Shamim Ahmed
bdnews24.com correspondent
Dhaka, Feb 16 (bdnews24.com)—The BTRC started screening the firms recommended by the telecommunication ministry for three types of long-distance licences on Thursday.
A list will be returned to the ministry after the scrutiny, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) chairman Zia Ahmed told bdnews24.com.
He said they have been directed to check if any firm is selected for more than one type of licence or any person has shares in more than one firm.
"If so, they will get only one type of licence," he added.
The ministry on Wednesday directed the telecoms regulator to check the list of 85 firms.
Long-distance operators and BTRC have expressed concern that the market's mix will be upset if 'so many' firms are given licence.
The operators have also warned of an 'uneven competition'.
The ministry last week sent to the regulator the final list of the 25 firms selected for International Gateway (IGW), 21 for Interconnection Exchange (ICX) and 39 for International Internet Gateway (IIG) licences.
BTRC director general (legal and licences) A K M Shahiduzzaman had told bdnews24.com on Dec 8 that the firms will have to give Tk 150 million for licence for IGW, Tk 50 million for ICX and Tk 500,000 for IIG.
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