The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) has raised concerns over Bangladesh’s draft licensing regulations for telecom operators, warning that several provisions conflict with the goals of the newly approved Telecommunications Network and Licensing Policy (TNLP) 2025. While acknowledging the regulator’s reform efforts, the industry body cautioned that the proposed guidelines could discourage foreign investment, restrict participation, and create regulatory uncertainty.
In a letter to BTRC Chairman Md Emdad Ul Bari — also copied to the Prime Minister’s ICT adviser — GSMA said draft rules for cellular operators, connectivity providers, fixed service operators, and international gateway providers introduce new restrictions unrelated to TNLP 2025. These include tighter eligibility requirements, added approval layers, and complex infrastructure rollout terms that could weaken market openness and investor confidence.
A key issue involves eligibility for National Infrastructure & Connectivity Service Providers (NICSPs). Although the TNLP allows broad participation, the draft rules propose strict preconditions such as operating at least 5,000 towers or 50,000km of fibre and committing Tk 200 crore in investments within three years. GSMA noted these limits contradict earlier efforts to attract foreign capital and expand infrastructure sharing.
The association also strongly objected to a proposal requiring operators to divest their tower and fibre assets by June 30, 2027 — warning that forced sales tied to long-term financing could be seen as expropriation and harm Bangladesh’s investment reputation.
Additionally, GSMA opposed allowing fixed telecom operators to use IMT spectrum bands — reserved globally for high-speed mobile services — arguing it would distort competition and undermine spectrum auction value.
Despite the concerns, GSMA reaffirmed support for Bangladesh’s reform agenda and offered continued guidance to align the licensing framework with the policy’s intent of boosting affordability, competition, and digital transformation.
