Published : 23 Sep 2025, 04:48 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 01:50 PM
The government has published the “Telecommunication Network and Licensing Policy” gazette amid growing opposition from different stakeholders in the sector.
The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology issued the gazette on Monday, following objections raised by multiple operators.
Earlier, the Advisory Council approved the policy on Sept 4.
During a press briefing, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, the chief advisor's special assistant on ICT, said the new policy aims to reduce “middlemen” and promote a more competitive environment in the sector.
“The policy aims to streamline licensing and reduce the number of intermediaries, ensuring competitive services without reducing government revenue,” said Taiyeb.
He also added that the new policy would reduce the 26 types of licences issued by the BTRC to just three, with an additional licence for satellite-dependent telecom services.
Despite these claims, mobile operators Robi and Banglalink have expressed concerns about the policy.
Robi said the policy does not meet their expectations, as it fails to reflect the proposals discussed with the government. Banglalink welcomed some aspects but raised concerns about the mandatory ownership requirements, which they believe could deter foreign investment.
Telecom businesses like IIG, IGW, and ICX, which operate as intermediaries in the sector, have expressed their strong opposition to the new policy and have threatened to challenge it in court.
