Dhaka, Nov 08 (V7N) — Industry experts and stakeholders have expressed serious concern that the newly proposed telecom guidelines and ordinance could put local entrepreneurs at risk and drive up service costs if approved.

Speaking at a seminar organized by the Telecom Reporters’ Network Bangladesh (TRNB), participants said the proposed policy would negatively impact state-owned operators Teletalk and BTCL, while disproportionately benefiting foreign-owned mobile companies.

Domestic entrepreneurs alleged that the draft policy prioritizes the interests of multinational telecom operators, potentially undermining local investment and competition. They warned that this approach could reshape the sector’s regulatory framework in favor of global corporations.

According to the draft, the license fees for operators are expected to increase significantly, and foreign companies could gain control over transmission network services. Stakeholders cautioned that this could lead to monopolization of the internet bandwidth market, ultimately causing higher internet prices for consumers.

Speakers also criticized the proposal for weakening the independence of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). They warned that under the new structure, the BTRC could become a government-dependent body, vulnerable to political influence rather than functioning as an autonomous regulator.

END/SMA/AJ