BTRC revokes 334 telecom service licenses over non-renewal

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has revoked 334 telecom service licenses as the firms did not apply for renewal despite expiry of their licenses.

In a circular by the BTRC Licensing Wing issued on Tuesday, the regulator instructed these firms to surrender the original copies of their licenses or registration certificates and settle all outstanding dues within 30 days.

Among the 334 affected firms are eight nationwide internet service providers (ISPs), including prominent names like Idea Tech, Intech, M/s Dynamic Analojix, Maxnet Online, Aalok IT, Paradise Technologies, Data Edge, and the Bangladesh Internet Exchange Limited.

About 28 divisional ISPs, 193 Upazila level ISPs, 32 business process outsourcing firms, six IP telephony service providers—Connect BD, HRC, Fusion Net, Information Services Network, Metronet Bangladesh and Royal Green—also lost their licenses, according to the circular.

The list also includes licenses of 63 telecom value added services and four vehicle tracking system firms.

Telecommunication services provided by these unlicensed firms will be deemed illegal, said the BTRC.

A senior BTRC official told TBS that a large number of the firms owe significant dues to the authority. 

BTRC has issued nearly 3,300 licenses to 26 types of telecommunication and relevant services providers.