Industry stakeholders have voiced strong opposition to a telecom licensing policy proposed in April that seeks to phase out interconnection exchange (ICX) operators. ICX providers facilitate connectivity between mobile, fixed line, and international networks, acting as central hubs for seamless communication.
At a recent workshop in Dhaka, ICX operators criticized the policy for lacking data-driven analysis and urged pilot projects and evidence-based assessments before making structural changes. They recommended a trial regulation of the currently unregulated international SMS sector through a structured ICX model.
Operators highlighted that despite the number of ICX licenses, operations have been consolidated into five key Points of Interconnection across Bangladesh, effectively creating a streamlined national platform that reduces technical complexity. They argued that the current system already functions like a single ICX with room for administrative improvements.
The draft policy’s claim that mandatory ICXs increase costs and hinder innovation was challenged by operators, who pointed out the lack of clear definitions and evidence to support these assertions. They warned that the policy’s stance is inaccurate and influenced by misleading marketing narratives rather than factual analysis.
