The government of Bangladesh is implementing major reforms in its telecommunications sector through a new three-tier licensing framework, categorizing licenses into international connectivity, national infrastructure, and access network services. This policy overhaul aims to modernize the sector, enhance regulatory clarity, and align with global best practices.
The Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB), which includes major players such as Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink, supports the reforms as a bold and necessary initial step. However, the new rules will restrict certain operational freedoms, including limits on deploying proprietary fiber infrastructure and constructing independent towers.
While AMTOB backs the reforms, mid-level domestic operators in areas like International Gateway (IGW), International Internet Gateway (IIG), Interconnection Exchange (ICX), and Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) have raised concerns. They argue the draft policy disproportionately favors foreign companies over local firms, potentially causing job losses, threatening smaller businesses, and reducing government revenues.
AMTOB rejects claims of foreign favoritism, instead criticizing intermediary infrastructure providers for connectivity issues and higher costs, attributing these challenges to a fragmented regulatory environment stemming from the 2007 International Long Distance Telecommunication Services Policy (ILDTSP).
In response to previous licensing-related political favoritism, the interim government has launched investigations into sector corruption, with a forthcoming white paper expected to enhance transparency and accountability. AMTOB also noted that many countries permit mobile operators to own and manage their full infrastructure, which results in lower costs and improved service quality—suggesting this model as a potential guide for future telecom reforms in Bangladesh.
