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The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has set base prices for 79.2 MHz of spectrum held by three mobile operators, approved a six-month trial of an artificial intelligence-based customer service system for Robi and fined 116 internet service providers (ISPs) for failing to submit information to its database.
The decisions were taken at the commission’s 312th meeting on October 14, chaired by BTRC Chairman Major General Md Emdad Ul Bari (retd.).
The commission set 15-year base prices of Tk 237 crore per MHz for the 900 MHz band, Tk 198 crore for the 1800 MHz band and Tk 172 crore for the 2100 MHz band.
Grameenphone holds 32.4 MHz, Robi 22.4 MHz and Banglalink 24.4 MHz of spectrum whose current terms are due to expire on November 10, 2026. As their licences remain valid until March 2039, the renewal prices will be calculated on a pro-rata basis for the remaining 12 years and four months.
BTRC will send the proposal to the Posts and Telecommunications Division for approval, with payment proposed in eight equal instalments.
The commission also granted Robi Axiata approval for a six-month trial of its AI-based Verbex Voicebot through Google Cloud Platform. The approval requires safeguards for customer data, including a ban on transferring personally identifiable information and complete call detail records abroad. Customers must also be able to opt out of the AI service and switch to human representatives.
BTRC imposed fines on 116 ISPs for failing to provide information to its Data Information System (DIS). The penalties vary according to providers’ licence categories and compliance status. Unregistered providers have also been directed to register within 30 days, with further action, including licence cancellation, possible for non-compliance.
The commission decided to restrict internet protocol telephony services by 50 per cent for four companies over overdue payments, although three were subsequently confirmed to have settled their dues. It also fined mobile number portability service provider Infogilion Teletech Tk 100,000 for repeated payment delays and decided to pursue Tk 50.17 million in outstanding dues.
In another decision, BTRC upheld a Tk 500,000 fine against nationwide telecommunications transmission network operator Fiber@Home for launching a project without authorisation, directing it to pay within 10 working days.
The meeting also approved various spectrum allocations and renewals, measures concerning telecommunications licences and payment arrears, and higher grades for 38 BTRC officials.
