data centres, assured fuel availability for base transceiver stations (BTS) and maintenance vehicles, and reduced load shedding at critical telecom infrastructure sites.

Bangladesh has been facing persistent energy challenges in recent times as the country remains heavily dependent on imported fuels, including liquefied natural gas, petroleum products and coal.

The war in the Middle East has raised concern of fuel supply, triggering the government to adopt rationing measures. Conflict has also sparked panic buying, creating shortages at fuel pumps.