Mobile operators hail govt's proposed telecom reforms

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Dhaka, Jun 3 – The Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) has voiced support for the government’s proposed Telecommunications Network and Licensing Reform Policy 2025, terming it a “bold and necessary step” towards overhauling the country’s outdated telecom regulatory framework.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the industry body acknowledged recent media discussions surrounding the draft policy and called for a clearer, fact-based understanding of the reforms.

“While we appreciate the concerns raised by stakeholders, we believe it is critical to present a clearer, fact-based perspective regarding the proposed reform,” said AMTOB.

Refuting claims that the draft favours foreign companies or mobile operators, AMTOB said that the proposed policy does not offer any undue advantage to either group.

In fact, it continues to curtail the operational scope of mobile operators, who are at the frontline of delivering telecom and digital services to consumers across the country, it said.

Citing legacy issues stemming from the 2007 International Long Distance Telecommunication Services (ILDTS) Policy, AMTOB criticised the sector’s fragmentation, which introduced multiple intermediary entities such as IGWs, IIGs, ICXs, and NTTNs. These entities, according to AMTOB, add minimal value to service delivery while inflating costs and creating inefficiencies.

Despite these limitations, the association welcomed the government's intent, describing the new policy structure which proposes dividing the licensing regime into International Connectivity Services, National Infrastructure Connectivity Services, and Access Network Services as a marked improvement over the current model.

The association argued that, in most countries, mobile operators are granted the autonomy to manage end-to-end infrastructure, resulting in more affordable and higher-quality services for consumers. In contrast, Bangladesh’s heavily segmented licensing regime continues to stifle sectoral growth and compromise user experience.

“Reform in the telecom sector is not just an industry imperative — it is a national interest,” AMTOB stressed, adding that a modern, competitive telecom ecosystem is vital to achieving a digitally advanced economy and supporting national socio-economic goals.

“While the current reform proposal is not the final solution, it sets the right tone,” the statement said. - UNB