| GOVERNMENT
OF THE PEOPLE’S
REPUBLIC
OF BANGLADESH
Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications
NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY
1998
Dhaka. March
1998.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
PREFACE
The
telecommunications1 sector in Bangladesh has been characterized by a very low level of penetration,
limited capability to meet the growing demand, low level of investment
and old outdated systems and technologies necessitating reactive remedial
measures. In order to develop a national sound telecommunication infrastructure
to support the economy and welfare of the country by providing telecommunication
facilities on demand, assuring satisfactory quality of service and ensuring
value to the customers, a sound National Telecommunication Policy is essential.
This is also imperative to ensure the cost based pricing2 of
the present as well as the future services to satisfy the need of specialized
groups in particular and the public in general. With this in view, this
new policy will ensure the orderly development of the telecommunications
sector through the provision of services in all the areas of the country,
to satisfy the un-serviced demand 3 for telecommunications
and to provide equitable opportunity and competition amongst the service
providers.
2.
VISION:
The
Strategic Vision of the Government is to facilitate Universal Telephone
Service throughout the country and where there is a demand, all those
value added services such as cellular mobile telephone paging, data services,
access to Internet (including electronic mail), Voice mail and video conferencing
– all at an affordable cost without compromising performance.
To
achieve the Vision, Government’s role as a service provider will diminish
as the private sector’s role increases. The Government’s objective will
be to create a new policy environment to support this new scenario. Its
ability to create policy, regulate and facilitate will be strengthened
through a new Telecommunications Act which reflects the Government’s new
policies, objectives and strategies and the establishment of new institutions
including a Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) which will become
the guardian of the Act and fulfill its regulatory functions.
1
as recommended by ITU it means any process that enables a correspondent
to pass to one or more given correspondents ( telegraphy or telephony)
.or possible correspondents ( broadcasting), information of any nature
delivered in any usable form (written or printed matter, fixed or moving
pictures, words, music , visible or audible signals , signals controlling
the functioning of mechanism etc) by means of any electromagnetic system
( electrical transmission by wire, radio transmission, optical transmission
etc. or a combination of such systems)
2
refers to system of pricing in which the actual cost of providing service
establishes the basic charge to which a fixed mark –up is added to collect
a standard charge to all users without discrimination.
3
refers to pending registered applications waiting for a long time to get
connections due to paucity of capacity both in the switching or in the
external
line plant. It also includes the probable applications which will be forthcoming
if it becomes possible to give connections not long after it is applied
for.
The
Government understands that this Universal Service – affordable and reliable
– will be achievable only trough reforming the sector to encourage a plurality
of private and public operators conduct their business within a competitive
environment. Within this environment interconnection and revenue sharing
will be clear and fair to all service providers and their subscribers.
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3.
THE POLICY OBJECTIVES:
3.1.
Exchange of Information.
3.2 Promotion of National Integration:
3.3 Universal Access.
3.4 Digitalization.
3.5 Competitive Framework.
3.6 Private Sector Development.
3.7 Resource Mobilization.
3.8 Liberalized Tariff Policy.
3.9 Access to New Technology.
3.10 Private Sector Investment.
3.11 Foreign Investment.
3.12 Implementation Strategy.
3.13 Human Resource Development.
3.14 Defense and Security.
3.15 Information Technology.
3.16 Local Manufacturing.
3.17 Regulatory Framework.
3.18 Protection of users’ Interest and Service Standards,
The
policy document, upholding the commitment of Government to resolve the
prevailing shortcomings, outlines the objectives, strategies and other
related aspects of telecommunications. The policy is formulated to ensure
the orderly and rapid growth of telecommunications services, both in quality
and quantity and the use of telecommunications technology in order to
support the socio-economic development, in line with the national aspirations.
The objectives of the National Telecommunications policy, inter alia,
include.
3.1
Exchange of Information : The freedom for exchange of information
is recognized as an important element of human rights and efforts are
to be made to provide people with greater access to all information except
the ones that are considered harmful to the society, prejudicial to national
interest and security.
3.2
Promotion of National Integration: Telecommunications are to promote
national integration and to safeguard the social and cultural fabric of
the nation by directing the expected influence of the technology towards
the greater benefit of the society.
3.3
Universal Access: Access to and delivery of a full range of modern,
sophisticated, efficient and cost effective services of both basic1
as well as value added2 telecommunications are to be provided
to as many people as is economically and socially justifiable to ensure
universal access3.
3.4
Digitalization: Replace of all analogue switching equipment by
the year 2002 and analogue transmission equipment by 2005. This will improve
existing and potential telecommunications service for both basic and value
added services. In addition to improving the quality and reliability of
the telecommunications infrastructure, full digitalization will facilitate
a quicker and easier interface mechanism for all private and public operators.
1
refers to local exchange residence and business telephone service and
telegraph service without additional features and any other services defined
as such in future.
2
5 refers generally to the services such as (i) Electronic Mail, (ii) Voice
Mail ,(iii) Data
Services
,(iv) Audio Text Services, (v) Video Text Services, (vi) Video Conferencing,
(vii) Radio Paging, (viii) Cellular Mobile Telephones, (ix) Facsimile,
(x) Global System for Mobile GSM, (xi) Global Mobile Personal Communication
by satellite (GMPCS) and any other future services to come.
3
refers to the availability of reliable and affordable telecommunications
services in both urban and rural areas of the country.
3.5
Competitive Framework: Creation of an environment of competition
in the field of telecommunications enhancing rapid development in volume,
efficiency and accessibility , shall be ensured to make telecom services
available within the affordable limit of the general users.
3.5.1
Market Oriented Regime: Telecommunications Services are to be efficiently
and cost- effectively provided in particular fields, to be decided by
the Government from time to time, by establishing market oriented regime,
appropriate sets of regulations, standards, procedures, conditions and
investment climate & competition.
3.5.2
Users’ Choice: Development of telecommunications facilities and
services shall be user friendly. The users shall have multiple choices
for access to networks & markets of different services, systems and
carriers at a competitive and reasonable price.
3.6
Private Sector Development: The Government has opened the telecommunications
market to the private sector. The Government acknowledges the private
sector’s increasing resolve and ability to meet the growth demands of
the country, as well as the fact that the private sector will become a
much stronger force in telecommunications development in the coming years.
The Government will provide all assistance to make the private sector more vibrant and robust in
keeping with their anticipated role in the coming years.
3.7
Resource Mobilization: Resources to the sector are to be maximized
through participation of both public and private entrepreneurs in operating
the services in areas where it is economically and socially justified.
Efforts shall be geared up and co-ordinated to create an investment climate
to help optimization of resources from both national and international
sources.
3.7.1
Local : Local resources may be mobilized through ADP allocation,
domestic private investment , issue of Telecommunication Bonds, allocating
a part of the revenue earnings, Bank Loans etc.
3.7.2
Foreign: Investment from sources outside the country may be arranged
through Suppliers Credit, joint Ventures, BLT/BOT/BOO/ BTO agreement etc.,
in addition to the usual loans and grants from international organizations
as well as through bilateral agreements with other countries in conformity
with the industrial policy of the Government.
3.8
Liberalized Tariff Policy : Tariff polices are to be liberalized ,with regard
to the area or the service ,from time to time ,in certain market segments
and efforts are to be continued to encourage extension of maximum service
at minimum cost with particular emphasis in supporting the industrialization
efforts of the country .
3.9
Access to New Technology: Research and development activities to facilitate the
absorption of new technology and to upgrade the facilities and services
in telecommunications are to be encouraged and the regional cooperation
in telecommunication sector is to be enhanced through common development
and operational strategies and network standards. Continuous updating
of information on new and latest technology and transfer of the same for
the benefit of the users ,shall be encouraged.
3.10
Private Sector Investment: The Government will achieve a more vigorous development
through intensified private sector participation, encouraged by the enabling
environment created by the Government; a more proactive telecommunications
industry responsive to users’ needs and creation of an environment with
healthier competition & more significant multi-operator participation,
all of which accelerate the reality of universal service.
By
opening the telecommunications sector to competition and consolidating
an independent regulatory board reporting directly to the Government,
private sector investment, both domestic and foreign, is encouraged. This
tenet will improve access to and quality of both basic and value-added
services which historically, have been monopolistic. Investment is encouraged
through BLT.BOO.BOT .BTO and other joint venture schemes which, by greatly
increasing the capacity, quality and type of services, will create greately
improved efficiencies in other sectors such as transportation, energy
and the textile industry.
3.11
Foreign Investment: Foreign investors are encouraged to demonstrate their
commitment to Bangladesh by forming joint ventures with local companies and within
the telecommunications sector .Government will consider equity participation
of up to 100% of the overall shareholdings of the telecommunications operating
company.
The
Government will make all endeavours to remove all procedural and other
impediments for quick implementation of the projects including investment
proposals from foreign investors in the telecom sector to meet the growing
and unmet demands of telephones in the country. For quick implementation
of the projects, the Government reserves the right to take decisions as
appropriate.
3.12
Implementation Strategy: Government will the participation of the public and
private sectors, intends to meet its goals and objectives through a combination
of policy – related technical and financial strategies. It will ensure
that the present inadequate infrastructure is alleviated through the formulation
of competition and performance standards. While supporting the private
sector as the engine of growth it will continue to support BTTB in the
short to medium term as the Government assumes its just role as policy
maker, regulator and facilitator. The Government objective is to see an
orderly transition from a monopolistic to a multi- operator environment
3.13
Human Resource Development: Human resource development being in tandem with the
need of the telecommunications sector, standards and qualifications for
different categories of personnel of all operators are to be set based
on their services.
3.14
Defense and Security: Defense and security interests of the country are to
be protected.
3.15
Information Technology: The role of the technologies of telecommunications
and computers which are becoming increasingly interdependent of and complementary
to each other, leading to the age of information technology is to be acknowledged
and encouraged for the benefit of the nation.
3.16
Local Manufacturing: Promotion of local manufacture of viable telecommunications
equipment will be encouraged to meet the local and regional demand and
a vision to compete in international markets in near future is to be inculcated.
3.17
Regulatory Framework: Assignment, monitoring and management of radio frequency
spectrum1 is to be conducted in an effective, fair rational
and equitable manner. Telecommunication network standards & their
management should be compatible with international standards.
3.18
Protection of users’ Interest and Service Standards:
Protection of the users’ interests shall be ensured regarding the services
provided, facilities offered, technology used and prices charged.
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4
STRATEGIES:
The
National Telecommunication Policy will act as a catalyst towards the growth
and development of telecommunications in the country with a view to producing
a modern, balanced and dynamic society. The policy measures are designed
to achieve a range of benefits which include but not necessarily limited
to the tasks of increasing the number of telephones in a systematic and
comprehensive manner.
the
entire range of radio frequencies used for telecommunications
4.1
TARGETS: A set of targets consisting of telephone density and
accessibility of telecommunications facilities and services to the people
is given below.
4.1.1
Telephone Penetration: Tele-density (Short Term) : The present tele-density
of the country is about 0.4 telephone for every 100 persons. The target
of expansion of telephone penetration is fixed at 1,300,0001
line, units including associated inland and overseas transmission links
and facilities by the year 2000 in order to substantially eliminate the
unserviced demand and increase the tele-density from 0.4 telephone to
1 telephone for every 100 2 persons.
Accessibility
up to Village Level: The aim will be to lay emphasis on the efforts to upgrade
the semi-urban and rural telecommunication facilities and make the telecommunication
services with the latest technology available in phases to all the Thanas,
Unions, Growth Centers and ultimately to the Villages by the year 2005
. The private sector operators who are licensed for the purpose will contribute
all their efforts towards this end.
Tele-density
(Mid Term): Raising the penetration to 4 telephones for every
100 persons by the year 2010 is to be achieved through increase in basic
telecommunications facilities, expansion of existing networks and provision
of new ones.
(d)
Tele-density (Long Term): Short and mid term targets are to be reviewed at regular
intervals for realistic target setting. Tele-density is to be 10 telephones
per 100 population within the first quarter of 21st century.
However, this will include value- added services and GMPCS (Global Mobile
Personal Communication by Satellite) and other new services.
4.1.2
Future Telecom Services - Role of Public and Private Sector
Operators: Telecom sector needs rapid expansion to meet the unmet
demands for telecom services. Public and private operators are to work
as partners to develop telecommunications in the country. The present
status is that eight operators are in
Present
capacity is 4.75.036 line-units of which more than 55% are of digital
technology .Some projects are in the implementation stage while plans
of some are being finalised. It is expected that a large number of new
digital switches will also be commissioned by the private sector operators.
this
takes into account the increase of population during the period at a projected
rate of growth.
operation/licensed
to develop and operate telecom services. Out of them, one is in public
sector – BTTB, the largest one having basic telecom services,
transmission and international network; others are private operators licensed
to provide to basic telephone services in rural areas and value added
services all over the country.
Through
the co-operation of the operators under the guidelines set by the Government
the telecom infrastructure of the country is to be built up. For that
short, mid and long term services and service areas are defined:
Short
Term: In the short term perspective the operators will continue
to consolidate & develop up to the year 2000 in their respective fields
for which they have licenses. BTTB will upgrade its trunking and transmission
networds/links (both inland and overseas) to meet the increasing interconnection
demands of its own & private operators. Besides, it will continue
its expansion programmes in its areas to meet the growing and unmet demands
for telephone lines. Furthermore , the Government reserves the right to
license additional operators if appropriate and if needed, take measure
to open basic telecommunication services to the private sector operating
entities.
Mid
- Term: On the basis of the performance of the private operators
in the short term period, more service areas are to be opened up for private
participation in basic telephone and long distance networks after the
year 2000 or earlier.
Long
- Term: As a long term strategy, development of telecom infrastructure
and services in all the fields are to be opened up for private participation
after the year 2010 and if needed, this can be opened up earlier than
the year 2010.
The
above time frame and targets, however, are to be reviewed by the Government
at the end of year 2000.
4.1.3
Information Infrastructure: An integrated and reliable transmission
network that covers the entire country and is capable of providing voice,
video, data and imaging services will be ensured. The network may include
fiber optic, radio and also satellite systems. The aim is to create the
National Information Infrastructure (NII) and integrate it through the
Information
Super Highway
to the Global Information Infrastructure (GII) thereby creating the potential
to enter the global market for information processing.
4.1.4
International Network: Continuous efforts will be made to expand
the network for international traffic through terrestrial radio, submarine
cables and satellite systems. Reliance on more than one network and system
will be encouraged to ensure fall-back alternative facilities in times
of need. More active and expanded participation in programmes/activities
organized or sponsored by the regional and international telecommunications
agencies and bodies is to be pursued to uphold the interest of the country
in the international fora.
4.1.5
New Services: New services1 that are already developed
or will be developed in future shall continue to be introduced in the
country on the basis on the basis of market surveys and users’ needs and
satisfaction.
4.1.6
Master Plan: A Master Plan will be prepared for expansion and development
of telecommunication services in the country so that Bangladesh can reap full benefits of information technology revolution.
4.2
THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK:
4.2.1 Commission by Act: A seperate autonomous Regulatory Commission under
the Ministry of Post & Telecommunications will be established by an
Act of Parliament and it may consist of a Chairman and a number of Members2
to be appointed by the Government No members of the Commission will be
from among the serving employees or directors of any telecommunication
operator. Part time members may also be appointed as and when deemed necessary.
4.2.2
Features of the Commission:
Independence: The Regulatory Commission will be an autonomous commission
which will retain its independence. The head of the Commission as well
as the Members will be appointed for a fixed period of time.
Transparency:
The Commission will be transparent in all its activities to the operators,
interested parties engaged in telecommunications, Government agencies
and the people in general. It will ensure equity & fair -play by providing
a level playing field for all operators. a
number of value -added new services like GSM.gmpcs. Video Conferencing
. GMDSS Telecommunication are already in service or in the process of
being introduced.
the
members of the Regulatory Commission may be appointed from amongst persons
in and out- side the Government service including retired officers with
the back-ground of telecommunications , finance, law and management .
Adaptability:
Telecommunication technology is fast advancing and continuously changing.
The Commission will have the ability and obligation to adapt to the changing
environment in the sector.
Objectivity:
The activities of the Commission will be objective in nature. In the formulation
of regulations, guidelines etc the objective should be compatible to the
role as a catalyst making the country a member of the global telecommunication
family.
4.2.3
Functions of Commission : The Primary Functions of the Regulatory Commission
are (i) issue operator licenses, (ii) regulation of tariffs, (iii) setting
of technical standards, (iv) monitoring of service quality and adherence
to rules and regulations by the operators, (v) management of radio frequency
spectrum, (vi) preparation of national numbering scheme, (vii) assistance
in preparing routing, charging and transmission plans, (viii) guidance
for interconnection between the operators and revenue sharing for inter-operator
traffic, (ix) stimulation for investment to facilitate introduction of
new services, (x) representation of the country in the international telecommunication
bodies1, (xi) setting standards & qualifications for different
categories of personnel of all operators based on their services and (xii)
any other functions and activities as may be considered necessary by the
Government .
4.2.4
Spectrum Management and Monitoring: The frequency spectrum, considered
to be a valuable resource will be managed in an orderly and equitable
manner and will be used as the basis for creation of complete radio communication
network systems. The Commission will resolve the problem of over- lapping
frequency at shared borders of the operators. It will ensure the assignment
of frequency bands with the neighbouring countries according to the Table
of Frequency given by ITU. It will also set up Frequency Monitoring Cell
and will impose penalty in case of infringement upon assigned frequencies
or unauthorized use of frequencies.
4.2.5
Licensing Procedure: A comprehensive licensing system will be developed
to ensure its orderly, efficient and effective application. The issuing
of licenses to respondents who are qualified according to the set criteria
will be carried out through a bidding or an open tender or any other procedure
set by the Government.
1.
these include among others the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) . Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) . Commonwealth Telecom Bureau (CTB). Telecommunications
units of OIC and SAARC etc.
4.2.6
Budget: The budgetary resources for the Regulatory Commission
itself will be generated
from
the license fees including the fees for use of the frequency spectrum,
duties, royalties etc. Other sources like charges for specific services,
fees, contributions and parliamentary appropriations may supplement the
financial resources.
4.2.7
Staff of Commission: The Regulatory Commission will be manned by
qualified
and competent personnel. It will have full freedom in matters of staff
requirement and salaries, subject to the provisions in the budget.
4.2.8
Annual Report: The Commission will present its Annual Report to the
Government,
as may be specified in the Act.
4.2.9
Inter- connection and Revenue Sharing: Understanding that revenue sharing
agreements vary widely in different countries and are never easy to formulate
the Government takes the position that revenue sharing agreements should
be negotiated between carriers and that they will generally be cost based.
However, in the event for a dispute between any parties which are unable
to negotiate successfully, the Commission shall consider dispute through
hearing and the decisions of the commission shall be final though they
may be appealed to Government.
4.2.10
Representing the Country: The Commission may attend the meetings
of
the regional and international telecommunications bodies, dealing with
the questions of general sectoral policy and participate in framing of
international regulations in this field.
4.2.11
Protection of Users’ Interest: The Commission will be responsible for
the
supervision of the telecommunications services to ensure that the interests
of the users are protected and balanced .It will also ensure that the
interests of the nation are given priority over other interests. The Commission
will define the mechanism in which the views of the operators and the
users of the telecommunications services could be periodically obtained.
The Commission may hold public hearings on important issues of public
interest.
4.2.12
Enforcement Mechanism: The Regulatory Commission will be vested with
definite duties and power to implement the policy decisions and ensure
compliance of set rules and procedures. The Commission will have legal
authority to ensure and enforce regulatory measures, keeping in view the
national security public order and defence of the country. It will monitor
implementation of development programmes of and ensure operation of telecommunication
services by the operators in accordance with the provisions of the concerned
license. The Commission will have authority to take punitive actions ranging
from imposing fine to closure of services against the defaulting operators.
4.2.13
Network Management: Under the Commission a network management cell
will be created to overview the harmonization and optimization of the
networks available and to be developed in future. It will set network
standards, numbering /code plans and prepare network master -plan etc.
This is imperative in an inter- operator environment.
4.2.14
Service Standard: The Commission will set standards for different
services
within the principles and standards set by various Regional and International
Telecommunication bodies. In this connection, the commission will set
standards, qualifications and number of personnel in each category for
all operators based on their services. These standards will be binding
on all operators. Failure to meet these standards will attract penal action
by the Commission.
4.3
TARIFFS AND CHARGES:
4.3.1
Tariff Structure: The tariff structure will apply equally to public
and
private
operators and will be set by the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
with prior approval of Government . It will take into account the interests
of various parties, benefit to the users and reasonable returns to the
operators based on the principle of equity and the market factors and
will set the maximum rates and tariffs for all the services on the principle
of fair- play . Where data is available, the tariffs will, in principle,
be cost-based, subject to revisions from time to time in relation to the
changes in the cost of equipment, development in technology, increase
in the use of services and socio-economic considerations such as affordibility
of users, consumer price index, extent of rural service requirement and
any other requirements for all telecommunications services as may be notified
by the Government or the commission from time to time. The costs of the
services are also to be reasonable and comparable with those charged in
the neighbouring countries and international market. However, the operators
may make submissions to the Commission who will notify the tariff revisions,
if any, after obtaining approval of the Government. The Government may
also de-regulate tariffs for any service to allow the operators to set
tariffs by themselves.
4.3.2
Re-sale of Services: In the case of re-sale1 of services
by individuals, permission will be given to add service charges which
will be required to be displayed to the users at the point of service.
The Commission2, however, will retain the right to fix the
maximum limits to any such service charges to protect the interest of
the users.
4.3.3
Commission’s Fees: The services rendered by the Commission shall
be charged to the operators and other parties in accordance with the schedule
published by the commission.
4.3.4
Charges for Frequency Spectrum: The use of frequency spectrum by
the operators may be put to charges on initial and recurring basis except
for frequency band (s) which are open for general use.
4.4
COMPETITIVE FRAMEWORK:
4.4.1
Liberalization: In accordance with the overall national policy,
the liberalization of the telecommunications sector will continue. The
approach is to encourage a sound and orderly competition between the private
and public sector as well as among the various private sector operators
themselves to achieve efficient and quality service concentrating initially
on the value-added services. However, the Government retains the sole
authority to determine the number of competitors that are economically
viable for certain services. The strategy is to provide equal and rational
opportunities to all competitors.
4.4.2
International Services: The international services will, however,
be operated exclusively by the Government through Bangladesh. Telegraph and Telephone Board or its lawful successor
unless other- wise decided by the Government.
1
this refers to the services provided by a person or a group of persons
forming very small enterprise to extend telecommunications services like
overseas telephone calls, telex, telefax services at a nominal additional
service charges under license from the service provider .
2.this
refers to the Regulatory Commission to set up by an Act of Parliament
: details are explained in the previous paragraphs .
4.4.3
Service Obligation: Universal service ogligations for basic telephone
service will be included in licenses of all network operators Inter–connections
between networks, forming part of the public network, will be mandated
in accordance with the guidelines to be issued by the commission.
4.5
RESTRUCTURING OF BTTB:
4.5.1
Role of BTTB : Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB)
has , until recently the only entity having the sole authority to operate
and regulate the public telecommunications services its regulatory functions
have been taken over by the Ministry of post & Telecommunications
as an interim measure and will ultimately be vested in the Telecommunications
Regulatory Commission . BTTB will continue for the time being, to remain
a Government owned telecommunications service provider.
4.5.2
Adequate Authority: In order to make BTTB function
effectively
and commercially in competiton with other private sector operators in
the liberalized environment, the requisite administrative and adequate
financial & commercial authorities shall be delegated to BTTB . In
this regard the BTTB ordinance of 1979 is to be amended and such other
directives, as may from time to time be necessary within the purview of
maximum autonomy, will be issued.
4.5.3
Non- core Functions: The non-core functions1 within
BTTB
will
be gradually divested and could be contracted out to qualified private
parties as relevant know-how and expertise have developed in recent years.
4.5.4
Corporate Restructuring: The Government anticipates a two phase
restructuring of BTTB phase-1 would be a corporatization process in which
it becomes a limited company (e.g. Bangladesh Telecommunication company
Ltd. ) instead of being a Deptt. of the Government . In this mode it will
have full responsibility for managing its assets and operations and being
fully accountable for its own profitability. At this point Government
will continue to own between 51% and 100% of the shares .Phase-2 would
be the full privatization of BTTB at which point the Government will have
sold all of its outstanding shares to the private sector. The possibility
of engaging an internationally reputed foreign telephone company as strategic
/management parterner of BTTB will also be explored.
1
traditionally since the inception of post .Telegraph and Telephone Department
in the British –India period, a member of auxiliary functions like printing,
building , construction, under-ground cable laving, billing directory,
subscriber premises connection. manufacturing etc, related to telecommunications
were performed by the BTTB itself as there were not much know -how or
the required expertise on those functions outside.
4.5.5
Capital Mobilization: Throughout the corporate restructuring period,
with the approval of the Government BTTB will be authorized to raise necessary
capitals for the expansion of the existing and introduction of new services
through bank loans, issue of telecommunication bonds, share flotation,
suppliers, credits and BOO/BLT/BOT1 schemes etc. It will be
authorized to enter into joint venture contracts with any other entities
with the approval of the Government.
4.5.6
Staff Standard: BTTB will plan and prepare the staff standard and
administer its own staff structure. It will also adopt procedures and
methods to run on full commercial terms and optimize the value for money.
4.5.7
Quality of Service: Maintenance and operation are to be such as
to give adequate, efficient and satisfactory services in observance of
the principles of economy and by maintaining standards set by the commission.
4.5
PRIVATE SECTOR OPERATORS:
4.6.1
Privatization of Basic Services: The private operating entities
will be allowed to provide basic telecommunications and long distance
transmission facilities in accordance with section 4.1.2 and the value-added
services where appropriate under license to be issued by the Regulatory
Commission.
4.6.2
Maintenance and Operation: In order to provide efficient &
satisfactory services, the private operators will manage and operate telecommunications
services under their control in a completely professional manner in accordance
with the methods and procedures in force in the sector and in observance
of the principles of economy. They shall engage sufficiently qualified
and adequate personnel for providing the services as per the standards
set by the commission.
4.6.3
Infrastructure: The private operators are required to keep
abreast
of trends in demand, establish or expand the services, upgrade the infrastructures
and introduce the new ones on the basis of the most advantageous technical
and economic approach .
1
BOO refers to Build, Operate & Own. BLT refers to Build, Lease and
Transfer while BOT refers to Build, Operate and Transfer.
4.6.4
Investment and Tariff: The private operastors will prepare annual
and multi-annual investment plans and operating accounts, define and propose
tariff & service structures, define and initiate rates for new services
& changes in rates for existing ones, for approval of the Government
or the Commission.
4.6.5
Dispute Resolution: In the event of disputes and disagreeement
between operators, the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission shall consider
dispute through hearing for resolution .The decisions of the commission
shall be final though they may be appealed to the Government.
4.6.6
Cancellation of Service: The private operators may suspend of cancel
service to users who fail to meet their obligations as contracted.
4.6.7
Meetings and Conferences: The private operators may take part in
national conferences, committees and working groups dealing with technical,
administrative and operational matters in the field of telecommunications.
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5
INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
The
proper environment will be created within the country, as a national obligation,
to promote research and development activities in the telecommunication
technology and services, to develop telecommunications training courses
in new systems and services and to ensure appropriate human resources
development for the efficient conduct of telecommunications activities.
In order to fulfil this obligation, following will remain priority:-
5.1
Research and Development: A National Institute of Research and
Development (NIRD) in telecommunications will be established. The operators,
manufacturers and any other organizations and persons involved in telecommunications
will be encouraged to carry out research and development activities to
support local growth and transfer of technology. The requirement to carry
out R&D will be a part of the conditions under which licenses are
issued and at least 1% of the annual expenditure should be allocated for
the purpose.
5.2
Human Resource Development: The creation of trained and skilled
manpower in all fields of telecommunications will be stressed. All telecommunications
enterprises are encouraged to establish their own training programs. The
need to crate short, medium and long term plans for the training of manpower
for all operators is imperative. Efforts must be made to establish a National
Institute for Human Resource Development in Telecommunications (NIHRDT)1
in the country by upgrading the existing Telecommunication Staff
College of BTTB at Gazipur.
the
present Telecommunications Staff College of BTTB situated at Joydebpur, will provide very good
and appropriate foundation for setting up of the proposed . NIHRDT.
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6
PROMOTION OF LOCAL MANUFACTURE:
The
fact being recognised that telecommunications stand at the leading edge
of technology and in order to strengthen the economic growth, spur technology
transfer and adapt new technology, local manufacture and assembly of telecommunications
equipments will be encouraged and geared up for local consumption and
competition in the external market. The use of local products of acceptable
standard and competitive price is to be made obligatory through regulations
for all the service providers. Moreover, incentives will also be provided
to encourage growth of the local telecommunications industry.
The
already functioning two large factories namely Telephone Shilpha Sangstha
(TSS) , at Tongi and Bangladesh Cable Shilpha (BCS) Ltd. at Khulna, will
be vital launching pads to embark upon large scale involvement in the
manufacturing field. However appropriate plans for modernization and diversification
of products in these two factories need to be implemented as soon as possible.
In this regard, joint collaboration1 with reputed manufacture(s)
as already exists (exist) or by induction of new ones, will be taken into
consideration. The Government will also consider the privatization of
TSS and BCS.
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7.
CONSULTATIVE FORUM:
In
order to ensure proper, efficient, effective and timely development of
telecommunication infrastructure, consultative fora will be formed where
all parties interested in the sector (service providers, users, public
and private enterprises etc. ) can have open discussion to develop telecommunication
services as well as to improve the service standards in the country
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8
USERS’ SERVICES:
8.1
Users Oriented Services: The telecommunications services shall be oriented towards
meeting the users’ demands /needs, not only for new services, but also
in respect of performance of the services, transparency of operations,
provisions of information and assistance in case of difficulties. Networks
shall be planned to be user friendly and shall be equipped with modern
technologies and shall be managed by the set procedures.
8.2
One Point Service: The establishment of one – point service centres2
by all the operators will be encouraged for the convenience of the users.
All the telecommunications service providers will be responsible for the
preparation and publication of their own subscriber directories and updating
of the same at regular interval (e.g. annually) for the information of
the public.
Siemens
AG of Germany is already a co-share, holder of the two factories.
Their equipments can be manufactured assembled under license as per the
Agreements already in existence.
for
the convenience of the customers to redress any of their complaints at
one particular point only, is successfully introduced in Dhaka and is
found to be highly popular. However, the numbers of such centres need
to be increased substantially.
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9.
THE ACTS ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS:
There
are, in the country, a number of Acts which govern and regulate various
telecommunications activities like the telecommunications between two
points, audio broadcasting of radio messages or programs for the specified
group of people or the public in general and telecasting of simultaneous
audio –visual programs. The Telegraph Act 1885, The Wireless Act 1933,
The Radio Broadcasting Act 1975 and 1992 and The Television Broadcasting
Act 1965 which regulate these activities may be considered for a combined
Telecommunication Act applicable for all the allied services of telecommunications.
While acknowledging the freedom of information as an important element
of the modern World, the new Act may include restrictions to communications
and broadcasts which are regarded as incompatible to the national security
and harmful to the society.
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10.
CONCLUSION:
This
National Telecommunications Policy is a summary statement of the philosophy,
objectives, strategies and the methodology to ensure equitable and judicious
execution of the business of telecommunications in the country. However,
the Government may from time to time make changes, modifications, additions
to the policy and may review the policy at certain intervals for updating
and satisfying the need of the time. The general guideline embodied in
this policy document emphasizes faster development of telecommunications
network coupled with improved quality of service in line with the national
development, thereby fulfilling the vision and aspiration to take Bangladesh to a position of honour in the comity of nations in
the 21st century.
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