AMTOB supports telecom sector reforms, rejects 'foreign favouritism' claim

Bangladesh’s private mobile operators have voiced support for the government's new policy initiative to reform the telecommunications sector despite concerns that the proposed framework will narrow their operational scope.

In a statement released on Tuesday night, the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB), representing Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink, said the proposed reforms align with global best practices and confirmed their backing for the government's plan.

The government is in the process of overhauling network and licensing policies for the telecom sector, including the introduction of a three-tiered licensing structure.

However, the move has drawn criticism from mid-level domestic licensees who argue that the draft policy favours foreign companies and marginalises local firms.

Over the past month, operators in the International Gateway (IGW), International Internet Gateway (IIG), Interconnection Exchange (ICX), and Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) businesses have raised concerns.

They warn that the implementation of the draft policy could result in mass layoffs, the collapse of local firms, and significant government revenue loss.

In response, the interim government has acknowledged past instances of political favouritism in issuing telecom licences.

It has also initiated investigations and a white paper on alleged corruption in the sector is awaited.

AMTOB PUSHES BACK AGAINST FAVOURITISM CLAIMS

In its statement, AMTOB rejected the claim that foreign or multinational operators are being given preferential treatment under the proposed reforms.

“We categorically state that the current draft does not grant any undue advantages to mobile operators. In fact, despite their pivotal role in providing nationwide telecom and digital services, the new policy proposes to further restrict their operational freedom,” AMTOB said.

It added that under the proposed structure, mobile operators would lose the ability to deploy their own fibre infrastructure or establish independent towers, freedoms they previously had.

AMTOB also criticised intermediary infrastructure providers, such as IGW, IIG, ICX, and NTTN operators, for failing to ensure seamless connectivity, which they argue has increased operational costs and reduced service quality.

AMTOB blamed the 2007 International Long Distance Telecommunication Services Policy (ILDTSP) for fragmenting the telecom landscape and creating unnecessary regulatory and infrastructural hurdles.

“The ILDTSP led to the creation of multiple intermediaries that have not contributed meaningfully to national connectivity. Instead, they have driven up costs and hampered innovation,” the association noted.

While the current draft does not address all of the longstanding challenges faced by mobile operators, AMTOB sees it as a “bold and necessary first step” towards meaningful reform.

The proposed three-tier licensing model includes international connectivity services, national infrastructure connectivity services, and access network services.

AMTOB noted that in many countries, mobile operators are allowed to own and manage their entire infrastructure stack, enabling lower costs and better-quality service.

In contrast, the mandatory multi-layer licensing model in Bangladesh has hampered sectoral growth and impacted consumer experience.

While acknowledging that the draft is not a final solution, AMTOB urged all stakeholders, including IGW operators and NTTNs, to participate constructively in driving sector-wide improvements.

“We call on all sector participants to work together toward a more efficient and inclusive telecom future. AMTOB is committed to partnering with the government and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to develop and implement a realistic, effective, and forward-looking policy framework,” it said.