Robi, Banglalink, and Teletalk, along with industry experts, have urged for the effective implementation of Significant Market Power (SMP) guidelines to ensure fair competition and sustainable investments in Bangladesh’s telecom sector. Despite 20 restrictions imposed on Grameenphone (GP) in 2019, only three have been enforced, limiting the guidelines’ effectiveness.
During a roundtable titled “Telecommunications Sector: Stalled Investments and Unequal Competition,” legal expert Barrister Rashna Imam stressed the need for BTRC (Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission) to use its full legal powers to create a level playing field for all telecom operators. The sector has been marked by an imbalance, with GP benefiting from market power while smaller operators struggle.
Robi Axiata’s Shahedul Alam and Banglalink’s Taimur Rahman highlighted the challenges smaller operators face, including unfair cross-subsidies from GP. Teletalk’s managing director, Nurul Mabud Chowdhury, echoed concerns about the severity of the competition imbalance. Industry leaders called for reforms, efficient equipment sharing, and government support to promote fair competition.
BTRC Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Emdad ul Bari expressed his commitment to implementing necessary reforms while encouraging industry collaboration. However, he noted that decisions must still pass through government approval.
