The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has launched efforts to reform the country's telecom licensing regime to align with contemporary demands.

A committee, led by BTRC Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Iqbal Ahmed, has already held three meetings to restructure the network and licensing roadmap.

BTRC Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Md Emdad Ul Bari shared this information at a press conference at the commission's office in Dhaka yesterday.

"Currently, we observe that many licences are functioning as intermediaries, increasing costs instead of promoting cost efficiency. We intend to review this and strive for a licensing framework that is streamlined, effective, and efficient," he said.

Bari said that the reforms aim to safeguard consumer interests rather than protect business entities. The initiative seeks to foster healthy competition and collaboration among stakeholders, including consumers, businesses, and the government.

Addressing challenges such as transitioning from existing licences, establishing sustainable investment policies, and creating effective regulations, the BTRC plans to submit its reform proposals to the government by March.

The chairman acknowledged the need for consumer-centric policies to ensure sustainability and facilitate, rather than regulate, telecom companies.

He said the committee would streamline complex network structures, reduce pressure on spectrum usage, and enhance fixed broadband services. The commission also aims to adopt green technologies and promote active sharing to support digital service expansion.

He mentioned plans to eliminate unnecessary licences and terminate licences that hinder healthy competition.

The proposed framework will address gaps in clear and sustainable policies, which have deterred investor interest, he said.

Regarding 5G, Bari said that consultations are ongoing, and preparations are underway to auction the 700 MHz band spectrum by June.

However, no definitive timeline for the 5G rollout has been established.

The BTRC will also advise the government on developing policies that position telecom as a key enabler of digital development, focusing on simplified, efficient, and cost-effective networks to meet growing digital demands, he said.

He said VAT and taxes are the government's concern, not the BTRC's. However, VAT and taxes should be reduced as much as possible. Internet services need to be more accessible.

Regarding attracting foreign investment in the telecommunication and internet sector, Bari said that to attract foreign investment, the country must establish investment-friendly regulations. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta have emphasised that liability for social media posts should rest with the individual who made the post, not the platform itself.

"We will communicate this perspective to the government," he added.