Annual Report 2017-2018 Annual Report 2017-2018 Regulatory commission

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory commission Annual Report 2017-2018

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission

Contents

1. Message 07

2. Preface 09

3. Objectives of the Commission 12

4. Formation of the Commission and Present Status 13

5. Achievements of Commission from establishment of BTRC to till June 2018 14

6. Comparative description of Development activities and achievements of 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 at a glance 16

7. Noteworthy future planning 18

8. Introduction 19

9. Administration Division 21

10. Systems and Services Division 28

11. Spectrum Division 38

12. Engineering and Operations Division 60

13. Legal and Licensing Division 86

14. Finance, Accounts and Revenue Directorate 114

15. Media and Publications Wing 122

16. Enforcement and Inspection Directorate 134

18. Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project 145

19. industry of Bangladesh 166

20. Diverse activities (National & International) 185

21. World Telecommunication And Information Society Day (WTISD-2018) 175

22. River cruise and 16th anniversary of BTRC 178

23. Conclusion 179

BTRC 03 Annual Report-2017-2018 BTRC 04 Annual Report-2017-2018 Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

“Digital Bangladesh is a modern Philosophy of using Appropriate technology in implementing all pledges of the government, including proverty eradication, ensuring quality education and health facilities, generating employment opportunities for the people”

-Sheikh Hasina

BTRC 05 Annual Report-2017-2018 Mission To facilitate connecting the unconnected through quality telecommunication services at an affordable price by introducing new technologies

BTRC 06 Annual Report-2017-2018 Under the supervision of Honorable Prime Minister's Information and Communication Technology Advisor Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed, BTRC is honored of launching the first Bangladeshi Satellite Bangabandhu Satellite-1 on May 12, 2018. It is a matter of pride for the present government, as well as 16 million people of the country. Bangabandhu satellite launching is a continuation of the dynamic development of government and along with this it has fulfilled another dream of Father of Minister the nation. Bangladesh has entered into a new horizon of possibilities by successful launching of Posts and Division Bangabandhu Satellite and became 57th member country of elite club owning its own satellite. Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Through the expansion of satellite technology and services, massive employment will be created Information Technology directly and indirectly. Bangabandhu Satellite-1 has 40 transponders, 20 of which will be used for Government of the Pepole’s Republic of Bangladesh Bangladesh and another 20 will be used commercially in abroad. It is expected country will bring a lot of foreign currency leasing 20 transponders. Bangabandhu satellite will save the annual foreign exchange of 14 million dollars. Apart from telecommunication and broadcasting services Message through Bangabandhu satellite, it will be possible to provide information of disaster management, telemedicine, e-learning, e-education, DTH services, etc. I am very glad to know that the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Cost Modeling is completed in collaboration with the consultant of the International is going to publish the annual report of the financial year 2017-2018. An annual report is a vital Telecommunication Union (ITU), in order to reduce the cost of internet services at customer level. combined information, both externally and internally. Considering that I expect to find BTRC’s It will be possible to determine a tolerable price for internet users of the country after the market targets, outcome and future strategy in this report. Personally, it delights me when I find this report analysis. Initiatives for Mobile Number Portability (MNP) and tower sharing are in vogue in order is full of information required for framing a knowledge-based digital economic society which in to safeguard the healthy competition and customers’ interest. Massive work is going on to place turn, will drive the initiative of the present Government’s vision of ‘Digital Bangladesh’. I hope this the services at the doorsteps of the customers with the introduction of modern technology publication would give an updated idea about telecommunication sector of the country and concerning services. Broadband connectivity is being ensured at the union level. For the sake provide specific guidelines on the development and expansion of information and communication of public and state security, strong steps have been taken against the selling of unregistered SIM technology to boost up country’s overall socio-economic condition. cards and unauthorized mobile handsets. As the bandwidth price is reduced to a great amount, all internet users are enjoying cheaper internet services than before. The dream of creating a true A knowledge-based society demands free flow of information, progressive literacy rate, poverty “Digital Bangladesh” is a reality now. alleviation, equal distribution of wealth, elimination of discrimination among men and women, ubiquity of state-services everywhere, etc. The importance of Telecommunications in I am happy to inform that since its inception, BTRC has directly contributed more than Tk 50,000 socio-economic development of the country is monumental. Modern telecommunication crore to the government treasury. Therefore, we play a very significant role in the economy of technologies including mobile phone, internet and satellite technology have made the lifestyle of Bangladesh. I strongly believe that BTRC is committed to implement current government-declared common people easier than ever before. It creates opportunity of employments, increases GDP Digital Bangladesh Vision and actualization of the Government directives to prevent any and minimizes the digital divide. irregularities in this sector. Father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, with his tremendous anticipating I wish every success of the publication of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory power could understood the importance of holding membership in International Commission's Annual Report, 2017-2018. Telecommunication Union (ITU). Therefore, in 1973 he took all necessary initiatives to be the member of ITU. Due to his dynamic leadership, first satellite earth station was set up in Betbunia in 1975. Worthy successor of Father of the nation, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has brought a revolutionary change in the country’s telecommunication sector. She has taken the initiative of Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu launching maiden satellite of the country in 1997 which was implemented in 2018. Bangladesh Long live Bangladesh started its journey in 2009 with the vision of Digital Bangladesh. So far, we achieved a lot towards that goal. Today, mobile phone is available to almost every citizen of the country. Almost 97 percent area is covered under mobile network. Bangladesh is the eighth largest telecom market in the world. The government led by Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made significant development in the telecommunication sector of Bangladesh since 2009. Statistically speaking, Mustafa Jabbar we find astounding figures for mobile, internet & smartphone users, bandwidth usage, license Minister for category, number of Licenses, etc which clearly indicate tremendous growth in this sector. Today, Post & Telecommunications Division there are 151 million mobile subscribers in the country which was only 46 million in 2008. Number Ministry of Post, Telecommunications & Information Technology of internet users stands at 87.7 million which was 4 million then. At present, our Bandwidth usage has exceeded 1200 GBPS, which was just 10 GBPS before 10 years. Currently, the number of Telecommunication licensees is more than 2000 which was 608 in 2008. Over 2 crore people of different walks of life are using smartphones which clearly shows the proliferation, popularity and affordability of these devices.

BTRC 07 Annual Report-2017-2018 Under the supervision of Honorable Prime Minister's Information and Communication Technology Advisor Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed, BTRC is honored of launching the first Bangladeshi Satellite Bangabandhu Satellite-1 on May 12, 2018. It is a matter of pride for the present government, as well as 16 million people of the country. Bangabandhu satellite launching is a continuation of the dynamic development of government and along with this it has fulfilled another dream of Father of the nation. Bangladesh has entered into a new horizon of possibilities by successful launching of Bangabandhu Satellite and became 57th member country of elite club owning its own satellite. Through the expansion of satellite technology and services, massive employment will be created directly and indirectly. Bangabandhu Satellite-1 has 40 transponders, 20 of which will be used for Bangladesh and another 20 will be used commercially in abroad. It is expected country will bring a lot of foreign currency leasing 20 transponders. Bangabandhu satellite will save the annual foreign exchange of 14 million dollars. Apart from telecommunication and broadcasting services Message through Bangabandhu satellite, it will be possible to provide information of disaster management, telemedicine, e-learning, e-education, DTH services, etc. I am very glad to know that the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Cost Modeling is completed in collaboration with the consultant of the International is going to publish the annual report of the financial year 2017-2018. An annual report is a vital Telecommunication Union (ITU), in order to reduce the cost of internet services at customer level. combined information, both externally and internally. Considering that I expect to find BTRC’s It will be possible to determine a tolerable price for internet users of the country after the market targets, outcome and future strategy in this report. Personally, it delights me when I find this report analysis. Initiatives for Mobile Number Portability (MNP) and tower sharing are in vogue in order is full of information required for framing a knowledge-based digital economic society which in to safeguard the healthy competition and customers’ interest. Massive work is going on to place turn, will drive the initiative of the present Government’s vision of ‘Digital Bangladesh’. I hope this the services at the doorsteps of the customers with the introduction of modern technology publication would give an updated idea about telecommunication sector of the country and concerning 4G services. Broadband connectivity is being ensured at the union level. For the sake provide specific guidelines on the development and expansion of information and communication of public and state security, strong steps have been taken against the selling of unregistered SIM technology to boost up country’s overall socio-economic condition. cards and unauthorized mobile handsets. As the bandwidth price is reduced to a great amount, all internet users are enjoying cheaper internet services than before. The dream of creating a true A knowledge-based society demands free flow of information, progressive literacy rate, poverty “Digital Bangladesh” is a reality now. alleviation, equal distribution of wealth, elimination of discrimination among men and women, ubiquity of state-services everywhere, etc. The importance of Telecommunications in I am happy to inform that since its inception, BTRC has directly contributed more than Tk 50,000 socio-economic development of the country is monumental. Modern telecommunication crore to the government treasury. Therefore, we play a very significant role in the economy of technologies including mobile phone, internet and satellite technology have made the lifestyle of Bangladesh. I strongly believe that BTRC is committed to implement current government-declared common people easier than ever before. It creates opportunity of employments, increases GDP Digital Bangladesh Vision and actualization of the Government directives to prevent any and minimizes the digital divide. irregularities in this sector. Father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, with his tremendous anticipating I wish every success of the publication of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory power could understood the importance of holding membership in International Commission's Annual Report, 2017-2018. Telecommunication Union (ITU). Therefore, in 1973 he took all necessary initiatives to be the member of ITU. Due to his dynamic leadership, first satellite earth station was set up in Betbunia in 1975. Worthy successor of Father of the nation, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has brought a revolutionary change in the country’s telecommunication sector. She has taken the initiative of Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu launching maiden satellite of the country in 1997 which was implemented in 2018. Bangladesh Long live Bangladesh started its journey in 2009 with the vision of Digital Bangladesh. So far, we achieved a lot towards that goal. Today, mobile phone is available to almost every citizen of the country. Almost 97 percent area is covered under mobile network. Bangladesh is the eighth largest telecom market in the world. The government led by Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made significant development in the telecommunication sector of Bangladesh since 2009. Statistically speaking, Mustafa Jabbar we find astounding figures for mobile, internet & smartphone users, bandwidth usage, license Minister for category, number of Licenses, etc which clearly indicate tremendous growth in this sector. Today, Post & Telecommunications Division there are 151 million mobile subscribers in the country which was only 46 million in 2008. Number Ministry of Post, Telecommunications & Information Technology of internet users stands at 87.7 million which was 4 million then. At present, our Bandwidth usage has exceeded 1200 GBPS, which was just 10 GBPS before 10 years. Currently, the number of Telecommunication licensees is more than 2000 which was 608 in 2008. Over 2 crore people of different walks of life are using smartphones which clearly shows the proliferation, popularity and affordability of these devices.

BTRC 08 Annual Report-2017-2018 of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 under the supervision of the Post and Telecommunication Division of Operators have besides, Self-Regulation Process (SRP) introduced by Mobile Operators, the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Communications Satellite Company Limited bandwidth monitoring, SIM ymboxian detection methods, have also been introduced to (BCSCL) has been formed for marketing and maintainingenance of tthe Satellite next to theafter self-regulation methods by using different logics to detect illegal international calls, as well as to launching launch. Bangabandhu Satellite-1 is a geostationary satellite. It is located at 119.1 stop them. degrees east longitude. With the introduction of "Bangabandhu Satellite",; usage of space informationsatellite technology will be expanded in Bangladesh. As a result, enormous benefits In this fiscal year, Spectrum have been allocated in favour of 38 satellite televisions, 29 FM radios, Chairman and implementation of “Digital Bangladesh” vision project will be a step forward by like ensuring 18 community radios, So far. Spectrum have also been allocated for Bangabandhu satellite Bangladesh Telecommunication activities. The process of mediation with the agreement between Bangladesh and India is Regulatory commission global coverage, security, reliability, rapid development and acquisition of foreign currency, etc will help the country to grow faster. underway to solve the cross-border interference issue on the border. Tech neutrality has been Preface BTRC granted in the 800, 900, 1800 MHz band. The guidelines have already been prepared for the It would be unjust if I don’t mention the pleasant figures of the telecommunication sectors achieved import of related devices for the Internet of Things (IoT). Two organizations have been allowed to Telecommunications and ICT has been adopted as one of the leading tools for the implementation so far. As a result of BTRC's wistfulinsightful endeavour, about 99% of the population and 97% of produce mobile handsets locally in the country. In order to provide amateur radio of the vision of Bangladesh Gthe government. The two major visions are: to be promotinged to a the geographical area of the country came under the coverage of mobile phones. Currently, more servicescertification, a certificates haves been given to 177 peopleindividuals. middle-income country at 50 years of independence and implementing the vision of building a than 15 million mobile SIMs are active in the country, which is about 92% of the total population In the financial yearDuring 2017-2018, the Commission has hardcovered handed over 283over developed and prosperous 'Digital Bangladesh' respectively in 2021 andbyon 2041. Compete with ratio. The number of internet subscribers has increased to 8.77 million in the last one-year. 14.14 283 licenses. Currently, and the available number of effective licenses are 2584. currently. the usage, expansion and speed of the technology; Introduction of newinnovative, affordable, million mobile phone subscribers and 14.4 million Iinternet subscribers have increased within 1 Regulatory legislation has been initiated according to the Public Demands Recovery Act, 1913 efficient and smart technology brought significantabout changes in income, employment and year. Fourth generation mobile technology (4G) has been introduced through spectrum auctionin and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act, 2001, to pay the government's due to lifestyle of people. Overall have been changed. Along with happiness they also saved money. the country. The number of subscribers has increased 2 crores and 89 lakhs in lasta year various telecommunications operators and licensed companies. In the last eight years, 124 cases Governments revenue, investment in this sector and GDP of the country have increased notably. making an envious figure of , which is now reachingabout 6 crores 49 lakhs till today. People have have already been settled between the 284 cases filed in the High Court Division and Appellate Several tTelecommunications technologiesknow-hows especially, usage of mobile phones and chosen the digital method rather than relying on traditional banking for financial transactions and Division. Effective legal action has been taken to settle all the cases runningavailable in different internet have changed the way of life for of most of the people in Bangladesh as like as the whole undoubtedlyunquestionably, the improved telecommunication system this is the driving force of courts. other parts of the world. Therefore, it is a no denying fact that the role of Telecommunications and this progress. In 2009, there was a per capita income in the country, where US $ 728, touching the ICT’s are irrefutable factors Tto be an advanced country which in turn will, to form a resourceful telecommunication system, now it is more than $ 1500. Smartphones and high-speed 3G and 4G BTRC does not take the credit alone for the success achieved so far. I solemnly recognize the digital society, to be a member of Digital era, to build transformed production system and along internet expansions have resulted in increasedplayed a vital role to expand access and ensure support of all the stakeholders of the country to BTRC. Specially, I want to mention the name of with them to the formation of a new and knowledge-based economy; the role of uninterrupted access to to education, health, agriculture, production, food, security, energy, Honourable ICT Advisor to the Honourable Prime Minister, Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed and Honourable Telecommunications and ICT’s are undeniable. transport, trade and commerce, and enhanced M-services and management in e-Governance Minister to Ministry of Post, Telecommunication & Information Technology without whom the journey would have been difficult. To ensure advanced, modern and public-friendly Considering the unbounded capacity, impact and contribution of telecommunications, -the public and public services. telecommunications services in the country, cooperation is essential for formulation a modern and government has been takingtook revolutionary steps in the telecommunications sector. In this As a regulatory body, BTRC, being a regulatory body, is now much more focused in providing a progressive regulatory framework and sustainable reforms of Telecommunication Act, 2001 is regardTo materialize the necessities of the digital Bangladesh, the BTRC is working relentlessly. customer safety, as well as providing value-added, reliable, affordable and modern telecom are absolutely vital. BTRC’s annual report 2017-2018 is going to be published to project with the continuation of the services to the customers. In order to provide a more advanced and quality service to the success along with the rate of progress, achievements in this fiscal year and also formulating the customers, commission is in the a process of procurement and delivery services for drive-based I hope that everyone will continue to render his/her support to the outfit. We need to remember, we future plans of the commission. I feel very happy and proud to publish the report. On this occasion, modern day-to-day quality of different services testing equipment. The tower sharing guidelines can do better alone, but we can do best together. Therefore, perform their duties unanimously with I express my heartfelt congratulationsthanks to the contemporariesfriends engaged in various have been prepared to reduce public health risks and structural costs-which is waiting for utmost care and thus contribute from their position for the development of this sector. Published activities including valueddignified subscribers, partners, non-government organizations, approval. For the protection of customer interest, Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Service has annual report will fulfil the obligations of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, as well as the departments, different operators and licensees of BTRC, etc. My special thank obviously goes to been (MNPS) is in the process of launcheding and which is believed to will bring a fair competition needs of the telecommunication related information and data of the people, including the and sincere gratitude to all the BTRC officials/employees to cooperated me round the year. among mobile operators. BTRC's call centre (short code 100), special mobile number, complaints customers, policy makers, experts, journalists, operators, potential investors, and will also help to ICT has brought a radical change in everyday life of the people. New innovations and reformation received through postal and complaints through e-mail have been launched to simplify become aware of the rights and all those related to it will be benefited. This report comprises with of ICT’s are wonders in modern society. It is a matter of pride to inform you that BTRC has been customer-centred facilities and complaints. BTRC is committed to provide safe and fair service tthe data of our telecommunication sector as given a whole whichin this report is obligatory for us making significant contributions in the country's economic development. From the establishment along with quality telecommunications services. Central Biometric Verification Monitoring Platform to publish so that the government, industry and people can be benefitedfurthered with own tillo June 2018, the BTRC has submitted the non-tax revenue to the public exchequer about 53 (CBVMP) has SIM registration system has been introduced. The process of identifying fake, fake planning. In this case, I strongly believe, that BTRC will carry out the it’s responsibilities with thousand crores, against which was about about 6 thousand 5 hundred cores in last fiscal year. or illegal registered SIMs properly in the form of fingerprint through National Identity Card and utmost sincerity, dedication and, efficiencycompetence to and commitment and above all, will These huge revenues, no doubt, have unlimited direct and indirect contribution to implement the other necessary documents has already got wide popularity. The media campaign has been uphold the name and fame of our beloved motherland. public interest. vision of the government and for the development of the country as well. strengthened with this. Steps have been taken to register mobile handsets as well as to register With the firm conviction of building “Sonar Bangla” of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh for the registration of biometric SIM to ensure the security of devices and themobile phone users. Mujibur Rahman, Bangabandhu Satellite-1 stands as , a unique mile stonerevolutionary milestone In the meantime, hopefully the BTRC will move one step further to achieve the goal of providing to build the Digital Bangladesh of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. , with firm conviction building secure telecommunications services. “Sonar Bangla” of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. On May 12, 2018, In addition to the efforts of monitoring strengthening the harmful contents of the internet, Bangabandhu satellite-1 started its journey in a space orbit with Falcon-9 launch vehicle located Md Jahurul Haque applications and website monitoring in cyber security; fast, effective and timely measures are in Cape Canaveral in Florida, USA resulting . Bangladesh, which became the as 57th country in Chairman being taken with law enforcingement agencies, security agencies, and intelligence agencies. In the satellite's elite club. Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission order to control the illegal international call, a higher monitoring committee was formed with taken full responsibility to take care of the issues related to for thethe manufacturing and launching combining BTRC RAB, Police and PoliceBTRC and the campaign was strengthened members.

BTRC 09 Annual Report-2017-2018 of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 under the supervision of the Post and Telecommunication Division of Operators have besides, Self-Regulation Process (SRP) introduced by Mobile Operators, the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Communications Satellite Company Limited bandwidth monitoring, SIM ymboxian detection methods, have also been introduced to (BCSCL) has been formed for marketing and maintainingenance of tthe Satellite next to theafter self-regulation methods by using different logics to detect illegal international calls, as well as to launching launch. Bangabandhu Satellite-1 is a geostationary satellite. It is located at 119.1 stop them. degrees east longitude. With the introduction of "Bangabandhu Satellite",; usage of space informationsatellite technology will be expanded in Bangladesh. As a result, enormous benefits In this fiscal year, Spectrum have been allocated in favour of 38 satellite televisions, 29 FM radios, and implementation of “Digital Bangladesh” vision project will be a step forward by like ensuring 18 community radios, So far. Spectrum have also been allocated for Bangabandhu satellite global coverage, security, reliability, rapid development and acquisition of foreign currency, etc will activities. The process of mediation with the agreement between Bangladesh and India is help the country to grow faster. underway to solve the cross-border interference issue on the border. Tech neutrality has been Preface granted in the 800, 900, 1800 MHz band. The guidelines have already been prepared for the It would be unjust if I don’t mention the pleasant figures of the telecommunication sectors achieved import of related devices for the Internet of Things (IoT). Two organizations have been allowed to Telecommunications and ICT has been adopted as one of the leading tools for the implementation so far. As a result of BTRC's wistfulinsightful endeavour, about 99% of the population and 97% of produce mobile handsets locally in the country. In order to provide amateur radio of the vision of Bangladesh Gthe government. The two major visions are: to be promotinged to a the geographical area of the country came under the coverage of mobile phones. Currently, more servicescertification, a certificates haves been given to 177 peopleindividuals. middle-income country at 50 years of independence and implementing the vision of building a than 15 million mobile SIMs are active in the country, which is about 92% of the total population In the financial yearDuring 2017-2018, the Commission has hardcovered handed over 283over developed and prosperous 'Digital Bangladesh' respectively in 2021 andbyon 2041. Compete with ratio. The number of internet subscribers has increased to 8.77 million in the last one-year. 14.14 283 licenses. Currently, and the available number of effective licenses are 2584. currently. the usage, expansion and speed of the technology; Introduction of newinnovative, affordable, million mobile phone subscribers and 14.4 million Iinternet subscribers have increased within 1 Regulatory legislation has been initiated according to the Public Demands Recovery Act, 1913 efficient and smart technology brought significantabout changes in income, employment and year. Fourth generation mobile technology (4G) has been introduced through spectrum auctionin and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act, 2001, to pay the government's due to lifestyle of people. Overall have been changed. Along with happiness they also saved money. the country. The number of 3G subscribers has increased 2 crores and 89 lakhs in lasta year various telecommunications operators and licensed companies. In the last eight years, 124 cases Governments revenue, investment in this sector and GDP of the country have increased notably. making an envious figure of , which is now reachingabout 6 crores 49 lakhs till today. People have have already been settled between the 284 cases filed in the High Court Division and Appellate Several tTelecommunications technologiesknow-hows especially, usage of mobile phones and chosen the digital method rather than relying on traditional banking for financial transactions and Division. Effective legal action has been taken to settle all the cases runningavailable in different internet have changed the way of life for of most of the people in Bangladesh as like as the whole undoubtedlyunquestionably, the improved telecommunication system this is the driving force of courts. other parts of the world. Therefore, it is a no denying fact that the role of Telecommunications and this progress. In 2009, there was a per capita income in the country, where US $ 728, touching the ICT’s are irrefutable factors Tto be an advanced country which in turn will, to form a resourceful telecommunication system, now it is more than $ 1500. Smartphones and high-speed 3G and 4G BTRC does not take the credit alone for the success achieved so far. I solemnly recognize the digital society, to be a member of Digital era, to build transformed production system and along internet expansions have resulted in increasedplayed a vital role to expand access and ensure support of all the stakeholders of the country to BTRC. Specially, I want to mention the name of with them to the formation of a new and knowledge-based economy; the role of uninterrupted access to to education, health, agriculture, production, food, security, energy, Honourable ICT Advisor to the Honourable Prime Minister, Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed and Honourable Telecommunications and ICT’s are undeniable. transport, trade and commerce, and enhanced M-services and management in e-Governance Minister to Ministry of Post, Telecommunication & Information Technology without whom the journey would have been difficult. To ensure advanced, modern and public-friendly Considering the unbounded capacity, impact and contribution of telecommunications, -the public and public services. telecommunications services in the country, cooperation is essential for formulation a modern and government has been takingtook revolutionary steps in the telecommunications sector. In this As a regulatory body, BTRC, being a regulatory body, is now much more focused in providing a progressive regulatory framework and sustainable reforms of Telecommunication Act, 2001 is regardTo materialize the necessities of the digital Bangladesh, the BTRC is working relentlessly. customer safety, as well as providing value-added, reliable, affordable and modern telecom are absolutely vital. BTRC’s annual report 2017-2018 is going to be published to project with the continuation of the services to the customers. In order to provide a more advanced and quality service to the success along with the rate of progress, achievements in this fiscal year and also formulating the customers, commission is in the a process of procurement and delivery services for drive-based I hope that everyone will continue to render his/her support to the outfit. We need to remember, we future plans of the commission. I feel very happy and proud to publish the report. On this occasion, modern day-to-day quality of different services testing equipment. The tower sharing guidelines can do better alone, but we can do best together. Therefore, perform their duties unanimously with I express my heartfelt congratulationsthanks to the contemporariesfriends engaged in various have been prepared to reduce public health risks and structural costs-which is waiting for utmost care and thus contribute from their position for the development of this sector. Published activities including valueddignified subscribers, partners, non-government organizations, approval. For the protection of customer interest, Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Service has annual report will fulfil the obligations of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, as well as the departments, different operators and licensees of BTRC, etc. My special thank obviously goes to been (MNPS) is in the process of launcheding and which is believed to will bring a fair competition needs of the telecommunication related information and data of the people, including the and sincere gratitude to all the BTRC officials/employees to cooperated me round the year. among mobile operators. BTRC's call centre (short code 100), special mobile number, complaints customers, policy makers, experts, journalists, operators, potential investors, and will also help to ICT has brought a radical change in everyday life of the people. New innovations and reformation received through postal and complaints through e-mail have been launched to simplify become aware of the rights and all those related to it will be benefited. This report comprises with of ICT’s are wonders in modern society. It is a matter of pride to inform you that BTRC has been customer-centred facilities and complaints. BTRC is committed to provide safe and fair service tthe data of our telecommunication sector as given a whole whichin this report is obligatory for us making significant contributions in the country's economic development. From the establishment along with quality telecommunications services. Central Biometric Verification Monitoring Platform to publish so that the government, industry and people can be benefitedfurthered with own tillo June 2018, the BTRC has submitted the non-tax revenue to the public exchequer about 53 (CBVMP) has SIM registration system has been introduced. The process of identifying fake, fake planning. In this case, I strongly believe, that BTRC will carry out the it’s responsibilities with thousand crores, against which was about about 6 thousand 5 hundred cores in last fiscal year. or illegal registered SIMs properly in the form of fingerprint through National Identity Card and utmost sincerity, dedication and, efficiencycompetence to and commitment and above all, will These huge revenues, no doubt, have unlimited direct and indirect contribution to implement the other necessary documents has already got wide popularity. The media campaign has been uphold the name and fame of our beloved motherland. public interest. vision of the government and for the development of the country as well. strengthened with this. Steps have been taken to register mobile handsets as well as to register With the firm conviction of building “Sonar Bangla” of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh for the registration of biometric SIM to ensure the security of devices and themobile phone users. Mujibur Rahman, Bangabandhu Satellite-1 stands as , a unique mile stonerevolutionary milestone In the meantime, hopefully the BTRC will move one step further to achieve the goal of providing to build the Digital Bangladesh of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. , with firm conviction building secure telecommunications services. “Sonar Bangla” of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. On May 12, 2018, In addition to the efforts of monitoring strengthening the harmful contents of the internet, Bangabandhu satellite-1 started its journey in a space orbit with Falcon-9 launch vehicle located Md Jahurul Haque applications and website monitoring in cyber security; fast, effective and timely measures are in Cape Canaveral in Florida, USA resulting . Bangladesh, which became the as 57th country in Chairman being taken with law enforcingement agencies, security agencies, and intelligence agencies. In the satellite's elite club. Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission order to control the illegal international call, a higher monitoring committee was formed with taken full responsibility to take care of the issues related to for thethe manufacturing and launching combining BTRC RAB, Police and PoliceBTRC and the campaign was strengthened members.

BTRC 10 Annual Report-2017-2018 of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 under the supervision of the Post and Telecommunication Division of Operators have besides, Self-Regulation Process (SRP) introduced by Mobile Operators, the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Communications Satellite Company Limited bandwidth monitoring, SIM ymboxian detection methods, have also been introduced to (BCSCL) has been formed for marketing and maintainingenance of tthe Satellite next to theafter self-regulation methods by using different logics to detect illegal international calls, as well as to launching launch. Bangabandhu Satellite-1 is a geostationary satellite. It is located at 119.1 stop them. degrees east longitude. With the introduction of "Bangabandhu Satellite",; usage of space informationsatellite technology will be expanded in Bangladesh. As a result, enormous benefits In this fiscal year, Spectrum have been allocated in favour of 38 satellite televisions, 29 FM radios, and implementation of “Digital Bangladesh” vision project will be a step forward by like ensuring 18 community radios, So far. Spectrum have also been allocated for Bangabandhu satellite global coverage, security, reliability, rapid development and acquisition of foreign currency, etc will activities. The process of mediation with the agreement between Bangladesh and India is help the country to grow faster. underway to solve the cross-border interference issue on the border. Tech neutrality has been Preface granted in the 800, 900, 1800 MHz band. The guidelines have already been prepared for the It would be unjust if I don’t mention the pleasant figures of the telecommunication sectors achieved import of related devices for the Internet of Things (IoT). Two organizations have been allowed to Telecommunications and ICT has been adopted as one of the leading tools for the implementation so far. As a result of BTRC's wistfulinsightful endeavour, about 99% of the population and 97% of produce mobile handsets locally in the country. In order to provide amateur radio of the vision of Bangladesh Gthe government. The two major visions are: to be promotinged to a the geographical area of the country came under the coverage of mobile phones. Currently, more servicescertification, a certificates haves been given to 177 peopleindividuals. middle-income country at 50 years of independence and implementing the vision of building a than 15 million mobile SIMs are active in the country, which is about 92% of the total population In the financial yearDuring 2017-2018, the Commission has hardcovered handed over 283over developed and prosperous 'Digital Bangladesh' respectively in 2021 andbyon 2041. Compete with ratio. The number of internet subscribers has increased to 8.77 million in the last one-year. 14.14 283 licenses. Currently, and the available number of effective licenses are 2584. currently. the usage, expansion and speed of the technology; Introduction of newinnovative, affordable, million mobile phone subscribers and 14.4 million Iinternet subscribers have increased within 1 Regulatory legislation has been initiated according to the Public Demands Recovery Act, 1913 efficient and smart technology brought significantabout changes in income, employment and year. Fourth generation mobile technology (4G) has been introduced through spectrum auctionin and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act, 2001, to pay the government's due to lifestyle of people. Overall have been changed. Along with happiness they also saved money. the country. The number of 3G subscribers has increased 2 crores and 89 lakhs in lasta year various telecommunications operators and licensed companies. In the last eight years, 124 cases Governments revenue, investment in this sector and GDP of the country have increased notably. making an envious figure of , which is now reachingabout 6 crores 49 lakhs till today. People have have already been settled between the 284 cases filed in the High Court Division and Appellate Several tTelecommunications technologiesknow-hows especially, usage of mobile phones and chosen the digital method rather than relying on traditional banking for financial transactions and Division. Effective legal action has been taken to settle all the cases runningavailable in different internet have changed the way of life for of most of the people in Bangladesh as like as the whole undoubtedlyunquestionably, the improved telecommunication system this is the driving force of courts. other parts of the world. Therefore, it is a no denying fact that the role of Telecommunications and this progress. In 2009, there was a per capita income in the country, where US $ 728, touching the ICT’s are irrefutable factors Tto be an advanced country which in turn will, to form a resourceful telecommunication system, now it is more than $ 1500. Smartphones and high-speed 3G and 4G BTRC does not take the credit alone for the success achieved so far. I solemnly recognize the digital society, to be a member of Digital era, to build transformed production system and along internet expansions have resulted in increasedplayed a vital role to expand access and ensure support of all the stakeholders of the country to BTRC. Specially, I want to mention the name of with them to the formation of a new and knowledge-based economy; the role of uninterrupted access to to education, health, agriculture, production, food, security, energy, Honourable ICT Advisor to the Honourable Prime Minister, Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed and Honourable Telecommunications and ICT’s are undeniable. transport, trade and commerce, and enhanced M-services and management in e-Governance Minister to Ministry of Post, Telecommunication & Information Technology without whom the journey would have been difficult. To ensure advanced, modern and public-friendly Considering the unbounded capacity, impact and contribution of telecommunications, -the public and public services. telecommunications services in the country, cooperation is essential for formulation a modern and government has been takingtook revolutionary steps in the telecommunications sector. In this As a regulatory body, BTRC, being a regulatory body, is now much more focused in providing a progressive regulatory framework and sustainable reforms of Telecommunication Act, 2001 is regardTo materialize the necessities of the digital Bangladesh, the BTRC is working relentlessly. customer safety, as well as providing value-added, reliable, affordable and modern telecom are absolutely vital. BTRC’s annual report 2017-2018 is going to be published to project with the continuation of the services to the customers. In order to provide a more advanced and quality service to the success along with the rate of progress, achievements in this fiscal year and also formulating the customers, commission is in the a process of procurement and delivery services for drive-based I hope that everyone will continue to render his/her support to the outfit. We need to remember, we future plans of the commission. I feel very happy and proud to publish the report. On this occasion, modern day-to-day quality of different services testing equipment. The tower sharing guidelines can do better alone, but we can do best together. Therefore, perform their duties unanimously with I express my heartfelt congratulationsthanks to the contemporariesfriends engaged in various have been prepared to reduce public health risks and structural costs-which is waiting for utmost care and thus contribute from their position for the development of this sector. Published activities including valueddignified subscribers, partners, non-government organizations, approval. For the protection of customer interest, Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Service has annual report will fulfil the obligations of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, as well as the departments, different operators and licensees of BTRC, etc. My special thank obviously goes to been (MNPS) is in the process of launcheding and which is believed to will bring a fair competition needs of the telecommunication related information and data of the people, including the and sincere gratitude to all the BTRC officials/employees to cooperated me round the year. among mobile operators. BTRC's call centre (short code 100), special mobile number, complaints customers, policy makers, experts, journalists, operators, potential investors, and will also help to ICT has brought a radical change in everyday life of the people. New innovations and reformation received through postal and complaints through e-mail have been launched to simplify become aware of the rights and all those related to it will be benefited. This report comprises with of ICT’s are wonders in modern society. It is a matter of pride to inform you that BTRC has been customer-centred facilities and complaints. BTRC is committed to provide safe and fair service tthe data of our telecommunication sector as given a whole whichin this report is obligatory for us making significant contributions in the country's economic development. From the establishment along with quality telecommunications services. Central Biometric Verification Monitoring Platform to publish so that the government, industry and people can be benefitedfurthered with own tillo June 2018, the BTRC has submitted the non-tax revenue to the public exchequer about 53 (CBVMP) has SIM registration system has been introduced. The process of identifying fake, fake planning. In this case, I strongly believe, that BTRC will carry out the it’s responsibilities with thousand crores, against which was about about 6 thousand 5 hundred cores in last fiscal year. or illegal registered SIMs properly in the form of fingerprint through National Identity Card and utmost sincerity, dedication and, efficiencycompetence to and commitment and above all, will These huge revenues, no doubt, have unlimited direct and indirect contribution to implement the other necessary documents has already got wide popularity. The media campaign has been uphold the name and fame of our beloved motherland. public interest. vision of the government and for the development of the country as well. strengthened with this. Steps have been taken to register mobile handsets as well as to register With the firm conviction of building “Sonar Bangla” of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh for the registration of biometric SIM to ensure the security of devices and themobile phone users. Mujibur Rahman, Bangabandhu Satellite-1 stands as , a unique mile stonerevolutionary milestone In the meantime, hopefully the BTRC will move one step further to achieve the goal of providing to build the Digital Bangladesh of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. , with firm conviction building secure telecommunications services. “Sonar Bangla” of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. On May 12, 2018, In addition to the efforts of monitoring strengthening the harmful contents of the internet, Bangabandhu satellite-1 started its journey in a space orbit with Falcon-9 launch vehicle located Md Jahurul Haque applications and website monitoring in cyber security; fast, effective and timely measures are in Cape Canaveral in Florida, USA resulting . Bangladesh, which became the as 57th country in Chairman being taken with law enforcingement agencies, security agencies, and intelligence agencies. In the satellite's elite club. Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission order to control the illegal international call, a higher monitoring committee was formed with taken full responsibility to take care of the issues related to for thethe manufacturing and launching combining BTRC RAB, Police and PoliceBTRC and the campaign was strengthened members.

BTRC 11 Annual Report-2017-2018 Objectives of the Commission

In order to facilitate a quick and stable socio-economic development and to provide a dependable telecommunication service, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) was established on 31 January 2002,under the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act-2001.The main objectives are:

(a) To encourage the orderly development of a telecommunication system that enhances and strengthens the social and economic welfare of Bangladesh; (b) To ensure access to reliable,resonably priced and modern telecommunication services including internet services for the greatest number of people,as far as practicable; (c) To ensure theefficiency of the national telecommunication system and its capacity to compete in both the national and international spheres; (d) To prevent and abolish discrimination in providing Telecommunication services, to progressively effect reliance on competitive and market oriented system,and in keeping with these objectives, to ensure effective control of the Commission; (e) To encourage the introduction of new services and to create a favorable atmosphere for the local and foreign investors who intend to invest in the telecommunication sector of Bangladesh.

BTRC 12 Annual Report-2017-2018 Formation of the Commission and Present Status

For the purpose of development and efficient regulation of the telecommunication system and telecom services in Bangladesh an independent Commission namely Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission was established in 31/01/2002 said act. According to section 10, sub section 1 of Bangladesh Telecommunication Act,2001, the present Commission of BTRC member (2016-2017) are as under:-

Sl. No Name Designation 1. Dr. Shajahan Mahmood Chairman 4. Md. Jahurul Haque Vice-Chairman 3. Md. Razaul Quader Commissioner 4. Md. Aminul Hasan Commissioner

According to the Telecommunication Act the Commission is assigned with various responsibilities. Out of those establishing, operating,regulating maintaining telecommunication establishments and providing various telecom services in the country are the major ones. Besides,fixing charges on the subscribers,ensuring the quality & availability of services for the subscribers and to ensure the people’s right are also other important tasks of the Commission.The social and economic behavioral pattern of the telecom service providers are also monitored by the Commission to ensure that the users are not subjected to harassment or discrimination. As a statutory organization, the Commission has to maintain its official seal and continuity as provided in the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act,2001,clause 6(9).The law vests the Commission with such responsibilities as procuring and keeping under possession of movable and immovable properties,transferring authority,right to execute agreements and accomplishing other activities within the purview of the telecom law. The Teleommunication Act amendent bill has been passed in 2010.According to the bill,approval of the government will be needed to provide telecom services, to route international calls,importing telecommunication equipments and transferring the ownership of such equipments. ANy violation shall be punished with an administrative fine of maximum of 300 crore or 10 years imprisonment or both. According to the Act,if an operator keeps violating even after being fined of taka 300 crore,the said operator would be further fined at the rate of taka 1 crore per day as an administrative fine. In case of individual, the Act has the provision of charging an administrative fine of taka 100 crore and maximum imprisonment for 5 years. After the Amendment of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act 2001, Commission needs prior government approval to issue any telecom license. At the same time; such approval will also be required for transferring ownership or to cancel any license. Earlier, different tariffs, call charge and other charges used to be determined by BTRC, now if needs prior governmental approval. In such case the government will give decision within 60 days.

BTRC 13 Annual Report-2017-2018 Commission’s Acquisition From Foundation (2002-2018)

BTRC 14 Annual Report-2017-2018 Commission’s Acquisition From Foundation to June, 2018

According to the 4.2 clause of National Telecom Policy,1998 foundation of an independent Regulatory Commission is said. By this trend to control telecommunication system by maintaining balance Bangladesh Telecommunication Rule,2001 is acted. To Materialize the rule and development of telecommunication `Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’ has established at 31 January,2002. Development activities of BTRC from starting to till are given below:

No. Subject 2002-2003 June,2018 1. Tele Density 0.54% 92.67%

2. Internet Density 0.1% 53.65%

3. Number of Mobile Subscribers 50.50 Lac 15 Crore 9 Lac

4. Number of Internet Subscribers 1 Lac 8 Crore 77 Lac

5. Licensee Institutions 139 2647

6. Internet Bandwidth Price(Tk.) 1 Lac 27 Thousand 625 Taka

7. Revenue Income (Taka in Crore) 120.07 6445.36

8. Network Coverage 50/64 Districts 64/64 Districts

09. Deller Position and Radio Communication Vendor Licence 31 950

10. Frequency Allocation 35 Organizations 905 Organizations

11. At 2017-2018 financial year daily International incoming call 5 Crore 58 lac 54 thousand 714 Minutes. 12. Till 2017 around 17 organizations got allocation for frequency to establish and conduct Community Radio, Broadcasting by Ministry of information.

13. Upto 2017 around 36 Satellite Televisions got 6/9/12 Megahartz Satellite uplink frequency allocation at 5.85-6.425 Gigahartz.

BTRC 15 Annual Report-2017-2018 Development Activities And Aquisitions of 2017-2018 At a Glance

BTRC 16 Annual Report-2017-2018 Development Activities And Aquisitions of 2017-2018 At a Glance

No. Subject 2016-2017 2017-2018 01. Tele Density 87.32 % 92.67 %

02. Internet Density 45.29 % 53.65 %

03. 3G Number of Mobile Subscribers 03 Crore 60 Lac 06 Crore 48 Lac 69 Thousand

04. Number of Internet Subscribers 7 Crore 33 Lac 8 Crore 77 Lac

05. Licensee Institutions 268 133

06. Daily International Incoming call (Minute) 6.92 Crore 5 Crore 58 Lac

07. Voice Call Charge(Average/Tk.) 0.81 Paisa 0.45 Paisa

08. Internet Bandwidth Price(Tk.) 625 625

09. BTS 78,066 84,527 2017-2018 Total Ravenue Income 6,445.36 Crore

BTRC 17 Annual Report-2017-2018 Noteworthy Future Planning

BTRC 18 Annual Report-2017-2018 5G Frequency Allocation

Digital Broadcasting Switchover

Upgration and expansion of Spectrum monitoring System

Unified Licensing

Access Regulation

Telecom Tower Sharing Guideline

Construction of own office building of BTRC at Agargaon

Ensuring Internet Safety Solutions (ISS)

Implementation Of Mobile Number Portability (MNP)

Telecom Value Added Services (TVAS) Registration

Infrastructure Sharing Guideline

BTRC 19 Annual Report-2017-2018 Activities of BTRC in 2017-2018

To perform the regulatory responsibilities,BTRC is organized with five divisions and one directorate as below:

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Divisions Directorate Wing

Administration Finance, Accounts & Revenue Media & Publication Systems and Services Enforcement and Inspection Spectrum Engineering and Operations Legal and Licensing

BTRC 20 Annual Report-2017-2018 Administration Division

BTRC 21 Annual Report-2017-2018 Administration Division

Administration division deals with the tasks like manpower of the commission, appointment, promotion, posting, transfer, training, arrangements of meeting, seminars, office building maintainance, purchase and maintenance of office equipments, purchase and maintenance of vehicles, IT activities, management of library and stores, protocol services, dispatch and other activities. Manpower The organogram of BTRC comprises of 369 various posts. The manpower of the Commission as on 30th June 2018 is appended below:

No. Appointment Grade Post Authorized Post Held Post Vacant

1 Chairman - 01 00 01 2 Vice-Chairman - 01 01 00 3 Commissioner - 03 02 01 4 Commission Secretary 4 01 01 00 5 Director General 3 04 04 00 6 Director General / Director 3/4 10 10 00 7 Deputy/Joint Director 5 27 25 02 8 Senior Asst./Asst. Director 6/9 91 35/28/63 28 9 Personal Secretary 9 01 01 00 Total 139 107 32 10 Administrative Officer 10 04 04 00 11 Deputy Assistant Director 10 49 27 22 12 Personal Officer 10 09 07 02 13 Store Officer 10 01 01 00 Total 63 39 24 14 Personal Assistant 11 12 07 05 15 Auditor 11 01 01 00 16 Reporter 11 01 00 01 17 Photographer 11 03 01 02 18 Office Asst./Admin 11/13 18 14 04 Asst./Comp. Operator 19 Draftsman 11 02 02 00 20 Protocal Assistant 11 01 01 00 21 Assistant Store Keeper 11 01 00 01 22 Receptionist/PABX Operator 11 02 01 01 23 IT/ Security Assistant 11 06 03 03 24 Accountant 13 03 01 02 25 Cashier 13 01 01 00 Total 51 32 19

BTRC 22 Annual Report-2017-2018 No. Appointment Grade Post Authorized Post Held Post Vacant

26 Driver 16/15 42 40 02 27 Driver Common Service 16/15 10 8 02 28 Record Keeper 18 01 01 00 29 Dispatch Rider 18 05 03 02 30 Electrician/Technician 18 01 01 00 31 Photocopy Copier 19 01 01 00 32 Pump,Lift,Generator Operator 19 02 02 00 33 Cleaner 20 06 06 00 34 Office Assistant (Tea Bar Assistant) 20 06 06 00 35 Office Assistant (MLSS) 20 42 38 04 Total 116 106 10 Total 369 284 85

Welfare activities for the staffs

m In fiscal year 2017-2018, a sum of taka 13,23,000/- (Thirteen Lac twenty three thousand) has been distributed to 68 officers/employees from welfare fund of the Commission on the basis of their application to meet the expenses for treatment/education/marriage/natural disaster.

m As per job specification,all officers of the Commission are connected with internet to keep themselves updated with the latest technologies. Arrangement of Wi-Fi has been made to provide continuous support to the office of the Commission, Apart from this, the officers and the employees of the commission have been provided with mobile phone facility to keep them connected round the clock.

m Officers and employees have been provided with transportation facilities from the Commission. Training To Improve Quality and efficiency at 2017-2018 financial year 154 officers/ Staff are given 58 training within country. Vehicle Management Administration division carries out the task of purchasing necessary vehicles, their distribution,and maintenance of those on behalf of the Commission.This division is very much concerned to ensure the smooth transportation of the officers and the employees of the commission.There are four officers under a Director responsible for vehicle management of the Commission. Construction of BTRC own office Building at Agargaon To build own office of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission at 15/07/2008 Directorate of Public works alloted one acre of land at Agargaon administrative area (Plot#E 5/A). According to the allotment Directorate of Public works will complete the building and Architecture Directorate will make an architectural design and according to the Post and Telecommunication division’s order Architecture Directorate made an architectural design . Already constraction of the boundary wall in aforesaid land by Directorate of Public works is done. A DPP is issued to build a telecom tower by govt. project.In 10/04/2018 a project of 20265.28 lac taka to build BTRC

BTRC 23 Annual Report-2017-2018 Building on one acre of land at Agargaon administrative area (Plot#E 5/A) got permission at the ECNEC meeting. At a time the duration of the project is estimated from 01 April, 2018 to 31 December, 2020. Information/Complaint Officer According to the rules of Bangladesh Information Right Act,2009 an officer of BTRC has been assigned to provide information on behalf of the Commission. The assigned officer provides the desired information on the basis of this Act.Besides, he attends Complaints from the public on telecom issues. On receipt of the complaint, he addresses those to resolve by taking necessary steps.The information/complaint officer of the Commission is:

Address Name of the officer Office Residence Bangladesh Telecommunication House D# 88,Pallabi,2nd M A Taleb Hossain Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Phase, Eastern Housing Director (Licensing) IEB Bhaban,Ramna, Mirpur, -1216 BTRC. Dhaka-1000.Phone-9554489, Phone-9001682 Mobile-01552202722, [email protected]

BTRC 24 Annual Report-2017-2018 BTRC Digital Library and Information Center

A Modern and organized library exists in the Commission at 6th floor. It remain open from 9am to 5pm. It is known as the “Library and Information Resource Center” of BTRC. In BTRC Digital Library and Information Center there are many registered books. There are almost many books on telecommunication and IT of International Standard collected from home and abroad. Besides, all leading news papers of the country and recent journals from home and abroad are also made available in this library. The officers and the employees of the Commission make good use of the library to keep them updated. At present there are 2,666 Technical and General registered books.At 2017-2018 about 391 books are collected and registered in the library. The following categories of books has been collected in the library according to the requirements of various branches of the commission:

Sl No Subject No of Books 1. Administration related 580 2. New Technology, Services and tariff related 266 3. Frequency Management related 468 4. Technical and Operational Technology related 391 5. Legal and licensing related 579 6. Finance and Revenue related 240 7. Others 142 Total books 2,666

The Administration division has taken various steps to collect books on newer technologies and newly edited books from renowned publishers to increase the volume of books in the library. E-Library Information can easily exchanged through the e-library of BTRC.Even any information required from abroad can easily be collected through this e-library Officers from BTRC very often attend various meeting/seminar/workshop outside the country.In such cases,cocerned officer can prepare necessary documents/paper for the respective meeting/seminar/workshop,which becomes very informative.

Management System Software The Library and information Resource Center of BTRC is being transformed into a modern library and information Resource Center through “Management System Software”. A draft plan has already been formulated in this regard.

BTRC 25 Annual Report-2017-2018 Information Technology (IT) Section

One of the most important sections of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission is IT section.IT section has always been working wholeheartedly with Various ICT-based technologies to maintain safe, uninterrupted and efficient management of the Commission. Besides introducing new technologies IT section has taken various initiatives to keep the information safe. In addition to providing daily IT services, all IT officers working in the Commission are given relevant IT related consultation and cooperation. In addition, IT section has been playing an important role in implementing various e-services of the government of the commission.in the present government. Currently, this section has01 (one) Senior Assistant Director, 01 (one) Assistant Director, 02 (Two) Deputy Assistant Director, 01 (One) Administrative Officer and 03 (Three) IT Assistant.IT Infrastructure According to the demand of the officers/employees of the commission IT section, regularly ads, updates and monitor various systems in order to provide modern and sophisticated ICT services. Among those, some significant are given below:

Colocation Mail Server Center Protected Web Server Internet

LAN & Wi-Fi Application Network Server Directory Information Network System Security Server IP-PABX Technology Complaint System Section Management Hardware Website Maintenance Management Access Control Application System Support Surve illance OFC & E1 Security Connectivity

IT Infrastructure

J Performs IT related Procurement. J IT section provides day to day support to the officers of the commission beside its daily routine task. J Maintenance of the Commission's own website (www.btrc.gov.bd). J Supervision and maintenance of the Commission's own Mail Server and Spam Filter. J Provide IT related assistance to implement various e-services introduced the government in the commission. J LAN and Wi-Fi Network maintenance at each floor of the commission office. J Web server, SIP Server, Antivirus server monitoring and maintenance. J Monitoring and maintenance of difference directions of the commissions.

BTRC 26 Annual Report-2017-2018 J Monitoring Voice E1 & Internet Fiber Connectivity. J Power system monitoring and maintenance of server rooms. J Maintenance of IP PABX system used for official conversation. J Security Surveillance System (CCTV) monitoring and maintenance. J Perform data backup tasks of different servers. J Maintains various hardware including desktop computers, laptops, printers, scanners etc. J Provides IT support in various programs, meetings, seminars, workshops organized by the Commission. J Attend various meetings organized by different departments / agencies of the government. J Provides various assistance as a member of implementation committee of various projects. J Provide advice and assistance to IT departments on all departments / branches.

Apart from the requirements of the Commission, necessary measures are also taken to make existing internet based services more timely and effective.

Significant Activities of the IT branch for the year 2017-18 are as bellow 1. Completed upgradation of a comprehensive sound system by migrating the ceiling speakers of the main Conference Room of the Commission with main Conference System and PA system. 2. Ensured high quality projection facilities for various important meetings/seminars arranged in the Main Conference Room by properly maintaining the multimedia projectors. LAN has also been installed in the Main Conference Room. 3. Initiatives have been taken to put in place Personnel Information Management System (PIMS) software with the view to maintain a database of personal information and training related information of the officers/staff of the Commission.

4. Keep in pace with the modern and advanced technology, the website of the Commission has been redesigned according to the national portal and is made more dynamic, more in formative and more enriched than before. 5. Arrangements for 20Mbps of backup bandwidth have been made in addition to the existing internet bandwidth in order to observe then needs of the extended manpower of BTRC as well as to keep the servers of various departments running smoothly and uninterruptedly. 6. Improved and ensured a high-quality Wi-Fi network facility in BTRC by rearranging the existing network modules and by adding new devices to different locations. 7. Placed UTM (Unified Threat Management) system in the existing firewall in order to protect the network of the Commission and to strengthen cyber security. 8. Replaced the old web server by procuring a new web server in order to make the website more reliable and informative. 9. Established Data Informatics System (DIS) software in order to manage data of various operators and procured a high-end server in order to host that server. 10. Upgraded the existing Tally Software used by the Finance, Accounts and Revenue Branch of the Commission in to new version through Data Migration. 11. Procured a total of 35 laptops, 50 Microsoft Office (Licensed Version) and 06 laser printers for official working purposes of the commission.

BTRC 27 Annual Report-2017-2018 SYSTEMS & SERVICES DIVISION

BTRC 28 Annual Report-2017-2018 SYSTEMS & SERVICES DIVISION (SS)

Protecting telecom subscribers’ right is very important in current world. Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is committed to accelerate the implementation of Digital Bangladesh through the progressive development of telecommunication sector and protect the interests as well as the rights of telecommunication subscribers. Already BTRC is well known as a customer-friendly government agency at home and abroad for taking various initiatives and successful implementations. Systems and Services (SS) Division is working to provide policies full-time telecommunication services, value added services and tariff approval at a lower cost. This division is also responsible for monitoring the services, market communication & promotional activities of cellular mobile network operators (MNOs), maintain the bilateral relationship with the Ministry of Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology, other government organizations/offices and circulates SMS countrywide for national interests. Beside this, SS division performs various specialized activities such as promoting a competitive market for telecommunication service providers, introducing new services and ensuring an amiable atmosphere for the investors by preparing directives and guidelines. In addition, this division arranges counselling & dispute settlement among telecommunication license holders, vendors, third party service providers and customers through maintaining a complaint centre. BTRC is the focal point of various organizations like International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT), Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization (CTO), Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA). SS Division represents Bangladesh in various types of ICT and Telecommunications workshops, seminars, forums, meetings etc in home and abroad. A brief description of the various functions of the division is presented below.

1 Service & Tariff Approval

SS division works to promote innovation of the telecommunication services, create spaces for the new technologies, automate the life style & introduce new value added services for increasing subscriber’s satisfaction. Telecom operators have heightened their standard to the international level by extending various value added services beyond their basic services. Recently, many third party service providers have come forward to provide old and conventional value added services by creating local entrepreneurs. On the other side, based on the customer satisfaction level, the licensed operators have introduced various innovative services to ensure their uniqueness from the other operators. Earlier the SMS based value added services were conventional but now a days the services like Interactive Voice Response (IVR), Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), Application Protocol Interface (API), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) etc. are widely introduced and practised. Some of the recently approved Value Added Services (VAS) and related activities by BTRC are furnished below: a) Mobile Financial Services: (MFS)

The Mobile Financial Services such as web/international Recharge, E-Ticketing, Inward remittances, Utility Bill payment, etc. are jointly provided by Commercial Banks and Mobile phone operators. Thereby, the Government is helping financial inclusion growing number of citizens to enjoy the access to mobile financial facilities. Thus, Mobile Financial Services are playing a vital role in the economy through easy and rapid financial transaction. o Alike voice & data service, to provide Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) service network component (Core network equipment, Access network equipment), annual spectrum fee, license fee, revenue sharing, and other Cost Component are involved. In addition to MFS, USSD services are used in many services, including VAS and Subscription Service. In Bangladesh, the usage density of MFS is relatively high due to which additional resources are required.

BTRC 29 Annual Report-2017-2018 o To avail MFS service the charge imposed by the MFS provider to subscriber usually proportional to Transaction Amount. However, charges are not applicable for all sessions, though the USSD service is used for all sessions, therefore there is no relation to Transaction amount with resource utilization. o It seems that currently healthy market competition is being hampered by uncontrolled and discriminated pricing due to lacking specific tariff guidelines. According to the bilateral agreement to provide mobile financial service between MNO and MFS provider, MNO are empowered to perform their audit the total amount transacted through MFS. Unfortunately, MNO didn't get adequate support from MFS provider to perform the audit hence the transparency of the transaction amount remains unforeseeable. As a consequence, the revenue sharing model became questionable. o It is to mention here that currently the amount of OTC (Over The Counter) / Agent to Agent transaction is 75%. As a result, the main objectives of MFS Bangladesh are being interrupted. In order to make financial services available to the marginalized people of the country, the Bangladesh Bank has formulated MFS Guideline in 2011. But it is currently seen that marginalized people are transacting through agents instead of using/opening an MFS account. Currently MFS services and balance checks, account statements services are used unlimitedly by the agent. In those services, the Session Based USSD charge will be imposed on MFS providers, which will impel the MFS provider of charge check and account statement services (fixed number of free), which will encourage agents to open more subscriber's MFS account. In addition, subscribers of MFS users through agents will be converted to personal MFS account and will conduct Transaction through P2P in each other. It is further noted that after the execution of each transaction, the account statement is communicated to the customer through SMS, which is included in the proposed Session Based USSD Charge. o According to the licensing guidelines, MNOs will share 5.5% of the revenues received from MFS with BTRC and another 1% which will be considered as Social Obligation Fund (SOF). That is, if the amount of mobile operator's dividend increases on the launching of Session based USSD Pricing for digital financial services, the government's revenue will increase proportionately.

SL Description Charge in BDT (per session)

1 Successful Revenue Generating Transaction 0.85

2 Successful Non-Revenue Generating Transaction 0.40 b) Call Center Based Information/Help Line

Information services like Health Line, Agriculture Info, Education Line, Legal Line, Blood Bank Info, Travel Line etc. are provided by call center based on information service. Different operators including local enterprenuers are rendering these services. SS division monitors the operators’ helpline to protect customers’ right. C) Tracking Service SS division provides tariff approval for Global Positioning System (GPS) based tracking services. Besides, these licensed companies also provide such tracking services by using location based service (LBS) technology. d) News Service In order to keep the people updated with latest news of home and abroad, news services have been introduced through SMS, IVR based News/Alert Service. To provide this kind of services, SS division formulates specific policies for the operators.

BTRC 30 Annual Report-2017-2018 e) International Payment And Recharge Service: To give the facilities to the Bangladeshi people living outside of Bangldesh such as Middle East, America, England; SS division provides no objection certificates (NOC) for International Payment & Recharge Service (IPRS) for providing the facilities of paying mobile air time top up and utility bills. According to the provisions of BTRC and Bangladesh Bank, after getting clearance, organizations can provide services to such users through their website, apps, agent and resellers. 2 Formulation of Telecommuncation Guidelines/Directives

According to Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act-2001, Section 31(2) (Ta), directives are provided by the Commission for enhancing the proper environment and customer satisfaction in telecommunications system. On behalf of the BTRC, SS division initiates various guidelines, directives and other regulatory documents. Recent promulgated directives and guidelines are under process along with other important activities of BTRC. Few of them are given below: a) Subscriber Registration Processs (Biometric Verification)

In the past few years’ extortion, intimidation and teasing over telephones/mobile phones have reported to be increased, which has affected country’s image and provoked fear in the mind of general mass. To prevent such activities, with the guidelines of Honorable State Minister, Post and Telecommunications Division and support by the mobile operators, the SIM/RUIM registration process with biometrics verification including online national identity documents has been promulgated as mandatory compliance from 16 December 2015. As a result, total of 11 crore 21 lakh subscribers of all mobile operators have been re-registered their SIM/RUIM with biometrics process til 31-05-2016. Unregistered SIM have already been disconnected from 1st June’2016. Still there is an opportunity to activate the disconnected SIM with proper registration process. Till date, total of 13 crore 50 lakh subscribers of all mobile operators have been re-registered their SIM/RUIM with biometrics process. With approval of the government, the mobile phone subscriber re-registration process through biometrics verification which was started on 16 December 2015 has been completed on 31st May, 2016. To monitor the verification activities and apply necessary regulatory tools to that system, a central biometrics verification monitoring platform has been set up in the Commission. Data centre of that central system has been set up on BTRC office and disaster recovery server has been installed in data centre of Bangladesh Submerine Cable Company Limited located at Tejgaon. On June 16, 2017, the Central Biometrics Verification Monitoring Platform was fully launched. As a result, all mobile operators SIM/RIM registration, re-registration, de-activation, replacement, ownership changes are being fully monitored and the system has been established by the Commission to impose a rule on SIM / RUIM time to time. b) Mobile Number Portability Guideline

Mobile Numbers Portability (MNP) is a popular value-added service in the telecommunications world. To speed up the telecommunication services many countries around the world have already launched the MNP. MNP allows the mobile subscribers to retain the existing mobile number when the subscriber shifted from one mobile operator to another. Although MNP is a value-added service but it is considered as a "Regulatory Tools" in the telecommunication world. Basically it has been introduced to reduce the scope of the monopoly/exclusive business for mobile phone operators and increase competitive market amongst them. MNP has been introduced in such countries where the competition is comparatively higher. As a whole the MNP benefits the customers in such types of competitive market. However, during induction phase of the MNP, mobile operators in almost all countries remain concerned as every operator’s priority is to retain its own customers. However, initially every mobile operator of almost all countries has reluctance about to launch MNP.

BTRC 31 Annual Report-2017-2018

License handover ceremony of Mobile Number Portability at chairman office of BTRC BTRC has introduced a directive on Mobile Number Portability alrady which is yet to be implemented. However, on the basis of mobile operator’s application to extend the time for launching the service, a steering committee comprising MNOs, interconnection exchange (ICX) and the International Gateway (IGW) has been formed. According to Committee's report and the opinion of public consultation organized by the commission, it has been decided to introduce MNP in Bangladesh through a third party. In this regard a draft guideline has been sent to Post and Telecommunications division for approval. After finalization of the guideline BTRC received permision from the ministry to issue MNP licenses. After that, Posts and Telecommunication Division sent a letter to the Commission titled 'amendmend of mobile number portability services guidelines and cancellation of auction’. According to the letter, commission has sent the amended draft guideline to posts and telecommunication division and PTD sent back the approval to Commission consequently. In the light of the guidelines approved by the PTD, from the Commission, on November 30, 2017, the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) license was issued to Infozillion Teletech BD. Based on the MNP Directives issued by the BTRC, the related stakeholders preparing themselves to launch the service soon. c) Tower sharing guidelines

According to the present practice in Bangladesh, different mobile operators are establishing their own towers as per their choice. This helps us to get good network. At the same time it seems that tower locations are chosen without mutual coordination between operators as many towers are located in small area. This causes serious threat to people and nature with the increasing level of radiation. In some cases, the tower is being set up on the cultivated land, due to which the amount of cultivated land is decreasing. Also it is increasing the demand of electricity connections. Considering all, the Commission has taken initiatives to prepare a guideline on “Tower Sharing”. Considering the total number of towers and shared Towers, various parameters/resources, different models of tower sharing and its advantage/disadvantages a draft copy of “Tower Sharing” Guideline has been sent to Posts & Telecommunications Division by commission for approval. After that posts and telecommunications division sent a letter with direction. According to the ministry’s direction, commission has sent the amended draft guideline to Posts & Telecommunications Division. Now “Tower Sharing” guideline is under process in Posts & Telecommunications Division for approval.

BTRC 32 Annual Report-2017-2018 Pictures of mobile phone towers sharing d) ILDTS Policy: In the light of the decision of the DNCC meeting for the review of International Long Distance Telecommunication Services (ILDTS) Policy 2010, ITU consultants discussed with stakeholders in December 2017 and March 2018. In March 28, 2018 ITU consultants submitted the report for 'Public Consultation' to the BTRC. Later on April 3, 2018, the report submitted by ITU consultant was opened for industry consultation through the BTRC website from 04-24 April 2018 which was extended up to 7 May 2018 considering the request for an extension from operators. The opinions gathered from operators sent to ITU consultant on 13 May 2018. Accordingly, a revised report prepared by ITU consultant considering operators feedbacks sent to BTRC on 18 June 2018. BTRC discussed with ITU's representative regarding this report on August 10, 2018, in which the summary was prepared, The summary was forwarded to the post and telecommunications division for further guidance. The basic review included in the report prepared by ITU

Globally series of changes have been observed towards Unified Licensing for the last several years. On the contrary, in the later years of the ILDTS Policy 2010, there has been a complete breakdown in licensing structure and telecommunication market system in Bangladesh. The ILDTS Policy 2010 was originally issued to encourage local entrepreneurs and reduce illegal VoIP. So far these goals have been achieved little since the beginning of the implementation of this policy. But at the same time new realities have been created in the telecom sector; For example, the gradual integration of voice and data services. Meanwhile, considering the formation of Digital Bangladesh, if Bangladesh fails to build an open, competitive, converged market system, it will not only hamper the economic progress but also may push the country to backward even after having a huge investment in this sector. Many are worried about the probable changes which will empower a few companies to fully capture the whole market. Bangladesh should identify such areas where such fears are not considerable and adopt suitable regulatory policies in the appropriate circumstances, to create an effective opportunity for transforming the digital economy. There is no reason to believe that the impact of Unified Licensing System has made economic and social changes in other countries, will not be possible in Bangladesh. But it should also be considered that enough time and planning are needed to change the existing system. For that, it is necessary to set up specific & realistic targets and march towards step by step. As a result, all relevant parties will be able to proceed with confidence and take suitable preparation for the next step. The implementation of the proposed

BTRC 33 Annual Report-2017-2018 changes is in fact challenging; if a roadmap is formed that will ensure an acceptable and non-discriminatory change process for existing operators, most of these challenges can be successfully dealt with. 3. Other Important Activities

Besides, carrying out the above activities, SS division is also performing some other activities of which the important ones are discussed below: a) National Security Related Activities: BTRC & telecom operators are constantly assisting Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), Anti Corruption Commission, Customs, Courts & other offices/organizations for protecting the national security of Bangladesh. As a part of these activities, support/information is provided for the purpose of Call Detail Record (CDR), Subscribers Acquisition Form, Location Based Tracking, unregistered connection (SIM/ RUIM) termination etc. Besides this, for national security, biometric verification process has already been completed to ensure mobile subscriber’s registration. b) Formation of BD-CSIRT:

Computer offense and punishment provision has been mentioned in Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act, 2001 section 66 to 74. Under section 16, the power has been delegated to BTRC to form a committee for performing such kind of work. Bangladesh Computer Security Incident Response Team (BD-CSIRT) has been formed for protecting anything which imperils the security of the nation and Internet based offence like Data Intrusion, Identity Theft, Malware Infection and Cyber Crime. BD-CSIRT provides the Vulnerability Scanning Service to other organizations. Lots of anti-government and anti-religion content for which objections are raised from NTMC and different govt. organizations are blocked through IIG, except any ‘Dynamic-link’ based content/hosting repository. c) Public Awareness Related Activities:

This division is responsible for sending free SMS nationwide (only national level facts/activities) in response to the request by various ministries, government, international, multinational, service oriented and educational offices/organizations for enhancing public awareness. For implementing the task, Cellular Mobile Operators play an important and praiseworthy role. D) Complaint Management Taskforce:

Development of telecommunication sector in Bangladesh's is growing progressively . Along with the development of the telecommunication system, the number of service providers and users of the telecommunication operator has increased. For that the complaints of subscribers regarding services of operators increased. The access network service operators have their own customer care centers for resolving customer complaints. But there are some services / problems that are not directly related to operators, such as online social media. Meanwhile, due to the widespread expansion of the Internet and smart phones and also the increasing interest, the activities of the miscreants in online have increased greatly. User’s unconsciousness to use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc is basically responsible for unhealthy situation. To get rid-off the situation people are continuously knocking the commission for solving these issues and related consultations.

BTRC 34 Annual Report-2017-2018 f) International SIM/RUIM/Data Card Sale: People of Bangladesh are travelling to abroad for different reasons like employment/education/travel/hajj/treatment etc. Due to some barrier such as different rules and regulations for different countries, complexity for adoption of telecommunication services, language problems and restrictions in different areas of foreign citizens, etc., people are not able to buy telecom services. At the same time, it is not possible for corporate people to buy every country’s telecom SIM. Under this circumstance, on the basis of customers’ demand, SS Division of BTRC provides ITU expert's statement on the end of Cast Modeling organized by BTRCapproval for International SIM/RUIM/Data cards of International Telecom Operator(s) in Bangladesh for international use outside Bangladesh. Similar permission is open for new applicants. As a result, a person is able to collect the foreign mobile operator's SIM before going abroad. g) Review of International Call Termination Rate: BTRC Call Centre: International Gateway (IGW) operators are always conducting their business within the However if the petitioner does not get proper compensation, or if neglected/ or his right is not government fixed tariff range. Although there is no direct negative business effect on IGWs ITU expert's statement on the end of Cost Modeling session organized by BTRC preserved, he has the scope of informing the commission. In addition to conventional post, email operatos but rencently competition has increased as many entrepreneurs are being interested in and web based media; the short code '100' has recently been introduced to take the complaints this business. Thereby, the self-sustainability of IGW business became interrupted. So keeping Final Product of Cost Modeling has been handed over to BTRC. Regarding the cost model report, directly through the call. By calling directly to the short code, subscribers in the country can submit correlation with competitive market systems, IGW operators are terminating international call at a the BTRC Chairman informed the ICT Advisor to the Honorable Prime Minister. Checking the any outstanding complaints or suggestions regarding telecommunication services to BTRC. '100' lower rate than the fixed price which is contrary for sustainable business in this sector in long run. submitted reports and current market conditions: The next procedural aspects are being reviewed. is a timely addition of BTRC to receive subscriber’s complaint. The details of complaints received The main reason of this situation is by pass government's revenue through call-termination by Tariff Range of Mobile Operator, PSTN and IPTSP through the BTRC call center, settlement number, number of outstanding complaints etc. is illegal route. For this, IGW operators are facing business trouble. Considering the mentioned summarized in the table below. issues, Commision has sent a proposal to Ministry for international call termination rate on To protect the customer’s right, promote a competitive market for telecommunication service experimental basis as USD 0.015 per minute (revenue share calculated on USD 0.015). With providers and provide reasonable and affordable telecommunication services, a tariff circuite has BTRC Complain Management status from 1st July'17 to 30th June'18 approval of the government, the experimental international call termination rate is minimum USD been fixed for mobile operator, PSTN and IPTSP operators for different services. All Year Complain Complain Complain Resolution % 0.015 per minute (minimum rate; revenue share calculated on USD 0.015) from 18/09/2014 to till Telecommunications service providers are running their business within this tariff range. Tariff Received Solved Pending date. On 01/12/2016, a committee was formed with the reprensentative of Post and chart are as follow: 2017 2246 1660 586 73.91% Telecommunication Division, BTRC, Finance Ministry and National Board of Revenue for Voice Tariff Chart reviewing international call termination rate, revenue sharing model and ammendmend of 2018 2947 2848 99 96.64% guidelines. The committee was asked to submit a proposal with reset international call termination July 01, 2017- June 30, 2018 5193 4508 685 86.81% rate, revenue sharing model and related guidelines to the BTRC on the basis of market, demand and present situation. Committee members called for several meetings and discussed and At a glance, the telecommunication related complaints received by Bangladesh reviewed the issue in details. At the same time, in order to take the opinion regarding this issue, Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) are as follows: committee has consulted with the concerned operators such as IGW operators - IOF, Interconnection Exchange (ICX) operators and mobile operators Forum-AMTOB in different time. SL Medium Usage Considering all the facts, committee has submitted a proposal to commission. 01 Short-code: 100 Call 9 am to 5 pm (excluding government holidays) 02 E-mail: [email protected] Please E-mail h) Cost Modelling: 03 Web-Box Complain to the BTRC Website Achieving economic growth is very important by ensuring affordable telecom services as well as 04 Post/ Mail Send the Complaint to the mail creating a favorable environment for business and investment in telecom sector. Now 3G services have been launched in Bangladesh. Besides, the demand for the internet has increased. SMS Tariff Chart e) Social Obligation Fund: Reducing internet price is very important to increase internet penetration. In that context, the Social Obligation Fund (SOF) Rules’-2014 was formulated by the Government of Bangladesh on dicision has taken to creat a data Cost modelling with the help of International Telecommunication 14/12/2014. According to the act, the formation of fund management committee with the Union (ITU). After the decision of 192nd commission meeting, cost modelling process has started. representatives of different telecommunication organizatis is on final process. Already a member In June 2017, Stakeholders’ workshop was held with the presence of ITU expertise. In that secretary has been nominated from the commission. According to Bangladesh workshop, details of the ‘Data Request template’ which were sent by ITU were presented to Telecommunication Regulatory Act, 2001 of 21 (A), for implementation of telecommunication and representatives of stakeholders. Accordingly, ‘Data Request template’ has already sent for information technology in underprivileged areas and to development of telecommunication system collecting data. The operators sent the data request template to the commission. ITU specialist in disaster, ICT division is going to implement a project named “Establishment of ICT Network to has monitored, analyzed and scrutinized the data. Remote Areas (Connected Bangladesh)” which may be funded from this SOF. However, the proposal is under process in Post & Telecommunication division.

BTRC 35 Annual Report-2017-2018 f) International SIM/RUIM/Data Card Sale: People of Bangladesh are travelling to abroad for different reasons like employment/education/travel/hajj/treatment etc. Due to some barrier such as different rules and regulations for different countries, complexity for adoption of telecommunication services, language problems and restrictions in different areas of foreign citizens, etc., people are not able to buy telecom services. At the same time, it is not possible for corporate people to buy every country’s telecom SIM. Under this circumstance, on the basis of customers’ demand, SS Division of BTRC provides ITU expert's statement on the end of Cast Modeling organized by BTRCapproval for International SIM/RUIM/Data cards of International Telecom Operator(s) in Bangladesh for international use outside Bangladesh. Similar permission is open for new applicants. As a result, a person is able to collect the foreign mobile operator's SIM before going abroad. g) Review of International Call Termination Rate: BTRC Call Centre: International Gateway (IGW) operators are always conducting their business within the However if the petitioner does not get proper compensation, or if neglected/ or his right is not government fixed tariff range. Although there is no direct negative business effect on IGWs ITU expert's statement on the end of Cost Modeling session organized by BTRC preserved, he has the scope of informing the commission. In addition to conventional post, email operatos but rencently competition has increased as many entrepreneurs are being interested in and web based media; the short code '100' has recently been introduced to take the complaints this business. Thereby, the self-sustainability of IGW business became interrupted. So keeping Final Product of Cost Modeling has been handed over to BTRC. Regarding the cost model report, directly through the call. By calling directly to the short code, subscribers in the country can submit correlation with competitive market systems, IGW operators are terminating international call at a the BTRC Chairman informed the ICT Advisor to the Honorable Prime Minister. Checking the any outstanding complaints or suggestions regarding telecommunication services to BTRC. '100' lower rate than the fixed price which is contrary for sustainable business in this sector in long run. submitted reports and current market conditions: The next procedural aspects are being reviewed. is a timely addition of BTRC to receive subscriber’s complaint. The details of complaints received The main reason of this situation is by pass government's revenue through call-termination by Tariff Range of Mobile Operator, PSTN and IPTSP through the BTRC call center, settlement number, number of outstanding complaints etc. is illegal route. For this, IGW operators are facing business trouble. Considering the mentioned summarized in the table below. issues, Commision has sent a proposal to Ministry for international call termination rate on To protect the customer’s right, promote a competitive market for telecommunication service experimental basis as USD 0.015 per minute (revenue share calculated on USD 0.015). With providers and provide reasonable and affordable telecommunication services, a tariff circuite has approval of the government, the experimental international call termination rate is minimum USD been fixed for mobile operator, PSTN and IPTSP operators for different services. All 0.015 per minute (minimum rate; revenue share calculated on USD 0.015) from 18/09/2014 to till Telecommunications service providers are running their business within this tariff range. Tariff date. On 01/12/2016, a committee was formed with the reprensentative of Post and chart are as follow: Telecommunication Division, BTRC, Finance Ministry and National Board of Revenue for Voice Tariff Chart reviewing international call termination rate, revenue sharing model and ammendmend of guidelines. The committee was asked to submit a proposal with reset international call termination rate, revenue sharing model and related guidelines to the BTRC on the basis of market, demand and present situation. Committee members called for several meetings and discussed and At a glance, the telecommunication related complaints received by Bangladesh reviewed the issue in details. At the same time, in order to take the opinion regarding this issue, Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) are as follows: committee has consulted with the concerned operators such as IGW operators - IOF, Interconnection Exchange (ICX) operators and mobile operators Forum-AMTOB in different time. Considering all the facts, committee has submitted a proposal to commission. h) Cost Modelling: Achieving economic growth is very important by ensuring affordable telecom services as well as creating a favorable environment for business and investment in telecom sector. Now 3G services have been launched in Bangladesh. Besides, the demand for the internet has increased. SMS Tariff Chart e) Social Obligation Fund: Reducing internet price is very important to increase internet penetration. In that context, the Social Obligation Fund (SOF) Rules’-2014 was formulated by the Government of Bangladesh on dicision has taken to creat a data Cost modelling with the help of International Telecommunication 14/12/2014. According to the act, the formation of fund management committee with the Union (ITU). After the decision of 192nd commission meeting, cost modelling process has started. representatives of different telecommunication organizatis is on final process. Already a member In June 2017, Stakeholders’ workshop was held with the presence of ITU expertise. In that secretary has been nominated from the commission. According to Bangladesh workshop, details of the ‘Data Request template’ which were sent by ITU were presented to Telecommunication Regulatory Act, 2001 of 21 (A), for implementation of telecommunication and representatives of stakeholders. Accordingly, ‘Data Request template’ has already sent for information technology in underprivileged areas and to development of telecommunication system collecting data. The operators sent the data request template to the commission. ITU specialist in disaster, ICT division is going to implement a project named “Establishment of ICT Network to has monitored, analyzed and scrutinized the data. Remote Areas (Connected Bangladesh)” which may be funded from this SOF. However, the proposal is under process in Post & Telecommunication division.

BTRC 36 Annual Report-2017-2018 f) International SIM/RUIM/Data Card Sale: People of Bangladesh are travelling to abroad for different reasons like employment/education/travel/hajj/treatment etc. Due to some barrier such as different rules and regulations for different countries, complexity for adoption of telecommunication services, language problems and restrictions in different areas of foreign citizens, etc., people are not able to buy telecom services. At the same time, it is not possible for corporate people to buy every country’s telecom SIM. Under this circumstance, on the basis of customers’ demand, SS Division of BTRC provides ITU expert's statement on the end of Cast Modeling organized by BTRCapproval for International SIM/RUIM/Data cards of International Telecom Operator(s) in Bangladesh for international use outside Bangladesh. Similar permission is open for new applicants. As a result, a person is able to collect the foreign mobile operator's SIM before going abroad. g) Review of International Call Termination Rate: BTRC Call Centre: International Gateway (IGW) operators are always conducting their business within the However if the petitioner does not get proper compensation, or if neglected/ or his right is not government fixed tariff range. Although there is no direct negative business effect on IGWs ITU expert's statement on the end of Cost Modeling session organized by BTRC preserved, he has the scope of informing the commission. In addition to conventional post, email operatos but rencently competition has increased as many entrepreneurs are being interested in and web based media; the short code '100' has recently been introduced to take the complaints this business. Thereby, the self-sustainability of IGW business became interrupted. So keeping Final Product of Cost Modeling has been handed over to BTRC. Regarding the cost model report, directly through the call. By calling directly to the short code, subscribers in the country can submit correlation with competitive market systems, IGW operators are terminating international call at a the BTRC Chairman informed the ICT Advisor to the Honorable Prime Minister. Checking the any outstanding complaints or suggestions regarding telecommunication services to BTRC. '100' lower rate than the fixed price which is contrary for sustainable business in this sector in long run. submitted reports and current market conditions: The next procedural aspects are being reviewed. is a timely addition of BTRC to receive subscriber’s complaint. The details of complaints received The main reason of this situation is by pass government's revenue through call-termination by Tariff Range of Mobile Operator, PSTN and IPTSP through the BTRC call center, settlement number, number of outstanding complaints etc. is illegal route. For this, IGW operators are facing business trouble. Considering the mentioned summarized in the table below. issues, Commision has sent a proposal to Ministry for international call termination rate on To protect the customer’s right, promote a competitive market for telecommunication service experimental basis as USD 0.015 per minute (revenue share calculated on USD 0.015). With providers and provide reasonable and affordable telecommunication services, a tariff circuite has approval of the government, the experimental international call termination rate is minimum USD been fixed for mobile operator, PSTN and IPTSP operators for different services. All 0.015 per minute (minimum rate; revenue share calculated on USD 0.015) from 18/09/2014 to till Telecommunications service providers are running their business within this tariff range. Tariff date. On 01/12/2016, a committee was formed with the reprensentative of Post and chart are as follow: Telecommunication Division, BTRC, Finance Ministry and National Board of Revenue for Voice Tariff Chart reviewing international call termination rate, revenue sharing model and ammendmend of guidelines. The committee was asked to submit a proposal with reset international call termination Existing Voice Tariff Proposed Voice Tariff SL Remarks rate, revenue sharing model and related guidelines to the BTRC on the basis of market, demand Description (Excluding VAT & (Excluding VAT & allother charges) and present situation. Committee members called for several meetings and discussed and allother charges) At a glance, the telecommunication related complaints received by Bangladesh reviewed the issue in details. At the same time, in order to take the opinion regarding this issue, 1 Maximum Tariff BDT 2.00/min BDT 2.00/min Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) are as follows: committee has consulted with the concerned operators such as IGW operators - IOF, Interconnection Exchange (ICX) operators and mobile operators Forum-AMTOB in different time. 2 Minimum Tariff On-net BDT 0.25/min BDT 0.45/min (Any-net) Off-net BDT 0.60/min Considering all the facts, committee has submitted a proposal to commission. 3 Interconnection BDT 0.22/ min BDT 0.14/ min h) Cost Modelling: Charge for (ICX BDT 0.04/min (ICX BDT 0.04/min & Applicable for all ANS Off-net call Terminating Operator- Terminating Operator- (MNO, PSTN & IPTSP) Achieving economic growth is very important by ensuring affordable telecom services as well as BDT 0.18/min) BDT 0.10/min) creating a favorable environment for business and investment in telecom sector. Now 3G services have been launched in Bangladesh. Besides, the demand for the internet has increased. SMS Tariff Chart e) Social Obligation Fund: Reducing internet price is very important to increase internet penetration. In that context, the SL Description Approved Tariff (Excluding VAT) dicision has taken to creat a data Cost modelling with the help of International Telecommunication Social Obligation Fund (SOF) Rules’-2014 was formulated by the Government of Bangladesh on 1. Subscriber to Subscriber SMS Maximum BDT 0.50/SMS 14/12/2014. According to the act, the formation of fund management committee with the Union (ITU). After the decision of 192nd commission meeting, cost modelling process has started. 2. Subscriber to International outgoing SMS Maximum BDT 2.50/SMS representatives of different telecommunication organizatis is on final process. Already a member In June 2017, Stakeholders’ workshop was held with the presence of ITU expertise. In that secretary has been nominated from the commission. According to Bangladesh workshop, details of the ‘Data Request template’ which were sent by ITU were presented to 3. Other VAS SMS Rate to be approved by BTRC Telecommunication Regulatory Act, 2001 of 21 (A), for implementation of telecommunication and representatives of stakeholders. Accordingly, ‘Data Request template’ has already sent for 4. Interconnection Charge BDT0.10/SMS (Originating Operator 45%, Terminating information technology in underprivileged areas and to development of telecommunication system collecting data. The operators sent the data request template to the commission. ITU specialist Operator 45% & ICX operator 10%) in disaster, ICT division is going to implement a project named “Establishment of ICT Network to has monitored, analyzed and scrutinized the data. Remote Areas (Connected Bangladesh)” which may be funded from this SOF. However, the proposal is under process in Post & Telecommunication division.

BTRC 37 Annual Report-2017-2018 Spectrum Division

BTRC 38 Annual Report-2017-2018 Spectrum Division ‘Helios Technologies Ltd’. In 2017-2018 fiscal year, initiatives have been taken to revise NFAP with the assistance of an expert from ITU. The 9 KHz to 1000 GHz frequency band has been Introduction reserved for various services in NFAP. When frequency users/ operators apply to the Commission for spectrum, Commission assigns the frequency to the eligible users by consulting the NFAP and Current telecommunication system has been changing rapidly due to innovation of modern thus ensures appropriate and timely use of spectrum. technology. In the same time, the demand for subscribers’ mobility and higher data rate are also accelerating. In order to meet these increasing demand, usage of radio frequencies in different spectrum bands have become a necessity. From the very beginning, Spectrum Division has been working on current and future demand of different spectrum bands, search for new spectrum, make them usable, creating guideline and taking correct and efficient decisions on these and other relative issues. As the expansion of telecommunication industry is depending in these issues, in order to have a sophisticated and efficient telecommunication system, we need a proper planning and feasible spectrum planning which will help in the expansion of this industry and will create an investment friendly environment. At present, Spectrum Division has been doing this task efficiently. Currently, spectrum department has been working on spectrum allocation for different radio services, as well as spectrum surveillance and management. In last 2017-2018 financial year, apart from regular activities of spectrum department some other new projects have been completed which are mentioned below in a table.

Sl. No. Activities

01. 2100, 1800 and 900 MHz Spectrum Auction.

02. Technology Neutrality in 800, 900 and 1800 MHz band

03. Frequency assignment to Earth Stations of Bangabandhu Satellite -1 Officers of Spectrum Division with ITU consultant Dr. Azim Fard 04. Revision of National Frequency Allocation Plan

05. Formulation of directives regarding importation of IoT devices into Bangladesh 2.2 Procedure of Spectrum Allocation

06. Formulation of directives regarding locally manufacture and assemble mobile phone sets According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Control Act, 2001 the Commission shall have absolute authority regarding the allotment of radio frequency or using radio equipment. The 07. Formulation of directives regarding installation of BTS in the border region of Bangladesh Spectrum Management Division assigns frequency upon application to the Commission for the Details of significant activities conducted by Spectrum Division in the fiscal year 2017-18 assignment of spectrum, in a prescribed form duly filled up, along with the payment of spectrum assignment fees and inclusion of necessary papers. The application is then reviewed on the basis In the next section, detailed description of these programs and activities performed to provide of National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) as per Section 56 (1) of the Bangladesh various Terrestrial and Satellite Radio Communication Services from this Division, will be Telecommunication ACT, 2001. Thereafter, it is placed to the Spectrum Management Committee described. (SMC) for their opinion. The SMC comprises of 13 (Thirteen) members from the university, concerned security agencies of the government, concerned ministry and representatives from 2. Activities of Spectrum Management Department BTRC. The Commissioner of the Spectrum Division and Director of the Spectrum Management Directorate are respectively the convener and member secretary of the committee. It is worth 2.1 National Frequency Allocation Plan mentioning that the sole responsibility of assigning spectrum belongs to the commission. Though spectrum is a limited natural resource, the domain of its need and use is enormous. It has According to the decision of the Commission the spectrum is assigned to the applicant. During huge demand all over the world. When the same frequency is used in neighboring countries or by 2017-2018 fiscal year, 04 (Four) SMC meetings took place on 24 August 2017, 26 November different technologies, there are possibilities of interference. In order to avoid such occurrence, 2017, 18 February 2018 and 25 April 2018. Amongst other important decisions taken, every country has its own frequency allocation plan depending on technology based spectrum recommendations have been made to the Commission regarding frequency assignment in favor management in different ITU regions. This plan is known as National Frequency Allocation Plan of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Betar and others. Specially, in the meeting (NFAP). After BTRC was established, initially NFAP was prepared by UK based consulting firm held on 18 February 2018, recommendations have been made to the Commission to assign ‘Interconnect Communication’ in the year 2004, financed by the World Bank aided project spectrum to Grameen Phone Ltd. and Banlink Digital Communications Ltd. the successful bidders ‘Strengthening the Regulatory Capacity of BTRC’. Due to evolving technology and to ensure best of 2100, 1800 & 900 MHz spectrum auction held on 13 February 2018. use of radio frequency, NFAP was modified again in 2010 by another UK based consulting firm

BTRC 39 Annual Report-2017-2018 Spectrum Division ‘Helios Technologies Ltd’. In 2017-2018 fiscal year, initiatives have been taken to revise NFAP with the assistance of an expert from ITU. The 9 KHz to 1000 GHz frequency band has been Introduction reserved for various services in NFAP. When frequency users/ operators apply to the Commission for spectrum, Commission assigns the frequency to the eligible users by consulting the NFAP and Current telecommunication system has been changing rapidly due to innovation of modern thus ensures appropriate and timely use of spectrum. technology. In the same time, the demand for subscribers’ mobility and higher data rate are also accelerating. In order to meet these increasing demand, usage of radio frequencies in different spectrum bands have become a necessity. From the very beginning, Spectrum Division has been working on current and future demand of different spectrum bands, search for new spectrum, make them usable, creating guideline and taking correct and efficient decisions on these and other relative issues. As the expansion of telecommunication industry is depending in these issues, in order to have a sophisticated and efficient telecommunication system, we need a proper planning and feasible spectrum planning which will help in the expansion of this industry and will create an investment friendly environment. At present, Spectrum Division has been doing this task efficiently. Currently, spectrum department has been working on spectrum allocation for different radio services, as well as spectrum surveillance and management. In last 2017-2018 financial year, apart from regular activities of spectrum department some other new projects have been completed which are mentioned below in a table.

Officers of Spectrum Division with ITU consultant Dr. Azim Fard

2.2 Procedure of Spectrum Allocation

According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Control Act, 2001 the Commission shall have absolute authority regarding the allotment of radio frequency or using radio equipment. The Spectrum Management Division assigns frequency upon application to the Commission for the Details of significant activities conducted by Spectrum Division in the fiscal year 2017-18 assignment of spectrum, in a prescribed form duly filled up, along with the payment of spectrum assignment fees and inclusion of necessary papers. The application is then reviewed on the basis In the next section, detailed description of these programs and activities performed to provide of National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) as per Section 56 (1) of the Bangladesh various Terrestrial and Satellite Radio Communication Services from this Division, will be Telecommunication ACT, 2001. Thereafter, it is placed to the Spectrum Management Committee described. (SMC) for their opinion. The SMC comprises of 13 (Thirteen) members from the university, concerned security agencies of the government, concerned ministry and representatives from 2. Activities of Spectrum Management Department BTRC. The Commissioner of the Spectrum Division and Director of the Spectrum Management Directorate are respectively the convener and member secretary of the committee. It is worth 2.1 National Frequency Allocation Plan mentioning that the sole responsibility of assigning spectrum belongs to the commission. Though spectrum is a limited natural resource, the domain of its need and use is enormous. It has According to the decision of the Commission the spectrum is assigned to the applicant. During huge demand all over the world. When the same frequency is used in neighboring countries or by 2017-2018 fiscal year, 04 (Four) SMC meetings took place on 24 August 2017, 26 November different technologies, there are possibilities of interference. In order to avoid such occurrence, 2017, 18 February 2018 and 25 April 2018. Amongst other important decisions taken, every country has its own frequency allocation plan depending on technology based spectrum recommendations have been made to the Commission regarding frequency assignment in favor management in different ITU regions. This plan is known as National Frequency Allocation Plan of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Betar and others. Specially, in the meeting (NFAP). After BTRC was established, initially NFAP was prepared by UK based consulting firm held on 18 February 2018, recommendations have been made to the Commission to assign ‘Interconnect Communication’ in the year 2004, financed by the World Bank aided project spectrum to Grameen Phone Ltd. and Banlink Digital Communications Ltd. the successful bidders ‘Strengthening the Regulatory Capacity of BTRC’. Due to evolving technology and to ensure best of 2100, 1800 & 900 MHz spectrum auction held on 13 February 2018. use of radio frequency, NFAP was modified again in 2010 by another UK based consulting firm

BTRC 40 Annual Report-2017-2018 2.3 Cross Border Interference

Most of the international borders of Bangladesh are shared with India except some part in the southeast region which is with Myanmar. Due to the nature of radio waves a coordinated use of spectrum in border areas with neighboring countries is very important. Otherwise, there is a chance of frequency interference. Also due to the zigzag or spiral borderline of Bangladesh, the chances of creating interference with neighboring countries are more. Cross border interference, arising in any border areas of the world generally resolved through discussions among the affected administrations. Till date, cross border interference issues between Bangladesh and India, have been resolved through discussions between the countries and some issues are still pending. The table below gives the glimpse of these activities performed during last 2017-2018 fiscal year.

Sl. No. Description of interference Step taken Result Complain of frequency interference in 1 the assigned spectrum of cellular During 08-12 August, 2016 under the Officials of Relience Jio, India mobile phone operator Airtel in the leadership of Chairman, BTRC and in agreed to work in collaboration with district near the border of Bangladesh the presence of the Director General Airtel, Bangladesh to mitigate the named B-Baria, Kumilla, Hobiganj, of Spectrum Division a bilateral frequency interference in Border Chandpur was received. The meeting between BTRC and area. interference was caused by Indian Telecom Regulator Authority of Result: Frequency interference has cellular mobile phone operator India(TRAI) was held in New Delhi in been resolved. Reliance Jio which was confirmed by India. Officials from Grameen Phone, the investigation conducted by BTRC. Airtel of Bangladesh and Reliance Jio of India were present in that meeting. In the meeting the Indian authority Complain on interference received in ensured that steps had been taken 2 Rangpur, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, to stop the transmission from the Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and Shilliguri of India. Naogaon District in the assigned Result: Frequency interference has frequency of Cellular mobile phone been resolved. operator . Through a joint investigation of BTRC and Grameenphone it was observed that the interference was originated from an unknown source in Shiliguri, India.

Report of an interference received in Meetings were held with the Indian According to the decision taken in the assigned frequency of a Cellular authorities during 23-25 August, 2017 the meeting both countries agreed Mobile Phone Operator and a under the leadership of Director to prepare and follow a Standard 3 Broadband Wireless Access Operator General of Spectrum Division BTRC, Operating Procedure (SOP) of Bangladesh in border area. The Brig. Gen. Md. Nasim Parvez. regarding radio frequency usage in incident was notified to Indian border areas through mutual Authority. coordination.

Initiatives taken to resolve Cross-Border interference

BTRC 41 Annual Report-2017-2018 Bilateral meeting between India and Bangladesh regarding Cross Border Interference in New Delhi, India during 2017-2018

2.4 2100, 1800 & 900 MHz Spectrum Auction

On 04 December 2017, a guideline titled “Assignment of Spectrum from 2100MHz, 1800MHz and 900MHz Band to Cellular Mobile Phone Operators and Issuing Radio Communication Apparatus license” was issued by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission subject to prior approval from government. According to the guideline the spectrum for auctions are given below:

Sl Spectrum Block in Spectrum Block in 2100 MHz Band Spectrum Block in 1800 MHz Band No. 900 MHz Band

1. 1920 – 1925 MHz/2110 – 2115 MHz 1762.0 – 1767.60 MHz/1857.0 –1862.60MHz (1.8+1.8) MHz = (5 + 5) MHz = (5.6 + 5.6) MHz 2. 1925 – 1930 MHz/2115 – 2120 MHz 1767.60 – 1772.60 MHz/1862.60 – 1867.6MHz (1.6+1.6) MHz = (5 + 5) MHz = (5.0 + 5.0) MHz 3. 1930 –1935 MHz/2120 – 2125 MHz 1777.60 –1782.60 MHz /1872.60 –1877.6 MHz = (5 + 5) MHz = (5.0 + 5.0) MHz 4. 1970 – 1975 MHz/2160 – 2165 MHz 1782.60 –1785.00 MHz /1877.60 –1880.0 MHz = (5 + 5) MHz = (2.4 + 2.4) MHz 5. 1975 – 1980 MHz/2165 – 2170 MHz = (5 + 5) MHz

Frequency blocks from 2100, 1800 & 900 MHz Spectrum Auction

The Commission formed an auction committee to verify the application of the potential participants of the auction, which later recommended the following companies to Commission for participation: 1. Digital Communications Limited 2. Grameenphone Limited 3. Axiata Limited 4. Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Limited

BTRC 42 Annual Report-2017-2018 After having dialogue with the companies eligible for participation in the auction, on 04/02/2018 an ‘Auction Procedure’ was issued. According to the guideline, on the date of 05 February 2018, Banglalink Digital Communications Limited paid the ‘Bid Earnest Money’ for participation in 2100MHz and 1800MHz band auction and Grameenphone Limited paid for participation in 1800MHz band auction. Since, the other two company Robi Axiata Limited and Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Limited did not pay ‘Bid Earnest Money’ for any of the bands; it was decided that only 2100MHz and 1800MHz band frequencies will be auctioned.

2100, 1800 & 900 MHz Spectrum Auction

According to timeline mentioned in the guideline titled “Assignment of Spectrum from 2100MHz, 1800MHz and 900MHz Band to Cellular Mobile Phone Operators and Issuing Radio Communication Apparatus License”, on 13 February 2018, the mentioned operators participated in the auction and the auction results are mentioned in the following tables.

Sl. Number Total Spectrum Fee Name of the Operator Frequency Range Base Price (Per MHz) No. of Block (Excluding VAT) 1 Banglalink Digital 1 1930-1935MHz/ Communication 2120-2125 MHz 27 million USD 135 llion USD Limited = (5+5) MHz Auction result of 2100 MHz Spectrum Band

Banglalink Digital 1762.0-1767.60 MHz/ 31 million USD 173.6 million USD Communication 1857.0-1862.60MHz Limited = (5.6+5.6) MHz

Grameenphone 1767.60 - 1772.60 MHz/ Limited 1862.60 - 1867.6 MHz 31 million USD 155 llion USD Auction=(5.0+5.0) result of 1800MHz MHz Spectrum Band A notification was issued to Banglalink Digital Communications Limited and Grameenphone Limited regarding the result of the auction according to the decisions taken on 4th Special Commission Meeting of 2018.

BTRC 43 Annual Report-2017-2018 2.5 Terrestrial Services in Bangladesh According to Radio Regulation issued from International Telecommunication Union (ITU) all radio communication services have been defined as Terrestrial Service except Space Radiocommunication and Radio Astronomy. The following section gives a detail description of different Terrestrial Services in Bangladesh:

2.5.1 2G and 3G Cellular Mobile Phone services Since the last decade of the previous century, 825-845/870-890, 885-890/930-935,890-915/935-960 and 1710-1785/1805-1880 MHz frequency bands are being used for cellular mobile phone services using 2G technology. With this technology, subscribers are able to use low-speed data service alongside the voice call. In order to spread high-speed mobile broadband service to the people of distant corners of the country, 35 MHz frequency have been assigned to 5 (five) Mobile Phone Operators to provide services through 3G technology in the year 2013. Most of the operators have achieved their 3G network rollout target before the time limit with the support of the Spectrum Division of BTRC. As a result, 3G mobile phone service is also available in other cities including all districts headquarters of Bangladesh, along with 2G mobile phone service. 3G subscribers in Bangladesh are availing high speed internet, enjoying television in mobile, video conferencing service and video on demand service. 2.5.1.1 Technology Neutrality in 800, 900 & 1800 MHz Band

In 2017-2018 fiscal year, initiatives have been taken to introduce ‘Technology Neutrality’ in the frequency assigned to the cellular mobile phone operators of the country from 800, 900 & 1800 MHz spectrum band. After successfully introducing this feature, spectral efficiency of the spectrum increased and cellular mobile phone operators are now able to provide 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE services in the same spectrum with little investment. The following table presents the amount of technology neutral frequency assigned to the cellular mobile phone operators to provide 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE cellular mobile phone service.

Assigned Frequency Assigned Frequency with Technology Name of the without Technology Neutrality Feature Neutrality Feature Operator 800 MHz Band 900 MHz Band 1800 MHz Band 2100 MHz Band (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) Grameenphone Ltd --- 7.4 19.6 10 Robi Axiata Ltd --- 9.0 17.4 10 Banglalink Digital --- 5.0 15.6 Communication Ltd 10 Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd --- 5.2 10 10 8.82 Pacific Bangladesh (Dhaka Central Zone) ------Telecom Ltd. 6.30 (Rest of the Bangladesh)

Frequency Assignment to the Cellular Mobile Phone Operators in 800, 900, 1800 & 2100 MHz Band

2.5.2 Introduction of 4G/LTE Service in Bangladesh

With a view to keep pace with the progressive global development in the field of technology, Bangladesh is also moving ahead with the inception of 4G/LTE in the country. On 19 February 2018, Grameenphone Ltd., Robi Axiata Ltd., Banglalink Digital Communications Ltd. and Teletalk got the 4G-license in order to use relevant frequency and radio-communication apparatus.

BTRC 44 Annual Report-2017-2018 According to the related guideline the licensed operators are obligated to provide 4G/ LTE coverage to the Divisional Headquarters within 09 (Nine) months, to the 30 percent districts within 24 (Twenty-four) months and to all districts with 36 (Thirty Six) months of obtaining the license. In order to provide better 4G/ LTE experience to the people of the country required spectrum in 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz band has been auctioned on 13 February 2018. b esides technology neutrality has been provided to the existing spectrum assigned in favor of the operators. Due to the introduction of 4G/ LTE service, the people from remote and distant corner of the country will be able experience the benefits of high speed mobile broadband service which in turn will take the country a step ahead towards Digital Bangladesh. 2.5.3 PSTN Service

In order to reach fixed phone services to the door steps of the people of the country in parallel to mobile phone services, PSTN license was provided to 14 (Fourteen) organizations. In this context, spectrum from CDMA 450 MHz, CDMA 800MHz and CDMA 1900 MHz band had been assigned to those organizations according to their demands. But later on, assigned spectrum of some PSTN operators had been cancelled due to their involvement in different illegal activities. Due to the lack of financial investment and failure to expand the network coverage, many operators have minimized their services or stopped completely. At present other than the state-owned operator Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) and privately-owned Ranks Telecom Limited and Banglaphone Limited, other PSTN operators do not have citable activity. To ensure the effective use of unused spectrum BTRC already cancelled the frequency in favor of S.ATelecom Limited and WorldTel Bangladesh Limited. Moreover, Commission take initiative to cancel the spectrum of other PSTN Operators those who are Non-operational. 2.5.4 Broadband Wireless Access Service

In order to provide internet access to everywhere in Bangladesh, especially in the underserved area, two Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) licenses have been awarded in 2008 through open auction. Augere Wireless Broadband Bangladesh Ltd. and Banglalion Communications Ltd. each had been awarded 35MHz of spectrum from 2.3GHz & 2.5GHz band respectively as licensee in that auction. To aggregate the proliferation of the service, later on, Bangladesh Internet Exchange Ltd. has been awarded with the third BWA license with 40MHz spectrum from 2.6GHz band in 2013. Though primarily WiMAX was the technology to be used for BWA service, due to the technological evolution, LTE has been allowed to the licensees to provide the faster internet service throughout the nation especially in rural area. It has been possible to bring down 75% of the district towns of Bangladesh under wireless broadband network but due to the popularity of mobile internet service, the number of broadband subscribers in Bangladesh dropped down to 0.1 million. Under this circumstance, consulting with the ministry, BTRC has implemented the reduced bandwidth price as planned. Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) service operators have potentials to improve the telecommunication infrastructure and proliferate the internet service at the grassroot level of Bangladesh. 2.5.5 Wireless Internet Service Provider

BTRC has issued license to 14 (Fourteen) Internet Service Providers to provide wireless internet service for data communication in Bangladesh. These ISPs are entitled to provide internet service to the consumer level. Till 2018 these ISPs served a total of 40,000 (Fourty thousand) subscribers. The list of these ISPs is given bellow.

BTRC 45 Annual Report-2017-2018 Frequency Frequency 200 KHz has been kept unallocated between two operators, which is working as a guard band. As Sl. No. Name of the Organization Band (MHz) Sl. No. Name of the Organization Band (MHz) a result, it would be possible to provide spectrum allotment to 51 (Fifty-one) spots in the FM band. Till 2017-2018 fiscal years, licenses have been issued to state owned ‘Bangladesh Betar’ and 28 1 Bangladesh Internet Exchange Ltd. 3500 8 BRACNet Ltd. 3500 (Twenty eight) non-government organizations for FM . List of 29 (twenty nine) 2 ADN Telecom Ltd. 3500 government and non-government organizations who have been assigned spectrum from BTRC 5600 9 Bangladesh On-line Ltd. 5200 for FM radio broadcasting are as follows: 3 Poly Trade Ltd. 2300 10 X-Net Ltd. 3500 5600

4 Agni Systems 3500 11 Square Informatics Ltd. 3500 5 Ranks ITT Ltd. 3500 12 Link3 Technologies Ltd. 3500 6 Access Telecom Ltd. 3500 13 Tackyon Ltd. 3500 7 AAMRA Network Ltd. 3500 14 BDCom Online Ltd 5600

List of Wireless Internet Service Providers in Bangladesh All of these ISP’s provide reports to BTRC according to a prescribed form. Through these reports, it is possible to evaluate the operation performance of these ISP’s. As a consequence and according to the instruction from Government the unused spectrum assigned to these ISP’s are revoked to ensure the best use of spectrum. Wireless Internet Service Provider organizations are entiteled for serving the internet services, data communication service, IP telephony service, CC camera solution, network security solution and video conferencing services to the customer end. Along with licensed band spectrum, 2.40-2.483GHz and 5.725-5.850 GHz bands i.e. the ISM band spectrum is also allowed for providing internet service under the ISP license. 2.5.6 Terrestrial Television Broadcasting

In Bangladesh only (BTV) is providing terrestrial television broadcasting service. BTV is using 174-230 MHz spectrum in VHF band for this transmission. It is to be noted that, worldwide Analog Broadcasting System is dissolving in various countries and digital Broadcasting System with more advantages is introducing in lieu of that. Due to the spectral efficiency in digital terrestrial television broadcasting system, more channels can be accommodated in the same amount of spectrum comparing to analog technology. Moreover, in future the production of analog broadcasting transmission equipment is likely to be close down. Considering all these, BTRC has completed procedures of reserving spectrum of 522-698 MHz UHF band for Digital Terrestrial Service in Bangladesh. As a result various television broadcasting organizations will be able to provide different services including improved picture and sound, interactivity, video on demand and datacasting by using spectrum in digital terrestrial broadcasting system in future. 2.5.7 FM Radio Broadcasting

Radio wave is an easily accessible medium of mass communication. It is possible to send important news, news of development works, entertainment etc. to the people of the distant corner of the country very conveniently with the help of this medium. FM Radios being a very popular means of broadcasting, it is now easily possible to create common public opinion for welfare of the society, create awareness against rumor and superstitions, make people aware against militant activities, promote the importance of public education, industry, culture, music, history, tradition, sports etc. For this purpose, the license to operate FM radio broadcasting is provided from the Ministry of Information (MoI). Those who have been awarded the license to establish and operate FM radio broadcasting from the MoI, seek frequency to BTRC and spectrum is assigned from 87.5 to 108 MHz band i.e. ‘FM band’ from BTRC according to National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP). Each organization has a spectrum allocation of 200 kHz for broadcast in the FM band and

BTRC 46 Annual Report-2017-2018 200 KHz has been kept unallocated between two operators, which is working as a guard band. As a result, it would be possible to provide spectrum allotment to 51 (Fifty-one) spots in the FM band. Till 2017-2018 fiscal years, licenses have been issued to state owned ‘Bangladesh Betar’ and 28 (Twenty eight) non-government organizations for FM radio broadcasting. List of 29 (twenty nine) government and non-government organizations who have been assigned spectrum from BTRC for FM radio broadcasting are as follows:

Serial Organization name Allocated frequency (centre) 1 Bangladesh Betar (Chottogram, , , , Rangpur, Dhaka) 88.80 MHz Bangladesh Betar (Chottogram, Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Rangpur, Dhaka) 90.00 MHz Bangladesh Betar (Thakurgaon, Gopalgonj, ) 92.00 MHz Bangladesh Betar (Dhaka) 97.60 MHz Bangladesh Betar (Khulna) 100.00 MHz Bangladesh Betar (Kumilla) 101.20 MHz List of Wireless Internet Service Providers in Bangladesh Bangladesh Betar (Dhaka, Khulna) 102.00 MHz All of these ISP’s provide reports to BTRC according to a prescribed form. Through these reports, Bangladesh Betar (Dhaka, Rangamati) 103.20 MHz it is possible to evaluate the operation performance of these ISP’s. As a consequence and Bangladesh Betar (Kumilla) 103.60 MHz according to the instruction from Government the unused spectrum assigned to these ISP’s are revoked to ensure the best use of spectrum. Wireless Internet Service Provider organizations are Bangladesh Betar (Dhaka, Rajshahi, Bandarban) 104.00 MHz entiteled for serving the internet services, data communication service, IP telephony service, CC Bangladesh Betar (Dhaka, Sylhet, Barishal) 105.00 MHz camera solution, network security solution and video conferencing services to the customer end. Bangladesh Betar (Barishal) 105.20 MHz Along with licensed band spectrum, 2.40-2.483GHz and 5.725-5.850 GHz bands i.e. the ISM band Bangladesh Betar (Chottogram, Rangpur) 105.40 MHz spectrum is also allowed for providing internet service under the ISP license. Bangladesh Betar (Dhaka) 106.00 MHz 2.5.6 Terrestrial Television Broadcasting 2 Radio Foorti Limited 88.00 MHz In Bangladesh only Bangladesh Television (BTV) is providing terrestrial television broadcasting 3 Uniwave Broadcasting Limited (Radio Amar) 88.40 MHz service. BTV is using 174-230 MHz spectrum in VHF band for this transmission. It is to be noted that, worldwide Analog Broadcasting System is dissolving in various countries and digital 4 Ayna Broadcasting Corporation Limited (ABC Radio) 89.20 MHz Broadcasting System with more advantages is introducing in lieu of that. Due to the spectral 5 Radio Broadcasting FM Limited (Radio Today) 89.60 MHz efficiency in digital terrestrial television broadcasting system, more channels can be 6 Dhaka FM Limited (Dhaka FM) 90.40 MHz accommodated in the same amount of spectrum comparing to analog technology. Moreover, in 7 Asian Radio Limited (Asian Radio) 90.80 MHz future the production of analog broadcasting transmission equipment is likely to be close down. Considering all these, BTRC has completed procedures of reserving spectrum of 522-698 MHz 8 Radio Dhoni Limited (Radio Dhoni) 91.20 MHz UHF band for Digital Terrestrial Service in Bangladesh. As a result various television broadcasting 9 Peoples Radio Limited (Peoples Radio) 91.60 MHz organizations will be able to provide different services including improved picture and sound, 10 Asiatic Marketing Communications Limited (Radio Shadhin) 92.40 MHz interactivity, video on demand and datacasting by using spectrum in digital terrestrial broadcasting 11 Gaanchill Media Limited (Radio Bhumi) 92.80 MHz system in future. 12 Enrich Net (Pvt) Limited (Radio Next) 93.20 MHz 2.5.7 FM Radio Broadcasting 13 Vision Technologies Limited (Radio Din Raat) 93.60 MHz Radio wave is an easily accessible medium of mass communication. It is possible to send 14 Araf Apparels ( Radio Dhol) 94.00 MHz important news, news of development works, entertainment etc. to the people of the distant corner 15 AKC(Pvt) Limited (Jago FM) 94.40 MHz of the country very conveniently with the help of this medium. FM Radios being a very popular means of broadcasting, it is now easily possible to create common public opinion for welfare of the 16 Bangla Radio 95.20 MHz society, create awareness against rumor and superstitions, make people aware against militant 17 Innovation (Radio Edge) 95.60 MHz activities, promote the importance of public education, industry, culture, music, history, tradition, 18 Media City Limited (City FM) 96.00 MHz sports etc. For this purpose, the license to operate FM radio broadcasting is provided from the 19 Radio Masala Limited (Spice FM) 96.40 MHz Ministry of Information (MoI). Those who have been awarded the license to establish and operate FM radio broadcasting from the MoI, seek frequency to BTRC and spectrum is assigned from 87.5 20 CIUS Pvt. Limited (Radio Prime) 96.80 MHz to 108 MHz band i.e. ‘FM band’ from BTRC according to National Frequency Allocation Plan 21 Broadcast World Bangladesh Limited (Times Radio ) 97.20 MHz (NFAP). Each organization has a spectrum allocation of 200 kHz for broadcast in the FM band and

BTRC 47 Annual Report-2017-2018 Serial Organization name Allocated frequency (centre) 22 Ratul Media and Communication Limited (Desh Radio) 98.00 MHz 23 Radio 71 Limited (Radio 71) 98.40 MHz 24 Media Today Limited (Radio City) 99.60 MHz 25 Dhansiri Communicaton Ltd. (Radio Active) 100.40 MHz 26 Tune Bangladesh (Colours FM) 101.60 MHz 27 East West Media Group Ltd. (Radio Capital) 94.80 MHz 28 Radio Masti (Radio Amber) 102.40 MHz 29 Gold FM (Sufi FM) 102.80 MHz

List of FM Radio Operators Recently, it was observed by the Spectrum Monitoring Directorate that some FM radio stations were using extra frequency beyond their assignment. Therefore, warning was issued to those non-complaint FM radio stations. Even after issuing the warning letter, 08 (Eight) organizations kept on using extra frequency and after identifying this extra usage, BTRC sent show cause letters to those organizations. Those organizations have also been restrained from using frequency for an interim period. In spite of this restriction order, 04 (Four) organizations were found using spectrum to whom ‘Administrative Fines’ was imposed. As a result of regular spectrum monitoring, it is possible by all FM radio broadcasters to broadcast according to their frequency assignment. 2.5.8 Community Radio Broadcasting

In order to improve the quality of life of the people of certain geographical locality having similar socio-economic standard and cultural heritage by providing various information, Ministry of Information (MoI) issued Community Radio Installation, Transmission and Policy-2008. Under this policy, Ministry of Information (MoI) has issued approval/licenses to 31(thirty one) organizations for Community Radio broadcasting services till 2017-2018 fiscal year. Among those, 18 (Eighteen) non-government organizations have been assigned spectrum from 87.5-108 MHz band from BTRC according to National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP). The 18 (Eighteen) licensed organizations from Ministry of Information who have been assigned spectrum are as follows:

BTRC 48 Annual Report-2017-2018 Sl. No. Name of the Community Radio Region Assigned Frequency

01. RDRS Bangladesh Kurigram 02. CCD Bangladesh Rajshahi 03. Young Power in Social Action Chottogram 04. BRAC Moulovibazar 05. LDRO 99.20 MHz 06. Nalta Hospital and Community Health Complex Satkhira 07. Barendra radio Naogaon 08 Srijoni Bangladesh Jhenaidah 09. Krishi Tothya Service Borguna 10. EC Bangladesh Munshiganj 11. Eklab Teknaf 12. Dip Unnayan Shangstha Noakhali 13. Broadcasting Asia of Bangladesh Khulna

14. Proyash Manob Unnayan Society ChapaiNababganj 98.80 MHz 15. Mass Line Media Center Borguna 16. SKS Foundation Gaibandha 17. Coastal Association for Social Transformation (Coast Trust) Bhola 99.00 MHz 18. Aparajeyo Bangladesh (Jago Bahe Radio Pirgonj) Rangpur

List of Community Radios in Bangladesh The approved output power of community radio transmitter is 100 (Hundred) watt and its coverage area is 17 (Eeventeen) KM. In order to connect distant population of the country under the benefit of community radio, policy to increase the output power of the transmitter from 100 watt to 250 watt is under process. If the output power is increased, the coverage area will also increase and more people could be served with information. As the community radio will serve in a specific area only, the community radio service is being provided by reusing the 03 (Three) FM frequencies with 200 (Two Hundred) KHz bandwidth. These are 98.80 MHz, 99.00 MHz and 99.20 MHz. 2.5.9 Professional Mobile Radio Service (PMR)

PMR is the short form of Professional Mobile Radio Service. Professional Mobile Radio Also known as Private Mobile Radio (PMR) in the UK, Land Mobile Radio (LMR) in the North America, which are basically field radio communications systems. PMR service is actually two way radio transceiver. According to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regulation and National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) of Bangladesh, Spectrum of PMR service in HF Band (3-30 MHZ) and VHF Band (30-300 MHz) are reserved for walkie-talkie. Moreover some part of UHF Band (300-3000 MHz) is also used for PMR service. Beside this, for Citizen Band 26-27 MHz and for Short Business Radio (SBR) 245-246 MHz frequencies are used in shared basis only for walkie-talkie to walkie-talkie communication without repeater. At present, all in the above cases 12.5 KHz bandwidth is used for this service. Usage of PMR:

There is no alternative of using frequency to ensure effective, uninterrupted and secure communication. To ensure the security of government/non-government/private organizations, office-court, security agencies and law enforcing agencies of the government, United Nations

BTRC 49 Annual Report-2017-2018 Missions, diplomatic agencies, the use of walkie-talkie has immense importance. Currently 814 (Eight Hundred and Fourteen) institutions are assigned frequencies in different bands. Among those most of the institutions have been assigned frequencies in HF, VHF and UHF band to communicate using base station, repeater and walkie-talkie. In the year 2016-2017, 115 (One Hundred and Fifteen) institutions are assigned frequencies in licensed and unlicensed band (SBR and CB band, who are providing security in small scale). Additionally, with reference to NFAP, 02 (Two) organizations are temporarily using frequencies in VHF band for research and development purpose. The usage of PMR is increasing day by day for the following reasons: 1. Point to point and point to multipoint communication system. 2. Easy to maintain privacy. 3. Push to talk facility. 4. Wide area coverage. 5. Uninterrupted communication. 2.5.10 Governmental Radio Service

Some frequency bands are reserved for National Security Agencies and Law Enforcement Departments in National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) of Bangladesh. These frequency bands are known as Governmental Radio Band. In order to provide security to the people and to maintain law and order, these frequencies are used by Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Air force, Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Ansar and VDP, Coast Guard, Fire Service and Civil Defense. 2.5.11 ISM Radio Service

Under the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) of Bangladesh, 26.957-27.283 MHz band, 40.66-40.70 MHz band, 2.40-2.483 GHz band and 5.725-5.850 GHz band are identified as Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) bands. ITU Radio Regulations have identified such ISM bands as Deregulated bands. BTRC however, allows these bands to be used for telecommunications under specific conditions. Many commercial organizations, government bodies, ISPs etc. use these bands for radio links on a shared basis. In particular, ISPs providing Wi-Fi services are major users of the 2.40-2.483 GHz band. A Directive has been published by the commission purpose of industrial, scientific & medical servicess and in this directive it is approved that providers can be functioned by using only 2.40-2.483GHz and 5.725-5.850 GHz bands. In this guideline, the domain of using wireless devices of short ranges and low energy consumption has been specifically addressed so that applicants intend to use this band will have a definite idea. 2.5.12 Aeronautical Radio Service

As per NFAP of Bangladesh, 108.000 MHz to 117.975 MHz and 118.00 to 136.00 MHz spectrum are generally used for Aeronautical radio service. For safe and smooth flying in the sky, as well as landing of an aircraft, it is very important to communicate with air to air, air to ground and also ground to air. Spectrum is also needed in the aircraft and ground station for internal communication. The spectrum, which is used for above purpose is known as Aeronautical Band. In the aforesaid spectrum 108.000 MHz to 117.975 MHz is used for Instrumental Landing System (ILS) and 118.00 to 136.00 MHz spectrum is used for air to air, air to ground and also ground to air communications. As per Radio Regulation of ITU, 960.00 MHz to 1215.00 MHz spectrum is used for measuring the distance and to align the aircraft with the right track in the air. In 2017-2018 fiscal years BTRC assigned frequency and gave permission to use aircraft radio equipment to 12 (Twelve) aircrafts. BTRC also provides Call Sign and ‘License to Operate Radio Communications Equipment’ to local

BTRC 50 Annual Report-2017-2018 Amateur Radio Communication System

2.5.13 Maritime Service

HF and VHF bands are reserved for Maritime Radio service as per ITU radio regulation’s Appendix 17 and 18. 2182 KHz and 156.800 MHz frequencies are used for distress call and safety services in maritime operations. Apart from these, 4116 KHz and 8207 KHz (bandwidth is 3 KHz) in the HF band and 156.325 MHz and 157.375 MHz (bandwidth is 25 KHz) under VHF marine band are used as carrier frequency. Many organizations applied for “license to operate radio communications equipment (maritime)” in the spectrum division of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. Amongst them, 39 (Thirty nine) organizations are licensed and 46 (Forty six) organizations have received call sign. The rest of the applications are in process. Now a day’s ultra-modern satellite technology named Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is being used for the communication of coastal stations with ocean going ship. Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) is installed by Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) using satellite technology within the territory of Bangladesh. Determination of geo-location, hydrographic, water transport, survey, drezing of any place within the land of Bangladesh and related works are being possible to accomplish for the efficient usage of the this system. 2.5.14 Amateur Radio Service

Amateur radio (also known as ham radio) uses designated radio frequency spectrum for purposes of private recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training and emergency communication. Amateur radio is used to specify persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without direct pecuniary interest and to differentiate it from commercial broadcasting, public safety (such as police and fire brigade) or professional two-way radio services (such as maritime, aviation, taxis etc.). Amateur may serve as one of the important means of telecommunication in case of natural disasters or other emergencies. In order to increase the number of amateur radio operators, BTRC took an examination for issuing Amateur Radio License on 19 August, 2017. The result published on 3 December, 2017 where 177 (One hundred and seventy seven) examinees succeeded and already they have received passing certificate. At present, the procedures of Amateur Radio License along

BTRC 51 Annual Report-2017-2018 with call-sign and importation of radio equipment to the applicant are in process. At present there are 473 (Four hundred and seventy three) Amateur Radio Operators in Bangladesh.

Amateur Radio Examination 2017

2.5.15 Issuance of NOC for Wireless Devices and Issuance of Dealer Possession and Radio Equipment Vendor Enlistment

In order to import any type of radio devices, it is mandatory to take prior permission from BTRC according to Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act, 2001 (Amended 2010) and Import Policy 2012-2015. Importation of Radio equipment without the prior permission of BTRC is contrary to Law. There is provision to give financial penalty with imprisonment for the law breakers. Application procedure to import radio equipment is published in the website of BTRC for public convenience. No Objection Certificate (NOC) is issued for import radio equipment after verify the received application. For importation of mobile phone handset importers are given ‘Radio Equipment Importer and Vendor Enlistment Certificate’ by spectrum division. By ‘Radio Equipment Importer and Vendor Enlistment Certificate’ mobile phone handset/others Radio Equipment importers are registered. By ‘Radio Equipment Importer and Vendor Enlistment Certificate’ enlisted/registered importers get permission for importation of all Radio Equipment like USB Modem, HF, VHF, UHF, Walkie-Talkie, Base/Repeaters, Cellular Mobile Phone, Fixed Wireless Phone etc. Till now more than 950 (Nine hundred and fifty) importers are given ‘Radio Equipment Importer and Vendor Enlistment Certificate’.

2.5.16 Internet of Things (IoT)

In recent times there has been a huge change in various fields including daily life by the welfare of the technology through digitalization. The latest and more significant addition to the growing excellence of technology is Internet of Things (IoT). IoT devices are SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) supported or SIM less sensor devices. These sensors use the mobile operators' network or SRD (Short Range Device) and ISM (Industrial, Scientific & Medical) frequencies to collect data. In order to use SIM supported IoT devices at Mobile Network in the country as well as the IoT devices connected without SIM 433.05-434.79 MHz, 866-868 MHz, 922-925 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz, 5725-5875 MHz frequencies are initially identified according to the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) of Bangladesh and considering the expansion of the IoT device in other

BTRC 52 Annual Report-2017-2018 issued by Spectrum Division. Already various government and non-governmental organizations have started receiving No Objection Letter (NOC) for importing IoT devices. In addition to offer services commercially various organizations are applying for enlisting as the IoT Device Importers. 2.5.17 Mobile Phone Importation in Bangladesh and Locally Produced/ Assembeled Sets

In the previous section it has been mentioned that, for importing and marketing mobile phone handset in Bangladesh, ”Radio Equipment Importer and Vendor Enlistment” Certificate is awarded by the Commission. As the mobile phone handset is a radio equipment, so the Enlisted Vendors need to take prior permission from the Commission for importing and marketing such equipment. At present Bangladesh has more than 15 (Fifteen) crore Mobile Phone connections and it is increasing day by day. As Bangladeshi market is a lucrative for mobile phone handset business, for this reason 2.5 to 3 crore handsets are legally imported every year. A large amount of valuable foreign currency is going to abroad in each year to import near about three crore mobile phone handsets.

35

30

25 Smart Phone 20 Feature Phone 15 Total 10

5

0 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018

Comparative statement of mobile phone import It is to be noted that, the mobile phone handset market of the country is near about 10 (Ten) thousand crore taka. BTRC has already issued an Instruction for Establishment of Mobile Phone Handset Assembling and Manufacturing Plant in Bangladesh to save huge amount of foreign currencies. As per the Instruction BTRC is awarding “Mobile Phone Handset Manufacturer and Vendor Enlistment" certificates to the interested organizations for assembling and manufacturing mobile phone handset plant in Bangladesh. So far, "Mobile Phone Handset Manufacturer and Vendor Enlistment" certificate has awarded to 02 (Two) organizations for assembling and manufacturing mobile phone handset locally. Some other organizations are also applied to the Commission for this type of certification, which are under process. Till date, 02 (Two) organizations named “Walton” and “ Samsung” have successfully assembling and marketing mobile phone handsets in Bangladesh. The current scenerio of assembling and manufacturing mobile phone handset is given in the below the table: Quantity of aassembled and Year of Category Sl Name of the organization Brand manufactured mobile handsets Certificate of Feature Smart Total awarding Certificate Phone phone

01. Walton DG Tech Industries 2017 A Walton 183,600 145,860 329,460

02. Fair Electronics Ltd 2018 A Samsung - 145,000 145,000 Total 183600 290,860 474,460

Mobile phone handset production in the Fiscal year 2017-2018. BTRC 53 Annual Report-2017-2018 2.6.1 Frequency Assignment for the Operation of Bangabandhu Satellite-1

On 12 May 2018, at around 2:14 am, ‘Bangabandhu Satellite’, the first geostationary satellite of Bangladesh has been launched. By launching the Satellite, Bangladesh has emerged as the 57th satellite launched country and also unveiled a new horizon in the spectrum management system of this country, simultaneously.

Bangabandhu Satellite After launching Bangabandhu Satellite, radio frequency will be needed for its program operations. In this regard, on 28 March 2017, spectrum department has organized a meeting with the Bangabandhu Satellite Project. In this meeting, the spectrum department has advised and Officials of Spectrum Division of BTRC are inspecting a Manufacturing/Assembling Plant assisted the ‘Bangabandhu Satellite Project’ to apply for spectrum needed for ground station operations to BTRC. After receiving the Application for License of Radio Communication Following benifits can be obtained by Establishing Mobile Phone Handset Assembling and Apparatus, Application Verification fee, Information/Network Plan regarding on possible location of Manufacturing plant in Bangladesh: equipment from the project director’s office and in order to assign required spectrum for satellite 1. It will be possible to save a large amount of valuable foreign currency. operation and management, BTRC has taken the following steps mentioned below: 2. The new employment will be created in the country. v Since, most of the required frequencies needed for proper operations of Bangabandhu 3. Efficient technical man power will be created in the country Satellite have already been allocated to different government and non-government 4. It will be possible to prevent the government revenue lose by reducing illegal import. organization, spectrum department has organized few meetings on last 09/08/2017, 5. It will be possible to get desirable foreign investment. 20/08/2017, 07/09/2017 and 17/09/2017 to allocate frequency for Bangabandhu 6. Local investors will get new arenas for investment. Satellite’s ground station. 7. End user will get the opurtunity to use mobile phone handset at lower price. v In these four meetings mentioned above, discussions have taken place on the 8. Tele-density will be increased. co-existence of Terrestrial and Satellite Services in the same frequency band. In those 9. The growth of internet user will be increased significantly because of mobile phone handset meetings, representatives from Spectrum department, Bangabandhu Satellite availability at lower price. It is to be noted that, 10% growth of internet user will result Launching Project, different telecom operators mainly government/private mobile additional 1% growth in GDP. As a result the socio economic scenerio of the country will phone operator, PSTN and BWA operators were present. improve rapidly. v Later, of All the technical aspects of the allocation of frequencies for Bangabandhu 10. Instead of importing mobile phone handset, it will be possible to earn foreign currency by Satellite have been analyzed by the Spectrum department. exporting. 11. All of above, the country will go ahead to build Digital Bangladesh by building knowledge v Spectrum allocation for operational activity of Bangabandhu Satellite has been placed based nation. in 75th Spectrum Management Committee (SMC) meeting. In this SMC meeting, after a rigorous discussion, the decision has made that the application for spectrum 2.6 Satellite Services in Bangladesh allocation will be placed for grant under certain spectrum sharing conditions on the next In Radio Regulation issued from International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Space Commission Meeting. Radiocommunication is defined as, any radiocommunication involving the use of one or more v Later, on the 210th Commission Meeting, the decisions made on 75th SMC meeting space stations or the use of one or more reflecting satellites or other objects in space. According regarding on spectrum allocation of Bangabandhu Satellite has been approved. to this definition, the details of Satellite Service existing in Bangladesh are given below:

BTRC 54 Annual Report-2017-2018 2.6.1 Frequency Assignment for the Operation of Bangabandhu Satellite-1

On 12 May 2018, at around 2:14 am, ‘Bangabandhu Satellite’, the first geostationary satellite of Bangladesh has been launched. By launching the Satellite, Bangladesh has emerged as the 57th satellite launched country and also unveiled a new horizon in the spectrum management system of this country, simultaneously.

Bangabandhu Satellite After launching Bangabandhu Satellite, radio frequency will be needed for its program operations. In this regard, on 28 March 2017, spectrum department has organized a meeting with the Bangabandhu Satellite Project. In this meeting, the spectrum department has advised and Officials of Spectrum Division of BTRC are inspecting a Manufacturing/Assembling Plant assisted the ‘Bangabandhu Satellite Project’ to apply for spectrum needed for ground station operations to BTRC. After receiving the Application for License of Radio Communication Following benifits can be obtained by Establishing Mobile Phone Handset Assembling and Apparatus, Application Verification fee, Information/Network Plan regarding on possible location of Manufacturing plant in Bangladesh: equipment from the project director’s office and in order to assign required spectrum for satellite 1. It will be possible to save a large amount of valuable foreign currency. operation and management, BTRC has taken the following steps mentioned below: 2. The new employment will be created in the country. v Since, most of the required frequencies needed for proper operations of Bangabandhu 3. Efficient technical man power will be created in the country Satellite have already been allocated to different government and non-government 4. It will be possible to prevent the government revenue lose by reducing illegal import. organization, spectrum department has organized few meetings on last 09/08/2017, 5. It will be possible to get desirable foreign investment. 20/08/2017, 07/09/2017 and 17/09/2017 to allocate frequency for Bangabandhu 6. Local investors will get new arenas for investment. Satellite’s ground station. 7. End user will get the opurtunity to use mobile phone handset at lower price. v In these four meetings mentioned above, discussions have taken place on the 8. Tele-density will be increased. co-existence of Terrestrial and Satellite Services in the same frequency band. In those 9. The growth of internet user will be increased significantly because of mobile phone handset meetings, representatives from Spectrum department, Bangabandhu Satellite availability at lower price. It is to be noted that, 10% growth of internet user will result Launching Project, different telecom operators mainly government/private mobile additional 1% growth in GDP. As a result the socio economic scenerio of the country will phone operator, PSTN and BWA operators were present. improve rapidly. v Later, of All the technical aspects of the allocation of frequencies for Bangabandhu 10. Instead of importing mobile phone handset, it will be possible to earn foreign currency by Satellite have been analyzed by the Spectrum department. exporting. 11. All of above, the country will go ahead to build Digital Bangladesh by building knowledge v Spectrum allocation for operational activity of Bangabandhu Satellite has been placed based nation. in 75th Spectrum Management Committee (SMC) meeting. In this SMC meeting, after a rigorous discussion, the decision has made that the application for spectrum 2.6 Satellite Services in Bangladesh allocation will be placed for grant under certain spectrum sharing conditions on the next In Radio Regulation issued from International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Space Commission Meeting. Radiocommunication is defined as, any radiocommunication involving the use of one or more v Later, on the 210th Commission Meeting, the decisions made on 75th SMC meeting space stations or the use of one or more reflecting satellites or other objects in space. According regarding on spectrum allocation of Bangabandhu Satellite has been approved. to this definition, the details of Satellite Service existing in Bangladesh are given below:

BTRC 55 Annual Report-2017-2018 Name of the Satellite Bangabandhu Satellite -1 Orbital Location 119.1 degree East

Details of the Transponder C-band Transponder-14 Ku-band Transponder - 26 (Fourteen) (Twenty-six) C-band Ku -band Frequency Band 4500-4800 MHz 12750-13250 MHz 6725-7025 MHz 14500-14800 MHz 10700-10950 MHz 11200-11450 MHz 11700-12000 MHz

Information about Bangabandhu Satellite

2.6.2 Satellite Television Broadcasting

Basically the satellite television broadcasting license is issued from the Ministry of Information. Following the permission from Ministry of Information, frequency is assigned to the respective Satellite Television Chanal Operators. Up till now, Satellite uplink frequency of bandwidth 6/9/12 MHz from 5.85-6.425 GHz band has been assigned to 38 (Thirty eight) satellite televisions. The name of such Spectrum assignees are given below:

Sl.No. Name of the TV Channel Sl.No. Name of the TV BTV 20 Gazi Television Limited (GTV) 2 BTV World 21 Mohna Television Ltd 3 Diganta Media Ltd (Diganta TV) 22 My TV 4 Multimedia Productions Company Ltd (ATN Bangla) 23 SA Television Ltd (SA TV) 5 Ekushe Television (ETV) 24 Channel-9 6 Impress Telefilm Ltd () 25 Bijoy Television Ltd 7 International Television Limited 26 Times Media Ltd () 8 National Television Ltd (RTV) 27 Asian Telecast Ltd (Asian TV) 9 Shamol Bangla Media Ltd (Bangla Vision) 28 Birds Eye Media & Communication Ltd (Gaan Bangla) 10 Boishakhi Media Ltd (Boishakhi TV) 29 Kazi Media Ltd (Dipto TV) 11 Desh Television (Desh TV) 30 Rongdhonu Media Ltd 12 Islamic Television Ltd 31 ATV Ltd (ATV) 13 Jamuna Television Ltd 32 Barindo Media Ltd (Resesa TV) 14 ATN News Ltd 33 Jadu Media Ltd 15 Independent Television Ltd 34 East West Media Group Ltd (News 24) 16 Maasranga Television Ltd 35 Channel-21 (Broadcast World Bangladesh) 17 Samay Television Ltd 36 Dhaka Bangla & Communication Ltd (DBC) 18 Ekattur Media Ltd (71 TV) 37 Bangla Television Ltd 19 Millennium Media Ltd. (Titas TV) 38 Globe Multimedia Ltd. (Global TV)

List of Satellite Television Broadcasters in Bangladesh

BTRC 56 Annual Report-2017-2018 The assigned frequency of Islamic Television Ltd. and Digonto Media Ltd. have been suspended for the violation of Broadcasting Policy. In the fiscal year 2017-2018, One (01) of the satellite Television has been given the ‘License to operate Radio Communications Equipment’. 2.6.3 Direct to Home Service

In order to provide Direct to Home (DTH) service, Ministry of Information has given license to two private company, BEXIMCO Communications Limited and Bayer Media Limited on 12/11/2013. Following the permission of Ministry of Information frequency has been assigned and permission to use radio equipment has been given to BEXIMCO Communications Limited. After getting permission from BTRC, BEXIMCO Communications Limited has successfully started their transmission service but the other company (Bayer Media) not been able to start their transmission yet. By providing DTH service in our country, using a set-up box, the subscriber can choose their preferred satellite channels. The subscriber can enjoy high quality picture and sound in television channels due to DTH’s ultra-modern technology. Since, in this technology, the subscriber can receive transmitted programs directly from the satellite by using a set-up box, the inhabitants of the rural area where cable tv network is not available, can enjoy satellite television channels.

DTH Network 2.6.4 VSAT Service

Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) is a wireless communication system that uses a combination of a small antenna and satellite terminal equipment. It is possible to provide high speed data and voice service very easily and uninterruptedly from any place of the world by broad and narrow band wireless service using orbital satellite. As an alternative of terrestrial communication system and it provides various facilities. VSAT helps building cost effective unique communication network in any dispersed area. VSAT networks offer value-added satellite-based services capable of supporting the Internet, data, LAN, voice/fax communications and can provide powerful, dependable private and public network communications. At present, there are 04 (Four) VSAT Providers (Hub License),02 (Two) VSAT provider Licensee, 16 (sixteen) VSAT User Licensee in our country. The VSAT providers (Hub license)

BTRC 57 Annual Report-2017-2018 provides satellite communication services to the users like Embassies, Corporate Offices, Banks, spectrum monitoring and thereby locating the target source accurately. In addition, modernization of Branch offices etc. For Data circuit, the Remote Terminal bandwidth may be 512 kbps in case of the spectrum monitoring system is under consideration to increase the range of existing monitoring symmetric service and maximum down link bandwidth may be 2048 kbps in case of asymmetric capacity. service. A figure regarding the configuration of VSAT shown below: Likewise the past few years, significant numbers of monitoring actions were conducted during the 2017-2018 fiscal year. All these were performed using the statistical data, interference allegations from different stakeholders and by conducting regular monitoring activities. Some remarkable spectrum monitoring activities were taken during the said fiscal year. Initiatives have been taken to resolve the Interference problem of a BWA operator, QUBEE in 2300 MHz and a mobile operator in E-GSM band. It is confirmed that the suspected interfering source is located at the bordering parts of India. Necessary activities are already under way to resolve this cross border interference problem. Besides, an SOP (Standard Operating Process) formulation task is on-going in order to mitigate cross border interference problem. Once the SOP is finalized, any kind of interference problems arising from neighboring countries could easily be identified and resolved accordingly.

VSAT Network 3. Activities of Spectrum Monitoring Department

Fair and appropriate usage of Spectrum is very much essential as it is truly an important and limited national resource. Proper spectrum management and timely spectrum monitoring- these two issues Spectrum Monitoring Activity of 2017-2018 Fiscal Year are very important in order to ensure optimal utilization of spectrum. Spectrum monitoring activities are conducted through the Spectrum Monitoring Department under the Spectrum Division of BTRC. Other Activities of Spectrum Division There is a central fixed monitoring station at Dhaka under this Spectrum Monitoring Department. Implementation of NOC Automation and IMEI Database System There are also 05 (Five) other fixed monitoring stations located in Chattagram, Sylhet, Khulna, Rangpur and Bogura. Besides 06 (Six) fixed monitoring stations, 05 (Five) mobile monitoring stations Government already gave instruction to prepare and maintain IMEI Database for the mobile phone and 01 portable monitoring station were also procured for the spectrum monitoring department of sets that has been imported into the country. In its continuation, Spectrum Division of BTRC has BTRC. These mobile monitoring stations are used to take prompt actions in regards to resolve taken the initiative to implement this system. This system will provide the facilities of obtaining ‘Online’ frequency interference issues and has strengthened the overall capacity of spectrum monitoring import permission from BTRC by mobile phone importers. Approximately 500 (five hundred) mobile department. Frequency in the range from 20 MHz to 3 GHz can be monitored with the help of these phone importers will receive the NOC ‘Online’ using this system. In addition, during the customs 12 monitoring stations. All the stations were established in the year 2009 under the project named clearance of these mobile phone sets, customs officials will also be able to verify the legitimacy of the “Strengthening the regulatory capacity of BTRC”. The project was successfully completed on 31 sets. In future, using this database, people from different corners of the country will be able to verify December 2009. Upon the successful completion of the project BTRC can now ensure the proper the authenticity of their mobile phone sets. utilization of spectrum assigned to different types of telecommunication services users and providers irrespective of government or private entities. At present, with these monitoring stations BTRC National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) regularly monitor and resolve interference claims brought up by mobile operators, FM operators, Commission has taken a policy level decision on preparing a NEIR. It will provide multi faced facilities BWA operators, government agencies etc. The capability of spectrum monitoring ensures optimal in addition to the enhancement of ensuring national security and public safety. Spectrum Division of utilization of spectrum and to perform spectrum management tasks very efficiently. BTRC has started taking initiatives in this regard. Presently, Spectrum Division is ensuring the With a view to strengthen the monitoring capacity 10 sets handheld spectrum monitoring devices authentic IMEI number while giving permission for importing standard mobile phone sets to our were procured very recently in the year 2017. Using these latest devices both detection and DF country. (Direction Finder) of the frequency ranges from 20MHz to 6GHz. These devices are very effective in

BTRC 58 Annual Report-2017-2018 provides satellite communication services to the users like Embassies, Corporate Offices, Banks, spectrum monitoring and thereby locating the target source accurately. In addition, modernization of Branch offices etc. For Data circuit, the Remote Terminal bandwidth may be 512 kbps in case of the spectrum monitoring system is under consideration to increase the range of existing monitoring symmetric service and maximum down link bandwidth may be 2048 kbps in case of asymmetric capacity. service. A figure regarding the configuration of VSAT shown below: Likewise the past few years, significant numbers of monitoring actions were conducted during the 2017-2018 fiscal year. All these were performed using the statistical data, interference allegations from different stakeholders and by conducting regular monitoring activities. Some remarkable spectrum monitoring activities were taken during the said fiscal year. Initiatives have been taken to resolve the Interference problem of a BWA operator, QUBEE in 2300 MHz and a mobile operator in E-GSM band. It is confirmed that the suspected interfering source is located at the bordering parts of India. Necessary activities are already under way to resolve this cross border interference problem. Besides, an SOP (Standard Operating Process) formulation task is on-going in order to mitigate cross border interference problem. Once the SOP is finalized, any kind of interference problems arising from neighboring countries could easily be identified and resolved accordingly.

VSAT Network 3. Activities of Spectrum Monitoring Department

Fair and appropriate usage of Spectrum is very much essential as it is truly an important and limited national resource. Proper spectrum management and timely spectrum monitoring- these two issues Spectrum Monitoring Activity of 2017-2018 Fiscal Year are very important in order to ensure optimal utilization of spectrum. Spectrum monitoring activities are conducted through the Spectrum Monitoring Department under the Spectrum Division of BTRC. Other Activities of Spectrum Division There is a central fixed monitoring station at Dhaka under this Spectrum Monitoring Department. Implementation of NOC Automation and IMEI Database System There are also 05 (Five) other fixed monitoring stations located in Chattagram, Sylhet, Khulna, Rangpur and Bogura. Besides 06 (Six) fixed monitoring stations, 05 (Five) mobile monitoring stations Government already gave instruction to prepare and maintain IMEI Database for the mobile phone and 01 portable monitoring station were also procured for the spectrum monitoring department of sets that has been imported into the country. In its continuation, Spectrum Division of BTRC has BTRC. These mobile monitoring stations are used to take prompt actions in regards to resolve taken the initiative to implement this system. This system will provide the facilities of obtaining ‘Online’ frequency interference issues and has strengthened the overall capacity of spectrum monitoring import permission from BTRC by mobile phone importers. Approximately 500 (five hundred) mobile department. Frequency in the range from 20 MHz to 3 GHz can be monitored with the help of these phone importers will receive the NOC ‘Online’ using this system. In addition, during the customs 12 monitoring stations. All the stations were established in the year 2009 under the project named clearance of these mobile phone sets, customs officials will also be able to verify the legitimacy of the “Strengthening the regulatory capacity of BTRC”. The project was successfully completed on 31 sets. In future, using this database, people from different corners of the country will be able to verify December 2009. Upon the successful completion of the project BTRC can now ensure the proper the authenticity of their mobile phone sets. utilization of spectrum assigned to different types of telecommunication services users and providers irrespective of government or private entities. At present, with these monitoring stations BTRC National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) regularly monitor and resolve interference claims brought up by mobile operators, FM operators, Commission has taken a policy level decision on preparing a NEIR. It will provide multi faced facilities BWA operators, government agencies etc. The capability of spectrum monitoring ensures optimal in addition to the enhancement of ensuring national security and public safety. Spectrum Division of utilization of spectrum and to perform spectrum management tasks very efficiently. BTRC has started taking initiatives in this regard. Presently, Spectrum Division is ensuring the With a view to strengthen the monitoring capacity 10 sets handheld spectrum monitoring devices authentic IMEI number while giving permission for importing standard mobile phone sets to our were procured very recently in the year 2017. Using these latest devices both detection and DF country. (Direction Finder) of the frequency ranges from 20MHz to 6GHz. These devices are very effective in

BTRC 59 Annual Report-2017-2018 Engineering and Operations Division

BTRC 60 Annual Report-2017-2018 Engineering and Operations Division The super-fast mobile internet provided by 4G network has enabled the users of the country to experience zero-buffer HD video streaming, high quality voice calls, super-fast downloading, Engineering and Operations (E&O) Division deals with different telecom systems establishment, high-fidelity music streaming and all sorts of other internet services. operation & maintenance and standardization aspect in the telecommunication sector. E&O division monitors and ensures technical implementation of the licensing guidelines. This division Through the rapid expansion of 4G network to the entire country, it would be possible to reduce plays the key role in BTRC to set the technical standards and criteria of telecommunication digital divide between rural and urban Bangladesh and to achieve rapid development in agriculture services, to monitor the standards of telecommunication services provided by operators and to and education sectors. As a result of the government's effective introduction of tech-neutrality and ensure that such services conform to the standards set by the commission. E&O Division monitors infrastructural sharing facilities to the mobile network establishments, 4G network is expected to and analyzes voice and data traffic, bandwidth usages of ANS and Gateway operators and assists be expanded dramatically to entire country. the Commission in revenue assurance aspect. E&O division sets standards on Quality of Service (QoS), to monitor the standards of telecommunication services provided by operators and to Expansion of 3G Technology ensure that such services conform to the standards set by the commission. This division regulates In order to provide 3G facilities to mass people, four mobile operators were issued the 3G license interconnection among the telecom operators and resolves interconnection disputes. E&O on 08 September, 2013 through auction. Incumbent mobile operator Teletalk has been providing Division issues NOC for non-radio equipment import. Besides, E&O division plays an important 3G facility to the end user in Bangladesh since October, 2012. According to the licensing role in determining and analyzing telecommunication indicators for Bangladesh. guidelines, all 3G operators are rapidly expanding their 3G network. By this time, all 3G licensees E&O division frame a national scheme of numbering plan to be followed in telecommunication and have completed their network expansion in all divisions and districts along with almost all upazilas. assigns various ANS and gateway operators according to their requirements. This division Till June, 2018 there are in total of 64.869 million 3G subscribers available in Bangladesh. allocates short codes for national emergency services and to other public and private The statistics of the increment of 3G subscribers in last one year that is July, 2017 to June, 2018 organizations. It is tasked with the measurement and compliance monitoring of EMF radiation from is given as below: telecom infrastructures. It monitors the telecommunication infrastructure development in the country and ensures proper implementation of Infrastructure Sharing Guidelines to enable optimum use of telecom resources. The main functions of this division during 2017-2018 are given below:

Introduction of 4G Technology 4G licenses were awarded to four mobile operators including state-run Teletalk on February 19, 2018, taking Bangladesh into the fourth generation data service era. Grameenphone, Robi and Banglalink launched the 4G service to their customers in some major cities shortly after they obtained the license from the Commission. It is to be noted that BTRC allocated 4G spectrum on 13 February, 2018 through auction. Mobile operators are using technology neutrality in offering 4G services as the government has provided such facility.

S/N Subject Date 1 Invitation for Application 04 Dec 2017 2 Application Submission 14 Jan 2018 3 Spectrum Auction 13 Feb 2018 4 License Awarding 19 Feb 2018 5 4G goes live 19 Feb 2018

In order to fulfill the rollout obligations of 4G license and to meet commercial requirements, mobile operators are expanding 4G network coverage in the country at a rapid pace. Meanwhile, 4G services have been launched in all divisional and district cities and more than 450 upazilas of the country. To offer 4G services, operators have installed 10,005 4G eNodeB at the end of July 2018. However, 4G coverage is made available in some limited areas of district and upazila cities so far. It is to be noted that the number of 4G subscribers in the country is increasing dramatically. At the end of June' 2018, the number of 4G subscribers has crossed 5.0 million.

BTRC 61 Annual Report-2017-2018 Engineering and Operations Division The super-fast mobile internet provided by 4G network has enabled the users of the country to experience zero-buffer HD video streaming, high quality voice calls, super-fast downloading, Engineering and Operations (E&O) Division deals with different telecom systems establishment, high-fidelity music streaming and all sorts of other internet services. operation & maintenance and standardization aspect in the telecommunication sector. E&O division monitors and ensures technical implementation of the licensing guidelines. This division Through the rapid expansion of 4G network to the entire country, it would be possible to reduce plays the key role in BTRC to set the technical standards and criteria of telecommunication digital divide between rural and urban Bangladesh and to achieve rapid development in agriculture services, to monitor the standards of telecommunication services provided by operators and to and education sectors. As a result of the government's effective introduction of tech-neutrality and ensure that such services conform to the standards set by the commission. E&O Division monitors infrastructural sharing facilities to the mobile network establishments, 4G network is expected to and analyzes voice and data traffic, bandwidth usages of ANS and Gateway operators and assists be expanded dramatically to entire country. the Commission in revenue assurance aspect. E&O division sets standards on Quality of Service (QoS), to monitor the standards of telecommunication services provided by operators and to Expansion of 3G Technology ensure that such services conform to the standards set by the commission. This division regulates In order to provide 3G facilities to mass people, four mobile operators were issued the 3G license interconnection among the telecom operators and resolves interconnection disputes. E&O on 08 September, 2013 through auction. Incumbent mobile operator Teletalk has been providing Division issues NOC for non-radio equipment import. Besides, E&O division plays an important 3G facility to the end user in Bangladesh since October, 2012. According to the licensing role in determining and analyzing telecommunication indicators for Bangladesh. guidelines, all 3G operators are rapidly expanding their 3G network. By this time, all 3G licensees E&O division frame a national scheme of numbering plan to be followed in telecommunication and have completed their network expansion in all divisions and districts along with almost all upazilas. assigns various ANS and gateway operators according to their requirements. This division Till June, 2018 there are in total of 64.869 million 3G subscribers available in Bangladesh. allocates short codes for national emergency services and to other public and private The statistics of the increment of 3G subscribers in last one year that is July, 2017 to June, 2018 organizations. It is tasked with the measurement and compliance monitoring of EMF radiation from is given as below: telecom infrastructures. It monitors the telecommunication infrastructure development in the country and ensures proper implementation of Infrastructure Sharing Guidelines to enable 3G Mobile Subscriber optimum use of telecom resources. Month Subscriber (Million) Growth Rate (%) July, 2017 57.247 - The main functions of this division during 2017-2018 are given below: August, 2017 59.205 3.4% Introduction of 4G Technology September, 2017 60.637 2.4% October, 2017 61.506 1.4% 4G licenses were awarded to four mobile operators including state-run Teletalk on February 19, November, 2017 63.048 2.5% 2018, taking Bangladesh into the fourth generation data service era. Grameenphone, Robi and Banglalink launched the 4G service to their customers in some major cities shortly after they December, 2017 64.273 1.9% obtained the license from the Commission. January, 2018 65.489 1.9% February, 2018 66.592 1.7% It is to be noted that BTRC allocated 4G spectrum on 13 February, 2018 through auction. Mobile March, 2018 65.972 -0.9% operators are using technology neutrality in offering 4G services as the government has provided such facility. April, 2018 65.632 -0.5% May, 2018 65.395 -0.4% June, 2018 64.869 -0.8%

3G Mobile Subscriber (Million) and Growth Rate (%) Trend 68 3.4% 4.096 66 2.4% 2.5% 3.0% 64 1.9% 1.9% 1.7% 1.4% 2.0% 62 60 1.0% 58 -0.5% -0.4% -0.9% -0.8% 0.0% In order to fulfill the rollout obligations of 4G license and to meet commercial requirements, mobile 56

-1.0% Growth Rate (%) operators are expanding 4G network coverage in the country at a rapid pace. Meanwhile, 4G 54 52 -2.0% services have been launched in all divisional and district cities and more than 450 upazilas of the country. To offer 4G services, operators have installed 10,005 4G eNodeB at the end of July 2018. However, 4G coverage is made available in some limited areas of district and upazila cities so far. 3G Mobile Subscriber (Million July' 2017 May' 2018 April' 2018 June' 2018 March' 2018

It is to be noted that the number of 4G subscribers in the country is increasing dramatically. At the August' 2017 November' 17 December' 17 October' 2017 January' 2018 February' 2018

end of June' 2018, the number of 4G subscribers has crossed 5.0 million. September' 2017 3G Mobile Subscriber (Million) Growth Rate (%)

BTRC 62 Annual Report-2017-2018 Usually, 2G technology provided maximum internet speed to 64 Kbps, while 3G technology provides internet speed ranging from 512 Kbps to 4Mbps. By 3G service it is possible to provide high speed internet connection to the mass people of Bangladesh. Subscribers will be able to avail the service of E-commerce, E-banking, E-education, E-agriculture, E-health, E-governance and teleconference through high speed mobile internet.

International Gateway (IGW) There are a total of 29 IGW operators including incumbent BTCL to route all types International calls to ensure better revenue sharing of the government from international calls. IGW operators BTCL, Bangla Trac Communications Ltd., Novotel Ltd. and Mirtel Limited started their commercial operations in September, 2008. Later Commission awarded 25 new IGW licenses to the operators. Statistics on International call Volume of the last fiscal year is given below:

Month International Incoming Call Minutes International Outgoing Call Minutes July, 2017 1,966,260,324 16,080,683 August, 2017 1,890,200,496 17,455,925 September, 2017 1,877,509,617 17,135,314 October, 2017 1,871,576,274 15,466,018 November, 2017 1,733,944,561 14,592,273 December, 2017 1,766,356,541 14,234,352 January, 2018 1,693,012,906 13,778,458 February, 2018 1,526,662,756 12,691,401 March, 2018 1,628,782,498 14,393,719 April, 2018 1,512,287,984 13,355,398 May, 2018 1,466,452,915 12,750,631 June, 2018 1,453,923,944 12,821,021

In July, 2017 total International incoming call minutes routed through IGWs were 1966.26 million which reached to 1453.92 million call minutes by June 2018. On the other hand, the total international outgoing call minutes were 16.08 million in July 2017 and 12.82 million in June, 2018.

International Incoming Call Minutes

2,000,000,000

1,500,000,000

1,000,000,000

500,000,000 Call Minutes -

July, 2017 April, 2018May, 2018June, 2018 August, 2017 March, 2018 October, 2017 January, February,2018 2018 September, 2017 November,December, 2017 2017

BTRC 63 Annual Report-2017-2018 International Outgoing Call Minutes

2,000,000,000

1,500,000,000

1,000,000,000

500,000,000 Call Minutes -

July, 2017 April, 2018May, 2018June, 2018 August, 2017 March, 2018 October, 2017 January, February,2018 2018 September, 2017 November,December, 2017 2017

Interconnection Exchange (ICX)

To ease the management of international and domestic calls, 03 ICXs have been in operation including incumbent operator BTCL since 2008. Later, with the direction of the Government, BTRC awarded 23 ICX licenses to the operators. Routing of calls through ICXs has simplified the interconnection scenario between different operators and enabled the regulator with more transparent platform to monitor & analyze the call volume handled by different mobile, PSTN and IPTSP operators to ensure proper revenue sharing mechanism for the Government. In July 2017, the total domestic call minutes routed through ICXs were 4738.92 million which reached to 4681.56 million call minutes by June 2018 . Statics of monthly Domestic Call Minutes routed through ICX operators is as follow:

Month Domestic Call Minutes July, 2017 4,738,925,173 August, 2017 4,745,433,507

September, 2017 4,649,600,259 October, 2017 4,641,220,744 November, 2017 4,413,737,572 December, 2017 4,606,610,635 January, 2018 4,985,278,015 February, 2018 4,372,812,459 March, 2018 4,911,796,545 April, 2018 4,705,443,991 May, 2018 4,726,393,504 June, 2018 4,681,568,400

BTRC 64 Annual Report-2017-2018 Domestic Call Minutes

5,000,000,000

4,800,000,000

4,600,000,000

4,400,000,000

Call Minutes 4,200,000,000

4,000,000,000

July, 2017 April, 2018May, 2018June, 2018 August, 2017 March, 2018 October, 2017 January, February,2018 2018 September, 2017 November,December, 2017 2017

Domestic Paid Mins-On Net Calls Significant amount of traffics exchanged in ANS itself network which is called the On-Net Traffic.In July, 2017 on-net traffic was 1914.94 million call minutes which reached to 1934.28 million call minutes in June, 2018.

Month On-Net Call Minutes July, 2017 19,146,944,573 August, 2017 19,336,404,065 September, 2017 18,495,223,714 October, 2017 19,274,562,985 November, 2017 18,469,028,868 December, 2017 19,164,105,868 January, 2018 19,214,066,578 February, 2018 18,470,844,517 March, 2018 20,959,124,475 April, 2018 20,111,065,448 May, 2018 20,129,964,729 June, 2018 19,342,848,711

BTRC 65 Annual Report-2017-2018 On-Net Call Minutes

21,000,000,000

20,000,000,000

19,000,000,000

18,000,000,000 Call Minutes 17,000,000,000

July, 2017 April, 2018May, 2018June, 2018 August, 2017 March, 2018 October, 2017 January, February,2018 2018 September, 2017 November,December, 2017 2017

International Internet Gateway (IIG)

To effectively manage the international Internet bandwidth, International Internet Gateway (IIG) licenses has been introduced by BTRC. Two such gateways, BTCL and Mango Teleservices Ltd have started their operation since 2008. With the direction of the Government, BTRC has issued another 35 licenses in this category. Recently, two operator’s licenses have been canceled. Out of these licensees, 25 companies have started their operation in this fiscal year and another 02 companies are in the process to start their IIG operation. All enduring IIGs are managing their operations with 761.11 Gbps which have been taken from BSCCL and International Terrestrial Cable (ITC) operators. Recent status of IIGs are depicted as

Submarine Cable and International Terrestrial Cable System

Competitive environment has been created which impact the bandwidth price as six new ITC operators have come into operation in addition with incumbent submarine cable operator BSCCL, a SEA-ME-WE-4 consortium member for international connectivity. Additionally, Service quality of ITC and BSCCL is improving day by day as the market is competitive. ITC operators are now carrying out gateway data and voice services to different locations of Bangladesh by building POP, following Infrastructure Guidelines.

BTRC 66 Annual Report-2017-2018 BSCCL & ITC Operator wise Usages of International Bandwidth (Jul'17-Jun'18) 450

400

350

300 BSCCL 250 1 Asia 200 Fiber@home Bandwidth (gbps) 150 Mango NovoCom 100 summit 50 BD Link 0

July, 2017 April, 2018May, 2018June, 2018 August, 2017 March, 2018 October, 2017 January, February,2018 2018 September, 2017 November,December, 2017 2017

On 6 January 2015, during the visiting period of India's Honorable Prime Minister in Bangladesh, an agreement was signed between Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL) & Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to export the bandwidth in presence of both Honorable Prime Minister. Both the Honorable Prime Ministers of Bangladesh & India inaugurated the bandwidth exporting program by using the Video Conferencing on 23 March 2016. According to the agreement BSCCL is exporting 10Gbps IP Bandwidth at Agartala state of Tripura in India at first stage which can be increased upto 40 Gbps. Due to increment of domestic bandwidth usage and international export, the use of bandwidth increased from 411 Gbps to around 672 Gbps in last one year. The bandwidth growth rate is 63.50% (approx).

Usages of International Bandwidth (Jul'17-Jun'18)

800 700 600 500 400 300 200 Bandwidth (gbps) 100 0

July, 2017 May, 2018 April, 2018 June, 2018 August, 2017 October, 2017 March, 2018 January, 2018February, 2018 September, 2017 November, 2017December, 2017

BTRC 67 Annual Report-2017-2018 Considering the growing bandwidth demand, BSCCL has joined SEA-ME-WE-5 consortium to make a backup of existing submarine cable and direct connection to a new location. SEA-ME-WE-5 submarine cable has started its operation. As a result, an opportunity has been created for the Mass People, Educational Institutes & Industries of remote areas of the country to communicate globally. Foreign investors are becoming more interested to invest in different development sectors as ITC and BSCCL provide redundancy to each other.

National Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) In 1989, Pacific Bangladesh Telecom ltd (PBTL) first introduced CDMA based mobile network in Bangladesh. Later 5 other operators got mobile license on GSM band. All these operators took own initiative to expand their nationwide optical fiber network up to the Upazilas. Later in 2008, Government decided to formulate Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) guidelines and the decision of providing such license was made. Motto of this license is to separate the access layer from the transmission layer and to create a common backbone of optical fiber network nationwide. Following is the list of licensed NTTN operators

Sl. Name of the Organization Date of Issued License 1 Fiber@Home Limited 07-01-2009 2 Summit Communications Limited 09-12-2009 3 BTCL 28-10-2014 4 PGCB 28-10-2014 6 Bangladesh Railway 20-11-2014

Fiber@Home limited received NTTN license on 7th January 2009. At the same time this licensee got the responsibilities to expand optical fiber network nationwide. BTRC provides 10 years roll out target obligation. According to that compulsion 1st year of roll out is 5%, 2nd year is 10%, 3rd year is 20%, 4th year is 30%, 5th year is 40% and in 10th year the 100% Upazilas shall be under the coverage of optical fiber network. Failure of fulfilling the target performance bank guarantee (PBG) of 10 crore is kept. Later 9th December 2009, summit communications limited awarded with NTTN license under the same licensing obligation. Following is the current status of Fiber@Home limited and Summit Communications Limited -

Fiber@Home Limited According to NTTN licensing guideline, year wise rollout target and progress of NTTN operator Fiber@Home limited is as follows:

Year License obligation Year wise Fiber@Home’s upazilla Coverage

2011 (1st year) 5% i.e. 24 Upazillas 20 Upazilas 2012(2nd year) 10% i.e. 48 Upazillas Additional 24 i.e. total of 49 Upazilas 2013(3rd year) 20% i.e. 97 Upazillas Additional 49 i.e. total of 98 Upazilas 2014 (4th Year) 30% i.e. 145 Upazillas Additional 47 i.e. total of 115 Upazilas 2015 (5th Year) 40% i.e. 194 Upazillas Additional 54 i.e. total of 199 Upazilas

2020(10th Year) 100% i.e. 485 Upazillas I.e. within next 5 years total additional coverage 291 Up azilas

BTRC 68 Annual Report-2017-2018 Current Status of Fiber@Home Limited: v Network Coverage : 38,345 Km. (Own network) v Upazila Coverage : 440. v District Coverage :64. v Lease Fiber (PGCB) 3,258 km (as NSP). v Swapping Fiber (BTCL) 838 Km.

Summit Communications Limited According to NTTN licensing guideline, year wise rollout target and progress of NTTN operator Summit Communication limited is as follows:

Year License obligation Year wise Fiber@Home’s Upazila Coverage

2011 (1st year) 5% i.e. 24 Upazillas 25 Upazilas 2012(2nd year) 10% i.e. 48 Upazillas Additional 24 i.e. total of 49 Upazilas 2013(3rd year) 20% i.e. 97 Upazillas Additional 66 i.e. total of 115 Upazilas 2014 (4th Year) 30% i.e. 145 Upazillas Additional 40 i.e. total of 159 Upazilas 2015 (5th Year) 40% i.e. 194 Upazillas Additional 98 i.e. total of 257 Upazilas 2020 (10th Year) 100% i.e. 485 Upazillas I.e. within next 5 years total additional coverage 228 Upazilas

Current Status of Summit Communications Limited: v Network Coverage : 40,345 Km (Own Overhead & Underground OFC) v Upazilas Coverage : 475 v District Coverage : 64 v Lease Fiber (PGCB) 1800 km (as NSP) To summarize this, the district and Upazila coverage of Fiber@Home limited is 64 and 384 and for Summit Communications Limited they are 64 and 317. NSP (network Service Provider) coverage and planning of Fiber@Home Limited and Summit communications Limited: At the 11th meeting of Domestic Network Coordination committee (DNCC) it had been decided to provide internet connectivity to all government offices nationwide. In this regards the 1 core of optical fiber of PGCB has been distributed based on zones among two private NTTN operators, Fiber@Home Limited and Summit communications limited. These two organization have been awarded NSP (network service provider) and in a lease agreement with PGCB for 15 years of time.

BTRC 69 Annual Report-2017-2018 District Based Distribution

Name of Operator Division/District Remarks and Division 101+40=141 Upazillas

Fiber@Home Rajshahi Division(31)+Ishshordi Upazilla +Pabna 32 Upazillas Limited Rongpur Division 13 Upazillas

Dhaka + Khulna Division 122+59= 181 Upazillas Summit Communications Greater Mymensingh (Mymensingh +Sherpur+ Limited Netrokona+Jamalpur) 13 Upazillas Sylhet Division 14 Upazillas Sirajgonj +Pabna(Except Ishshordi Upazilla ) 13 Upazillas

Operators are obligated to fulfill the roll out target of their respective zones which is the expansion of optical fiber network in 64 districts, 250 upazilas,4500 unions by 3 years of period.

Division District Upozila Upozila,F@H Upozila,Summit Dhaka 17 122 4 37 Rajshahi 8 67 7 23 Chittagong 11 101 16 2 Khulna 10 59 3 19 Barishal 6 40 3 0 Sylhet 4 38 0 10 Rangpur 8 58 9 0 Total= 64 485 42 91

Optical Fiber Network of Mobile Operator Since the mobile operator got their licenses, they started building their own optical fiber network optical fiber network and allow only NTTN operators to build such infrastructure. Later, in 2008, instead of expanding the network's own network through NTTN guidelines, NTTN licensed the organization to provide upazila-based compulsory obligations within a time bound period. It was responsible for the spread of optical fiber across the country. As a result, the expansion of optical fiber infrastructure of mobile operators is stopped completely. And followed by the regulation and the permission from the commission they are allowed to build their optical network only if the presence of NTTN network is not available in such area. Following is the upazilla based optical fiber coverage of mobile operators:

Organization Own OFC Network Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Limited (PBTL) 1127 km

Grameenphone Limited 2746 km Banglalink Digital Communications Limited 3000 km Robi Axiata Limited 730 km Airtel Bangladesh Limited 303 km Teletalk Bangladesh Limited 0 km

BTRC 70 Annual Report-2017-2018 BTCL BTCL has expanded its network by fiber optics in 64 districts. Apart from 108 optical fiber development projects in 108 union parishads "110 optical fiber development projects in 1000 union parishads" and 1104 total 1212 unions have been attached. Further, the activities of setting up optical networks in district, upazila and union level are going on under "Wireless Broadband Network for the Digital Bangladesh (4G, LTE) Project". BTCL is also expanding their network through various projects implemented under the ICT department. Bangladesh Railway

In the year 1997, Bangladesh Railway provided lease to Grameenphone for 2 core of 2010 km optical fiber network till the year 2027. Later due to the expiration of the lifetime of that optical fiber Grameenphone took the initiation to upgrade that existing fiber from 2 cores to 32 or 48 cores based on the location. Grameenphone also handed 4 cores optical fiber to Bangladesh railway for using in their signaling purpose. Besides recently, Bangladesh railway has deployed 409 km 48 cores optical fiber cables. PGCB Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Ltd. (PGCB) is supplying power through the nationwide High Voltage Grid Line. The company has set up a network of 5773 km wide network of the OPGW (Optical Ground Wire), through a high-voltage transmission line. The network is currently spreading in 197 upazilas of the organization. Fiber Optic Networks expanded by PGCB 8, 12, 24, 32, 24 or 48 cores. Very little part of the mentioned fiber is used for signaling.

Analytical GIS Map Vision of digital Bangladesh demands a nationwide, independent, strong infrastructure which will transmit data up to the rural lives. The key component of these infrastructures is optical fiber network. Since 1997, as there was no separate license for building transmission, optical fiber cables have been established but the mobile operators for their nationwide coverage.

BTRC 71 Annual Report-2017-2018 Even though telecom-operators have own optical fiber infrastructures but due to lack of any combined information bank it was not possible for the policy makers to make any decision regarding the proper utilization of the access resources. The requirement of this combined optical fiber infrastructure has been identified at the domestic network coordination meeting presided by the principle secretary and as a result that responsibility of implementation was given to Bangladesh telecommunication regulatory commission. BTRC made an agreement with the Institute of Water Modeling (IWM) for preparing Analytical GIS based map. Based on the data proved by the operators this map is now at third (Final) phase. Currently through this map it is possible to find out the nationwide OFC/BTS/MSc status up to the union level. However for using any information from this GIS map, a prior permission is required from the Commission. Broadband Wireless Access (BWA)

To increase the Broadband services all over the country, the Commission awarded two Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) licenses to Banglalion Communication Ltd (BCL) and Augere Wireless Broadband Bangladesh Ltd (AWBBL) in 2008 and Bangladesh Internet Exchange Ltd. (BIEL) in 2013. All three licensees have the obligation to spread their network within specified zone area. At present AWBBL has their network presence to seven (07) Divisional Headquarters with 2 ASN gateways located at Dhaka and Chittagong. Besides this, Narayanganj, Chandpur, Lakkhipur, Nator, Nowga, Shirajganj, Comilla, Feni, Coxbazar, Pabna, Bogra, Rangpur ,Dinajpur, Nilphamari,thakurgoan, Kurigram, Panchagor,Jaypurhat, Chapainababgonj, Munshigonj, Gaibandga and Lalmonirhat districts are also covered in the Network Coverage. Khagrachori, Rangamati, Bandorban are not have network coverage yet.

Year Total Active subscriber 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 of AWBBL 26,317 07,906 126,286 135,456 104,593 82,798 49,987 32,832 16,211

Like AWBBL, Banglalion Communications Ltd also has their network presence to all divisional Headquarters with 2 ANS gateways located at Dhaka and Chittagong. At present Munshigonj, Narayangonj, Chandpur, Lakkhipur, Noakhali, Feni, Comilla, Coxsbazar, Kustia, Meherpur, Chuadanga, Jhinaidoho, Magura, Jessor, Bagerhat, Shatkhira, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi, Bargona, Potuakhali,Bhola, Rajbari, Faridpur, Narail,Gopalgonj, Madaripur, Shariyatpur, Mymensing, and Bogra districts are also covered in the Network Coverage. Only Khagrachori, Rangamati, &Bandorban districts are not yet covered by BCL network.

Year Total Active subscriber 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 of BCL 22,034 1,43,511 1,88,498 1,80,339 1,64,958 96,989 61,959 40,933 28,619

BTRC 72 Annual Report-2017-2018 The third licensee Bangladesh Internet Exchange Ltd (BIEL) is giving their service by the Gateway which is established at Dhaka. At present BIEL has deployed their Network in Jesshore, Gopalganj, Sylhet, Moulovibazar, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Barishal, Mymensing, Pabna, Meherpur District. Year Total Active 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 subscriber of BIEL 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,011 1,627 36,041

During 2015-2016 subscribers of mobile internet user has increased. But the Wimax users decreased drastically after 3G license announced officially. Reports have been publishedon electronic media several times regarding this issue. All over the ISP Operators can provide their services by overhead cable in a cheaper rate which is also one of the reasons of decreasing BWA subscribers’. Moreover the participation and contributions of BWA operators in many Govt projects, developments of national and social works are appreciated many times. Setting up standards on quality of service for BWA service is still in progress. Finally BWA Operators have the scope to play important and powerful role to build the government planned wireless environmentally friendly and beautiful capital in our country.

BTRC CAS Platform Call Detail Record (CDR) Analyzer System (CAS) has been set up to verify the information provided by the operators in the Engineering and Operations Department of the Commission to ensure Government revenue. International, internal, intrinsic and outgoing calls are monitored and reviewed by the various CDR (Mobile, PSTN and IPTSP) services operated by IGW and ICX operators by the CDR Analyzer System. Apart from that, dispute resolution is made between the different operators of the call.

BTRC 73 Annual Report-2017-2018 Call Center

Call Centre is one of the most promising sectors in Bangladesh. To address the need for promoting ‘Call Center’ in Bangladesh for generating employment and earning foreign currency, BTRC started issuing licenses to Call Centers in April 2008. With the participation of local entrepreneurs and non-resident Bangladeshis the industry began to flourish. Currently, call centers of different companies from the US, Canada, UK, Australia and other countries are operating here in Bangladesh. BTRC undertakes a number of initiatives to speed up the development of call center industry. In this regard, BTRC and Bangladesh Association of Call Centers & Outsourcing (BACCO) together with the World BPO ITO Forum to familiarize Bangladesh with Callcenter Industry in the world, detailed discussions and initiatives on existing opportunities and functions for the development of call center in Bangladesh. Raise it. Although the sector started with just 700 employees, the number of workers in this sector was more than 40 thousand more. In 2008, the income from this sector was $ 4 million, which is expected to reach $ 100 million by 2021. Apart from licensing at a nominal price and simultaneously providing Revenue Sharing Holidays with the age of 3 to 5 years, 60 percent of the discount for purchasing of the Bandwidth (IP / IPLC) of call centers carries the incentive of BTRC incentives in the development of art. Presently, ITC organizations have started functioning as well as submarine cable for international connection, due to the use of bandwidth, redundant path has been created which will play an important role in the development of art of call center.

A comparative statistic of the call center industry is mentioned below:

Description 2016-2017 2017-2018 Existing Call Centre Licensee/Registration Certificate 201 240 Operational International Call Centres 65 70 Operational Domestic Call Centres 32 40 Employment 30,000+ 40,000+

Bangladesh has huge potential for business process outsourcing (BPO) and call center business. The entrepreneurs will be encouraged by various incentives and active initiatives of the BTRC and along with the provision of the jobs of the unemployed educated unemployed youth of the country, as well as access to foreign currencies in the country.

Quality of Service (QoS)

In general term, Quality of Service (QoS) refers to the ability of a network or service to satisfy the end user. Quality of Service (QoS) is defined in ITU-T Recommendation E.800 as “the collective effect of service performances, which determine the degree of satisfaction of a user of the service”. BTRC is working with high priority to improve quality of service and ensure consumer rights. Considering these obligations, BTRC has issued a concerted QoS regulation (ANS Operator’s Quality of Service, Regulations, 2018) to ensure the quality of telecommunication services of MNO, ISP, PSTN and all others ANS operator. BTRC has defined threshold for various Key Performance Indicator (KPI) such as Call Drop Rate, Data Throughput, Network Coverage in the regulation. Mobile operators have been preserving the records and submitting to the Commission monthly reports on its compliance with each of the QoS standards specified in the regulation. The Commission is assessing the quality of the service continuously through inspection and instructing necessary optimization plan.

BTRC 74 Annual Report-2017-2018 BTRC has procured QoS monitoring tools from Finland based company Anite Finland Ltd.

Using the tools, BTRC is measuring Call Drop, Data Throughput, Network Coverage and other KPIs of Mobile Cellular and Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) services in specific areas without taking any help from operators. User experience while using various social apps such as Facebook and Youtube is also being measured. As a result, BTRC is working more actively to ensure the quality of service and to make necessary up-gradation. Infrastructure Sharing

BTRC issued Infrastructure Sharing Guideline for sharing the infrastructure between telecom operators. The main objectives of this Guideline are to build environment friendly infrastructure and ensure maximum utilization of resources. Invest cost of Telecom service providers will remit on infrastructure, discontinuance of consecutive investment on same infrastructure. Above all the transcendental uses of the network infrastructure will possible by the Infrastructure Sharing. At present every operator gives priority for sharing their own/ another infrastructure in comparison to build the new infrastructure. As a result a way has been opened for providing service to the customer in very fast time & at low cost. Only passive infrastructure allowed under the BTRC’s issued guideline, not active infrastructure. Mobile phone operators make agreement for sharing infrastructure to each other under this existing guideline and they are sharing Tower, Place, Fiber Optic Cable & Generator in jointly according this. Besides here, BTRC are examining to make scope for implementation of Active Infrastructure Sharing.

P-PABX

BTRC approves the use of IP-PABX system in the light of a specific policy imposing certain conditions for non-commercial intra office communication within the country. Under the circumstances, currently many government and private organizations are using this technology. It is should be noted that IP-PABX is a cost effective and modern solution for internal communion within organizations; using this system the business organizations have acquired technological skills.

BTRC 75 Annual Report-2017-2018 IP-Telephony

Bangladesh government is working continuously to introduce new and modern telecommunication technologies and services for domestic as well as international communication. BTRC is directly involved in the introduction of new telecom technologies and their transformation into reasonably priced services suited to modern day customers’ needs. Internet Protocol Telephony, commonly known as IP Telephony, is the most affordable technology of transmitting voice calls through internet in the form of data packets. It is one of the most affordable ways of making international voice calls on the internet. BTRC has already issued 42 IP Telephony licenses (IPTSP) to the Internet Service Providers under certain terms and conditions. At present, 26 IPTSP operators are in operation. This new service provisioning would significantly contribute to the rural telephony offering an affordable alternative for the people to stay connected. No Objection Certificate (NOC) Engineering and Operations division issues NOC to import the non-wireless telecommunication equipment to licensed telecom operators and other entities. This is done in accordance with the respective licensing guidelines and related directives to ensure maintenance of standards for telecommunication equipment. In the last nancial year, the Engineering & Operations division issued NOCs to operators for importing huge quantities of various transmission and switching equipment, routers, modems, recti ers, ampli ers, cables etc. BTRC thus assists in maintaining the quality and standards of telecommunication accessories in the domestic market in Bangladesh. Call Detail Record (CDR)

CDR Terminal from all IGW operators has already been established at BTRC to analyze the call volume among all operators as well as to ensure accurate statistics. Report is prepared from the thorough analysis and examination of retrieved CDR from the terminal. Besides statistics of call from different tabular format are collecting from all operators and then in depth analysis & cross examination applies for call volume among all operators. Wrong information or mismatch can be detected through this process. Already CDR mismatches and misdeclaration has been detected and necessary directives have been issued to maintain ethical operational activities. It can be worked as a catalyst to ensure the true revenue from the operator end. Video Conferencing

Commission has issued a directive on video conferencing for government and private organizations for domestic and international use. However, no tariff has been imposed for the domestic and non-commercial use. In the light of the above, currently many government and private organizations are continuing video conferencing with their branch and associate organizations. Demand of video conferencing is increasing day by day among corporate entities, educational institutions, government organizations and NGOs. Internet Service Provider (ISP)

The role of ISPs has been instrumental in providing the latest technology services to meet the ever growing demands of clients. ISPs are playing a pivotal role in providing digital communications, spreading ICT education and increasing internet penetration in Bangladesh. Total Internet solutions; i.e. Dial UP, Cable, Wireless & DSL Broadband internet connection for home and corporate clients, data connectivity (L2/L3 Connectivity, IP-VPN & MPLS-VPN, MPLS & SDH) and other services like domain registration, web design, web hosting, managed network solutions, network security solutions, DNS Parking, video conferencing, email hosting, streaming and FTP server related services are being provided by the ISPs.

BTRC 76 Annual Report-2017-2018 Currently Six types of ISPs are providing Internet Service in Bangladesh. There are 139 Nationwide, 87 Central Zone and 181 Zonal Licensed ISPs. To provide better and quality service, there are also 887 Category A, B and C ISPs arepproviding Internet Service in District and Thana level. ISPs have expended their service in most of the districts in Bangladesh. At present about 777 ISPs are operational. They are connected with the IIG and ISP operators at their upstream and are providing bandwidth to end users at their downstream.

SI. Type Of License Licensed ISP In Operation

1. Nationwide 139 112 2. Central Zone 87 63 3. Zonal 181 98 4. Category-A 564 374 5. Category-B 49 16 6. Category-C 274 114 Total 1294 777

Data Information System (DIS)

Data Information System (DIS) is an online media to get operation related information of International Long Distance Cable (ILDC), International Internet Gateway (IIG), Internet Service Provider such as Nationwide/Central Zone/Zonal and Category (A/B/C). At present, the ILDC and IIG operators are directly submitting the monthly bandwidth information to the system. These lincensees are alsosubmitting the general information, equipment and IP information to the Commission using DIS system. Data collection process of ISP operators is going on.

BTRC 77 Annual Report-2017-2018 After complete implementation of the system, information will be ensured quickly and it will help reduce the use of paper. Apart from providing information according to the needs of the parliamentary committees or ministries, the revenue collection of the government from IIGs will beiincreased significantly as the DIS system ensuring the information.

VoIP Service Provider (VSP)

With the view to facilitate international calls, provided 598 VoIP Service Provider (VSP) licenses have been renewed/ under proceed for 02 (two) years with the pre-approval of government by the BTRC. Only these 598 VSP are now in operational stage. According to the licensing guideline, all VSPs are operating as non-facility based operator and each operator is allowed to use a maximum of 90 ports from only one IGW operator. Now-a-days BTRC gives permission to attach with a IGW operator subject to being blank in the context of the application of VSP operator.

Radiation Measurement

BTRC has been directed to formulate the guideline & take necessary action to control any harmful effect of EMF exposure of BTS and high frequency equipment on human body and environment from the High Court division of Honorable Supreme Court of Bangladesh. In whose light, BTRC has taken necessary action to formulate the guideline and procuring the Radiation Measurement Equipment. BTRC has already procured necessary radiation measurement equipment and also the formulation of related guidelines is in last stage.

National Numbering Plan & Short Code

To meet the ever-growing challenges of the telecom industry and in conformity with the ITU standards, BTRC formulated the Bangladesh National Numbering Plan in 2017. In the Numbering Plan, the dialing procedure follows ITU-T recommended E.164. As per Numbering Plan, the numbering patterns of different operators are as follows:

Sl no Name of the operators Subscriber Number in Each Zone 1. BTCL 2-T-XYZ-ABCDE[100 (XY) exchanges of 10 Lac capacity in each Zone or even 1000 (XYZ) exchanges of 1 Lac Capacity] 2. M/s Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Ltd. () 11 – ABCDEFGH [100 million capacity for each all over country] 3. M/s Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd. 15 – ABCDEFGH 4. M/s Robi Axiata Ltd. (Two Prefix) 16 – ABCDEFGH & 18 – ABCDEFGH 5. M/s Grameenphone Ltd. 17 – ABCDEFGH 6. M/s Banglalink Digital Communicatios Ltd. 19 – ABCDEFGH 7. M/s. Worldtel Bangladesh Ltd. 30-T-XY-ABCDE 8. M/s. Westec Ltd. 31-T-XY-ABCDE 9. M/s. One Tel Communication Ltd. 33-T-XY-ABCDE 10. M/s. Bangla Phone Ltd. 35-T-XY-ABCDE 11. M/s. Tele Barta Ltd. 36-T-XY-ABCDE 12. M/s. National Telecom Ltd. 37-T-XY-ABCDE 13. M/s. S.A Telecom System Ltd. 39-T-XY-ABCDE 14. M/s. Jalalabad Telecom Ltd. 40-T-XY-ABCDE 15. M/s. Nextel Telecom Ltd. 41-T-XY-ABCDE 16. M/s. Integrated Service Ltd. 42-T-XY-ABCDE 17. M/s. Ranks Telecom Ltd. 44-T-XY-ABCDE

18. Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) 61X-ABCDEFG [10 (X) operators of 10 million capacity for each all over country] 19. Internet Protocol Telephony Service Provider (IPTSP) 96XX-ABCDEF [10 (XX) operators of 01 million capacity for each all over country or licensed zone]

BTRC 78 Annual Report-2017-2018 The E&O division allocates short codes to operators/ organizations for offering special/ value added services. Short codes are special telephone numbers, significantly shorter than full telephone numbers that can be used to address SMS, MMS or dial up service from mobile phones or fixed phones. Short codes are designed to be easier to read and to remember than normal telephone numbers. Like telephone numbers, short codes are unique to each operator at the technological level. Short codes are widely used for value-added services. As per Numbering Plan, level ‘1’ is used for accessing special/value added services like emergency services, supplementary services, enquiry and operator-assisted services etc. Some codes are also defined for intra operator network. BTRC is working on Intra Network Service Short code procedure.

Short codes allocated to different operators/organizations during 2017-2018 for different services are as follows: Allocated Sl no Organization Name Type of Services Short Code

1 Information Communication 999 National Emergency Service Technology Division 2 Access to Information (a2i) 104 Government Service Information Programme

3 Post and Telecommunication 111 Emergency Service Management Division 4 Bangladesh 100 Customer Care Service Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) 5 Disaster Management Bureau 1090 Early Warning and Disaster Management (DMB) Information Dissemination Service 6 Ministry of Health and Family 103 Emergency Ambulance Service Welfare

7 Anti-Corruption Commission 106 Complaining of corruption and information service

8 Bangladesh Tourist Police 13888 Tourist Help Line Service

9 Bakhrabad Gas Distribution 16523 Help Line Service Company Ltd. 10 Sundarban Gas Company Ltd. 16539 Help Line Service

11 Derectorate General of Drug 16541 Complain Management Service Administration 12 MoLaw, Justice and Parliament 16430 Legal Services

13 Ministry of Social Welfare 1098 Child Help Line 14 Multi-Sect oral Program me 109 Help Line Service on Violence against Women Project Implementation Unit.

15 iPay Systems Ltd. 16542 Customer Care Service

16 BRTA 16107 Help Line Service

17 Huawei Technologies 16548 e-Service Service (Bangladesh) Limited

18 Square Informatix Ltd. 16549 Customer Care & Product Varification Service

19 Sheltech (Pvt.) Ltd. 16550 Customer Care Service

BTRC 79 Annual Report-2017-2018 The E&O division allocates short codesAllocated to operators/ organizations for offering special/ value Sl no Organization Name Type of Services added services. Short codes are specialShort Codetelephone numbers, significantly shorter than full telephone numbers that can be used to address SMS, MMS or dial up service from mobile phones or20 fixed phones. Monsoon Holdings Short Ltd.codes are designed16551 to be easiere-Entertainment to read and Service to remember than normal telephone numbers. Like telephone numbers, short codes are unique to each operator at the technological21 LEXUS level. Tours &Short Travels codes are widely16552 used for value-addedTravel Information services. Service As per Numbering Plan,22 level M/s. ‘1’ Tahsin is Telecomused for accessing special/value16553 addede-Entertainment services Service like emergency services, supplementary23 Macro Solutions services, Ltd. enquiry and operator-assisted16554 services Customer Careetc. SomeService &codes e-Entertainment are also Service defined for intra operator network. BTRC is working on Intra Network Service Short code procedure. 24 National Board of Revenue 16555 Customer Care Service Short25 codes Abdul allocated Monem Ltd. to different operators/organizations16556 Customer during Care 2017-2018 Service for different services are26 as follows: Green Line Paribahan 16557 Customer Care Service

27 M/s. Pythagoras Solution 16558 e-Entertainment Service

28 M/s. Mahir Tahsin Enterprise 16559 e-Entertainment Service

29 Purple Digit Communication Ltd. 16560 e-Entertainment Service

30 Aurko Technologies Ltd. 16561 e-Entertainment Service

31 Delta Brac Housing Finance 16562 Customer Care Service Corporation Ltd.

32 Chittagong Port Authority 16563 Help Line Service

33 Kothaa Technology BD Ltd. 16564 e-Entertainment Service

34 Beximco Petroleum Ltd. 16565 Customer Care Service

35 Cloudwell 16566 e-Entertainment Service

36 Health AS 16567 e-Health Service

37 NRB Bank Ltd. 16568 Customer Care & SMS Banking Service

38 Asia Telecast Ltd. 16569 e-Entertainment Service

39 Butterfly Manufacturing Co. Ltd 16571 Customer care Service

40 Unihealth 16572 Customer care Service

41 Infolady Social Enteprise ltd 16573 Customer care service

42 2A media Ltd. 16574 e-Entertainment Service

43 Central Procurement Technical Unit 16575 Electronic Governtment Procurement e-GP Service

44 Bangladesh Open University 16576 BOU related Information Service

45 Brac Net Ltd 16577 Customer Care Service

46 Padma Diagonostic Center Ltd 16578 Customer Care Service

47 Value First 16579 Customer care and e-infotainment

48 Super Nova Techno Ltd 16580 e-Entertainment Service

49 Zero Gravity 16581 e-Entertainment Service

50 Jamuna Television Ltd 16582 Customer Care Service

51 Kormotto Tech 16584 e-Entertainment Service

52 Pine Solutions Ltd 16585 Customer care and e-infotainment

53 Documents Software Ltd. 16586 e-Entertainment Service

54 icon contents ltd 16587 e-Entertainment Service

55 Multilink Communications ltd 16588 e-Entertainment Service

BTRC 80 Annual Report-2017-2018 Allocated Sl no Organization Name Short Code Type of Services

56 Aquamarine Distributions ltd 16589 Customer care Service

57 Race online limited 16590 Customer care service

58 nishu Technologies 16592 e-Entertainment Service

59 URS Tech limited 16593 e-Entertainment Service

60 Concord Real Estate & Building Products Ltd 16594 Customer Care Services

61 Rahim Afrooz Renewable energy ltd 16597 Customer Care Service

62 Ifad Autos Limited 16598 Cutomer Care Service

63 Rainbow Media and It ltd 16599 e-Infotainment Service

64 IBR software systems and Solutions 16601 e-Infotainment Service

65 Northern Electric Supply Company Ltd (NESCO) 16603 Helpline Service

66 Lion IT 16605 e-Infotainment Service

67 Tiffin Box 16606 Cutomer Care Service

68 RANGS Industries Ltd 16607 Cutomer Care Service

69 Colormedia 16608 e-Infotainment Service

70 aamra infotainment ltd 16610 e-Infotainment Service

71 Farmers Bank Ltd. 16612 Cutomer Care Service

72 Direct Interaction 16614 e-Infotainment Service

73 SIS media 16617 e-Infotainment Service

74 Agni systems Ltd 16620 Cutomer Care Service

75 Connect Bangladesh Limited 16623 e-Infotainment Service

As per Bangladesh National Numbering Plan 2017 for toll free services, the number series has been set as 0800 and the number structure is as follows:

0800+SCP CODE+ IN SCP = Signaling Control Point IN = Intelligent Network. BTRC has already formulated separate policy for allocation of short code for inter-network service. For more information please visit website: www.btrc.gov.bd. Data and Information Review Number of Mobile Subscribers, Growth Rate and Market Share: In June, 2018 mobile subscriber increased to 150.945 million. Statistics on mobile subscription of the last fiscal year is given below:

BTRC 81 Annual Report-2017-2018 Mobile Subscriber Month Mobile Subscriber (Million) Growth Rate (%) July, 2017 137.399 - August, 2017 139.302 1.4% September, 2017 140.713 1.0% October, 2017 141.344 0.4% November, 2017 143.106 1.2% December, 2017 145.114 1.4% January, 2018 147.000 1.3% February, 2018 148.893 1.3% March, 2018 150.283 0.9% April, 2018 150.338 0.0% May, 2018 150.727 0.3% June, 2018 150.945 0.1%

Mobile Subscriber (Million) and Growth Rate (%) Trend 155 2.0%

150 1.4% 1.4% 1.2% 1.3% 1.3% 145 1.0% 0.9% 1.0% 140 0.4% 135 0.3% 0.1% Rate (%) Growth 0.0% Subscriber (Million) 130 0.0% July, 2017 May, 2018 April, 2018 June, 2018 March, 2018 August, 2017 October, 2017 January, 2018 February, 2018 November, 2017 December, 2017 September, 2017 Mobile Subscriber (Milion) Growth Rate (%)

In addition to this, the competition in the mobile market is growing and market equilibrium is moving positively during this year. As a result each mobile operator is always developing their network and services and customer satisfaction is thus achieved.

BTRC 82 Annual Report-2017-2018 Market Share of Mobile Operators (June, 2018

Teletalk 2%

Banglalink 22% Grameenphone 46%

Robi (Merged With Airtel) 30%

Internet User, Internet Density & Growth Rate During the fiscal year 2017-18, internet especially mobile internet subscriber has increased substantially. The total number of Internet Subscribers has reached 87.790 million at the end of June, 2018. The Internet subscribers are shown below:

Operator Internet Subscriber in June’2018 (Million) Mobile Internet 82.024 WiMAX 0.081 ISP & PSTN 5.685 Total 87.790

In June 2018, Teledensity and Internet Density are 92.67% and 53.65% respectively. Interent Subscriber Month Subscriber (Million) Growth Rate (%) July, 2017 75.024 August, 2017 77.142 September, 2017 79.227 2.8% October, 2017 79.789 2.7% November, 2017 80.166 0.7% December, 2017 80.483 0.5% January, 2018 80.829 0.4% February, 2018 83.141 0.4% March, 2018 84.545 2.9% April, 2018 85.918 1.7% May, 2018 86.872 1.6% June, 2018 87.790 1.1%

BTRC 83 Annual Report-2017-2018 Internet Subscriber Trend (Million) 90 88 87 86 85 85 83

80 80 81 80 79 80 77

75 75

Subscriber (Million) 70

65 July, 2017 May, 2018 April, 2018 June, 2018 March, 2018 August, 2017 October, 2017 January, 2018 February, 2018 November, 2017 December, 2017 September, 2017

Month on Month Internet Subscriber Growth Rate Trend (%)

June, 2018 May, 2018 April, 2018 March, 2018 February, 2018 January, 2018 December, 2017 November, 2017 October, 2017 September, 2017 August, 2017 July, 2017 0.0% 0.5% 1.0% 1.5% 2.0% 2.5% 3.0%

BTRC 84 Annual Report-2017-2018 SMS Information

Beside the basic voice and data services in mobile network, SMS is the most popular and widely used services. Millions of SMS are sent and received every day, from both domestic and international sources.

Total Number of Domestic SMS Sent by Subscriber (Million) 2941.8 2759.2 2637.7 2594.3 2452.4 2356.9 2346.0 2135.0 2101.6 2081.1 1961.1 1940.4 No. of SMS (Million) No. of July, 2017 May, 2018 April, 2018 June, 2018 March, 2018 August, 2017 October, 2017 January, 2018 February, 2018 November, 2017 December, 2017 September, 2017

BTRC 85 Annual Report-2017-2018 Legal and Licensing Division

BTRC 86 Annual Report-2017-2018 Legal and Licensing Division

Legal and Licensing (LL) Division of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is comprises with two Directorates, one is Legal and another is Licensing. Two Directors perform in two Directorates as Directorate head and a Director General performs as Divisional head of Legal and Licensing (LL) Division. Licensing directorate takes necessary steps to issue, renew, amend and cancel all kinds of licenses relating to telecommunication and to make different regulations under the provisions of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001. On the other hand, Legal Directorate conducts all the cases filed on behalf of or against the Commission, provides legal opinions and explanations to resolve the complications arising out of the Guidelines and Licenses and assists the Commission in any legal matters when required. Activities and duties of Legal and Licensing (LL) Division are as follows in short:

Legal Directorate:

Legal Directorate performs implementation of all decisions of the Commission relating to legal issues, giving legal advice on all matters as per requirement of the Commission, legal vetting of proposed contracts, hearing of complaints and dealing with issues relating to show-cause notice, to assist the Government for drafting regulations, guidelines and licenses, dealing with the cases lodged on behalf of and against the Commission in the Supreme Court and other Courts of Bangladesh, to perform all activities in the light of the decision of the Commission relating to regulations, provides legal advices and legal opinions to other Divisions of the Commission to perform their activities in legal manner, provides legal opinion and vet on behalf of the Commission Acts, rules, regulations and policy relating to telecommunications, information technology and same as others sent from different Ministries, resolve dispute between the licensees, conduct inspection on violation of licensing conditions, inform the ministry about cases, dealings with different law farms and senior lawyers, appoint lawyers in different cases, submit charge sheet/FRT after investigation, sanction charge sheet/FRT submitted by investigation officer of different police station, takes necessary steps to examine the illegal VoIP equipment seized in the cases filed under the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulation Act, 2001 in different police stations of the country, prepare affidavit, and any other issues of the Commission.

Noted necessary laws related to regulate telecommunication services

There have been enacted laws in different times to regulate the development and technological progress of telecommunication services. Some of those laws are noted as follows: 1. The Telegraph Act, 1885; 2. The Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933; 3. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001;; 4. Z_¨ I †hvMv‡hvM cÖhyw³ AvBb, 2006; 5. †Kej †Uwjwfkb †bUIqvK© cwiPvjbv AvBb, 2006; 6. †U‡iw÷ªqvj †Uwjwfkb m¤cÖPvi myweav msi¶Y AvBb, 2009; 7. c‡b©vMÖvwd wbqš¿Y AvBb, 2012; 8. cÖwZ‡hvMxZv AvBb, 2012 and 9. mvBevi wbivcËv AvBb, 2015 Amendments of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001

Amendments of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 have been taken from time to time by considering the interest of the country and importances of telecommunication development are as follows in short: 1. First Amendment: Ordinance 1 of 2005 which was repealed by Ordinance 7 of 2006. The duration was till 10-12-2005. 2. Second Amendment: Ordinance 7 of 2006. The duration is still continuing from 11-12-2005. 3. Third Amendment: Ordinance 58 of 2008. The duration was till 24-02-2009 from 22-12-2008. 4. Forth Amendment: Ordinance 41 of 2010. The duration is still continuing from 01-08-2010.

BTRC 87 Annual Report-2017-2018 Policies related to regulate telecommunication services

Policies are taken by the government in different times for the implementation of the laws concerning telecommunications services and at a time for the proper blooming and regulate of this service sector. These policies are as follows: 1. National Telecommunications Policy, 1998; 2. ILDTS Policy, 2007; 3. National Broadband Policy, 2009; 4. National ICT Policy, 2009; 5. ILDTS Policy, 2010; 6. RvZxq Z_¨ I †hvMv‡hvM cÖhyw³ bxwZgvjv, 2015

Rules/Orders related to regulate telecommunication services

To perform the duties and activities of Commission, Government executes Rules/Orders time to time. These Rules/Orders/are regulations as follows: 1. mvgvwRK `vqe×Zv Znwej wewagvjv, 2014 2. Avg`vbx bxwZ Av‡`k 2015-2018 Regulations send for government approval To perform the duties and activities of Commission, Commission has introduced several regulations regarding issue license for serving the telecommunication services, interconnection, service regulation for Commission’s Officers/ Employees and procedure of implementation of such regulation. Daily activities of the Commission are regulated by these regulations. For carrying out the objectives of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 the Commission formulates the Regulations and thereafter, notifies in the official gazette with prior approval of the Government under Sections 18(4), 24(2)(b), 31(2)(q), 32, 36(6), 38, 49(3)(b), 54(1), 55(3), 57(1), 65, 75, 87(3) and 99 of the said Act, consistent with this Act and the Rules made by the Government. The drafts of the following regulations were prepared by the Commission and sent to the Ministry of Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology for approval: 1. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s Officers/ Employees Welfare and Joint Insurance Fund Regulations; 2. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (License) Regulations; 3. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (Telecommunication Competition) Regulations; 4. evsjv‡`k †Uwj‡hvMv‡hvM wbqš¿Y Kwgkb (wewUAviwm) Gi Kg©Pvix Aemi fvZv cªweavbgvjv; 5. evsjv‡`k †Uwj‡hvMv‡hvM wbqš¿Y Kwgkb (wewUAviwm) Gi Kg©Pvix mvaviY fwel¨r Znwej cªweavbgvjv; The following Regulations are effective now

1. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (Licensing Procedure) Regulations, 2004 (BTRC Regulation No. 1 of 2004). 2. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (Interconnection) Regulations, 2004 (BTRC Regulations No. 2 of 2004). 3. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (Employees) Service Regulations, 2005. 4. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Amendment no 1 of 2005 of the BTRC Licensing Procedure Regulations, 2004 (Regulations No. 1 of 2004). 5. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Amendment no 1 of 2007 of the BTRC Licensing Procedure Regulations, 2004 (Regulations No. 1 of 2004). 6. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (Administrative Fine) Regulations, 2007 (BTRC Regulation No. 2 of 2007).

BTRC 88 Annual Report-2017-2018 7. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Interconnection (Amendment) Regulations, 2008 (BTRC Regulation No 1 of 2008). 8. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Interconnection (Licensing Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations, 2008 (BTRC Regulation No. 2 of 2008). 9. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (Licensing Procedure) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2008 (BTRC Regulation No. 3 of 2008). 10. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (Licensing Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations, 2009 (BTRC Regulation No. 1of 2009 to perform the duties and activities). 11. evsjv‡`k †Uwj‡hvMv‡hvM wbqš¿Y Kwgkb Gi Kg©Pvix cªweavbgvjv, 2009|

The duties performed by Legal Directorate are detailed herein below a) Advise and assist the Commission regarding legal issues and cases. b) Supervise, investigate and conduct the cases lodged on behalf of and against the Commission in the lower court of 64 districts of Bangladesh by licensees. c) Approve the charge sheet/ final report in the cases filed by law and order controlling agency, to submit by investigating officer to the court to the provision of section 78(9) of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001. d) Present the seizure listed documents and goods before the court, in the cases filed under the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001. e) To take steps for giving technical experts opinion regarding seizure listed documents and goods as par the requirements of investigating officer, in the cases filed under the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001. f) Advise and prepare the witnesses in different cases. g) Conduct hearing and settle the dispute of inter operator and licensee in arbitration cases lodged before the Commission. h) Submission before the court on behalf of Commission according to the provision of section 80(7) the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001. i) Prepare the Para-wise statements of cases and submit before the court. j) Dealing with the cases lodged on behalf of and against the Commission in the Supreme Court and other Courts of Bangladesh k) Preserve the seizure listed documents and goods as par the direction of the court seized by RAB/Police. l) Assist the lawyers and law chambers appointed by Commission in conducting cases. m) Vetting of show-cause notice for the violation of licensing conditions as the legal action. n) Vetting all kinds of rules, regulations, guidelines, license, directions, permit, agreement and memorandum of understanding with other legal documents of Commission. o) Assist the Commission in amending all regulatory rules and law. p) Conduct inspection on violation of licensing conditions. q) Present the agenda relating to legal issues to the Commission meeting for decision r) For the shake of Investigation to discover information relating to accused: take necessary action (Arrest, Slander before the Court) s) Assist the investigation officer appointed from police station or other law and order controlling agency in the case filed under the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 t) Collect case documents to inform commission and take steps as per direction of the Commission. u) Preserve the seizure listed documents and goods to present before the court.

BTRC 89 Annual Report-2017-2018 v) Present the update information time to time regarding investigation before Commission and Submit investigation report before court. w) Appoint certificate officer in PDR cases according to section 26(2) of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001. x) Any other activities ordered by superior authority. y) Provide legal opinion and vet on behalf of the Commission on Acts, Rules, Regulations and Policy relating to telecommunications, information technology and others sent from different ministries. Appointed Law Chambers and Senior Lawyers of the Commission

For dealings the cases of Commission, the following law chambers and senior lawyers are attached with Legal and Licensing Division:

1 Legal Adviser Lex Counsel BSEC Bhaban (Level- 10), 102 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Karwan Bazar, Dhaka- 1215. 2 Panel Law Chambers/Lawyers a) For High Court i.Mr. Robiul Alam Budu, Rm no. 303 (old), Supreme Court Bar Association Bhaban, Dhaka-1000 ii.Mr. Badrul Islam, Rm no. 216 (annex), Supreme Court Bar Association Bhaban, Dhaka-1000 iii.Mr. Abdul Mabud Masum, 32/6, East Nayatola, Shantinagar, Ramna, Dhaka iv.Mr. A. K. M. Almgir Parvez Bhuiyan, Flat# 3C, 560 North Ibrahimpur, Shikkhak Malancha Bhaban, Kafrul, Dhaka Cantonment v.Mr. Mohammad Nazrul Islam Khandakar, Rm no. 806 (annex), Supreme Court Bar Association Bhaban, Dhaka-1000 b) For Lower Court i. Mr. Abdullah Abu, Kazi Garden, 52 Nroth Road, Kalabagan, Dhanmondi, Dhaka ii. Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Khan, A-22, Underground Parjoyar Center, Dhaka Judge Court, Dhaka iii. Mr. Md. Mahbubor Rahman, Suite # 8/37C Eastern Plaza Commercial Complex, Hatirpool, Dhaka-1205 iv. Mr. Md. Emanur Rahman, 42, North Road, Thana-Kalabagan, Dhaka-1209 and Syed Rezaur Rahman & Associates, Rm no. 08, 6-7 Court House Street, Dhaka Bar Building (2nd Floor), Dhaka-1100 v. Mr. Muhammad Abu Sayeed Siddique, Rm No. A/26, Parjoyar Center, 22, Court House Street, Dhaka-1000 vi. Mr. Belayet Hossain, 59, Flat-4/A, Tejkunipara, Tejgaon, Dhaka-1215 vii. Mr. Mynul Islam, Hyder Mansion, Rm. No. 07 (GF), 14/1, Court House Street, Dhaka-1000 viii. Mr. Rubel Paul, 42 Dewanji Pukur Lane, Dewan Bazar, Kotowali, Chittagong and Rm. No. 310 (2nd Floor), Ainjibi Annex Bhaban-1, Court Hill, Chittagong

Cases filed against and on behalf of the Commission in the financial year 2017-2018 Generally, the Commission may take resort to the learned Court whenever the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 is violated by any offender. On the other hand, the aggrieved persons/ organization may also file cases against the Ministry/ BTRC in both lower and higher judiciary.

BTRC 90 Annual Report-2017-2018 The pending cases in the Courts lodged by or against the Ministry/ Commission in the financial year 2017-2018 are described below:

Sl. Name of the Court Nature of Suit/ On behalf Against Total Suit/ Cases of BTRC BTRC/ Ministry Cases

1. Subordinate Court Civil 01 00 2. Subordinate Court Criminal 13 00 3. Honb’le High Court Division Writ Petition, Company 00 21 36 Matter, Quashment 4. Honb’le Appeal Division Appeal 01 00

Total Number of Suit/Cases 15 21

Statistics of Cases filed against and on behalf of the Commission in the financial year 2017-2018:

42% 58%

Cases Filed by BTRC Cases Filed against BTRC/Ministry

Cases disposed in the financial year 2017-2018

Sl No. Name of the Court Nature of Suit/ Cases No. of disposed of Cases 1 District judge Court Civil 01 2 Sessions Court Criminal 06 3 Honb’le High Court Division Writ Petition, Contempt Petition 04 4 Honb’le Appeal Division Appeal 01 Total Number of Suit/Cases 12

42%

58%

Lower Court Higher Court Cases filed and disposed against and on behalf of the Commission from the financial year 2010-2011 to 2017-2018:

BTRC 91 Annual Report-2017-2018 Sl No Financial year Cases filed Cases disposed of 1. 2017-2018 36 12 2. 2016-2017 52 15 3. 2015-2016 30 21 4. 2014-2015 48 27 5. 2013-2014 33 5 6. 2012-2013 20 16 7. 2011-2012 51 18 8. 2010-2011 14 12

Year wise Statistics of Cases filed and disposed of against or on behalf of the Commission from the financial years 2010-2011 to 2017-2018:

60

50

40

30

20

10

0 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018

Total Number of Cases Filed/Against of the Commission Total Number of Cases Disposed of

Role of BTRC to settle the pending Cases in the lower judiciary

BTRC takes legal action against any person for providing telecom service without having any license or permit from the Commission. Generally, criminal action is taken against the offender by lodging G.R cases to the concerned police station. In order to achieve positive result in favor of Commission and to protect Government interest, this Directorate always guides and cooperates with the complainants and the investigation officers in the legal proceedings. Moreover, employees like Assistant Director to Director of the Commission submit their statements and documents in person before the Court through appointed lawyer under section 80(7) of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001. It is to be noted that the Commission lodges certificate cases as per the provisions of the Public Demands Recovery Act, 1913 and conducts such cases actively for recovery of outstanding against different non-compliant operators. Moreover, the suits filed against Commission demanding compensations in different cases are actively contested by the officer of the Commission in cooperation with the appointing lawyers. As a result, almost hundred percent judgments go in favor of the Commission. Approval of Charge Sheet/Final Report in the illegal VoIP related criminal cases According to section 61, 78 and relative sections of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001, the authority has given its power to the law enforcement authority to take necessary legal actions to combat illegal VoIP.

BTRC 92 Annual Report-2017-2018 According to section 78(9) of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001, investigating officer has an obligation to take approval from the Commission prior to submit their investigation report to the Court. Commission takes necessary steps by communicating with every police station and courts via letters to maintain such obligation. For the purpose of section 78(9) of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 Commission empowered Director General (LL) to give written approval or necessary legal order/orders after analyzing case diary (CD), supplementary case diary (SCD), charge sheet (CS) or final report (FR). Role of BTRC to settle the pending Cases in the higher judiciary This Division conducts various cases filed against the Commission by any individual/ organization. It may be mentioned that the aggrieved persons generally seek relief by filing Writ of Mandamus and Writ of Certiorari under the writ jurisdiction of the Honorable High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. Relief is also sought by filing criminal revisions against the orders for framing of charge by the Court of Sessions. To contest the cases, LL Division prepares affidavit in opposition for filing to the concerned Bench and conducts the hearing through concerned law chamber. Besides, the preliminary tasks such as preparing letter of authorization for swearing the affidavit, power (Vakalatnama) and notice, and collection of all documents for making annexure to the concerned affidavit in opposition, are also performed by the LL Division. As a result, around 86.39% judgments are passed in favor of the Commission. Administrative Fine In case of any violation of any conditions of any license or directives or provisions of the Act/ Regulations by the licensee, LL Division issues a show cause notice to the concern licensee under sections 31(l), 46(3)(c), 46(3)(d), 63(3), 64(3), 65 of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 and the related Licensing conditions for putting forward their statement. If the reply of the licensee is not satisfactory, it is placed to the Commission for taking decision of imposing fine to the concern licensee. Legal and Licensing Division execute the decision of the Commission. Dispute Resolution If any operator or a subscriber lodges a well-founded complaint to the Commission about another operator, the Commission may, within 7(seven) days of receipt of such complaints, direct the concerned party to redress/ resolve the grievance/ matter. The LL division may also summon the concerned operators to resolve the dispute amicably. If any dispute arises among the Licensees or Operators, the Commission may take step to resolve the matter under the provision of section 31(2)(f), 31(2)(r) of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 and Regulation 10 of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (Interconnection) Regulations, 2004. It is obligatory for the licensees of the Commission to abide by the decision of the Commission regarding any dispute among the licensees. At present, there have some dispute resolution among the operators under process in the Commission. Success of BTRC in this year on some exceptional cases filed against Commission: 1. Money Suit No. 33 of 2013 was filed against Commission claiming damages of 960 (Nine Hundred and Sixty) crore Tk. in the Court of 1st Joint District Judge, Dhaka by PSTN operator National Telecom Ltd., which was shut down by Commission in accusation of illegal VoIP activities. The Commission contested the suit and submitted written statement and plaint rejection petition. After long hearing, the learned Court was pleased to grant the plaint rejection petition in last 27 August 2015, submitted by the Commission. As a result, judgment passed in favor of Commission in the above mentioned suit. 2. Money Suit No. 32 of 2013 was filed against Commission claiming damages of 5,53,20,00,000 (Five Hundred Fifty Three crore and Twenty lac) Tk.

BTRC 93 Annual Report-2017-2018 in the Court of 1st Joint District Judge, Dhaka by PSTN operator WorldTel Bangladesh Ltd., which was shut down by Commission in accusation of illegal VoIP activities. The Commission contested the suit and submitted written statement and plaint rejection petition. After long hearing, the learned Court was pleased to grant the plaint rejection petition in last 27 August 2015, submitted by the Commission. As a result, judgment passed in favor of Commission in the above mentioned suit. 3. A Certificate Case was filed against Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Ltd. for the recovery of dues revenue of Commission. On the contrary, the Commission contested in the CPLA No. 2782 of 2016 arising out of Company Matter No. 167 of 2015 filed by the organization in the Honorable High Court Division. As a result, the Commission received 2,44,65,95,444 (Two Hundred Forty Four crore Sixty Five lac Ninety Five thousand Four hundred and Forty Four) Tk. from the organization.

4. The Commission contested the Writ Petition No. 830 of 2016 filed by PSTN operator WorldTel Bangladesh Ltd. for the activities of the cancellation of allocated spectrum of it in accusation of illegal VoIP activities. As a result, 7.4 MHz spectrum has been freed, which has a market value of about 1776 (One thousand Seven hundred Seventy Six) crore Tk. through the dismissal order of the Honorable High Court Division. 5. The Commission contested the 7 (Seven) Writ Petition filed by Bangla Phone Ltd. for taking different steps against it in accusation of providing NTTN service without license and under expired permit. As a result, the legality, reasonability, regularity and validity of the directions and activities of Commission have been proved through the dismissal order in all of the above mentioned Writ Petition by Honorable High Court Division. By this order, discipline in telecom sector has been ensured for the compliance of other operator in line with those directions and activities through the performance of proper role of Commission as telecom regulator. Moreover, Commission resolved different issues in question through imposition and collection of administrative fine from non-compliant operator, resultantly concerned cases and disposed of. As a result, tendency for becoming non-compliant by the operator has been decreased and huge amount of revenue deposited to Government Exchequer. About few hundreds crore Tk. of the Government has been collected through dues revenue collection related cases. Commission has saved about 1.5 thousand crore Tk. by actively conducted the cases filed against it for claiming compensation or damages. Opportunity also has been created to earn thousands crore Tk. through conducting cases relating to cancellation of spectrum allocation as well. As a result, almost hundred percent judgments go in favor of the Commission.

After all, discipline in telecom sector has been ensured for the compliance of other operator in line with the directions and activities through the performance of proper role of Commission as telecom regulator. As a result, it has been possible to maintain discipline and at a time orderly development of a telecommunication system has been ensured. Licensing Directorate

Licensing directorate takes necessary steps to issue, renew, amend and cancel all kinds of licenses relating to telecommunication and to make different regulations under the provisions of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001. Licensing directorate also implements all decisions of the Commission relating to licenses, with prior approval of the Government. These include issuance/ revalidation/ renewal/ suspension/ cancellation/ surrender/ amendment/ merger of licenses and amendment of licensing conditions. This directorate performs all activities relating to obtaining Government approval for invitation of application for licenses, acceptance of proposal, evaluation of application, issuance and renewal of license, to update the information relating to the licenses on BTRC website etc.

BTRC 94 Annual Report-2017-2018 Activities of Licensing Directorate Some important activities of this directorate are as follows in a nut shell: 1) Implement all decisions of the Commission relating to licenses, with prior approval of the Government. 2) Invitation of application for licenses through advertisement. 3) Acceptance of proposal for license and evaluation of application or proposal. 4) Send the evaluation report of license to the Ministry. 5) Preparation of license as per the decision of Ministry. 6) Issuance all types of license. 7) Renewal all types of license. 8) Receive and settle the annual endorsement of license. 9) Issuing show-cause notice on violation of licensing conditions. 10) Issuing all types of guidelines compiled by Commission. 11) Assist to audit activities of Commission. 12) Assist to preparation of different types of licensing report including annual report. 13) Preserve and update all information regarding issuance and cancellation of license and published on BTRC website. 14) To take steps for implementation of the decision of Commission relating to issuance/ revalidation/ renewal/ suspension/ cancellation/ surrender/ amendment/ merger of licenses and amendment of licensing conditions. 15) Do all activities regarding impose of licensing conditions. 16) To take steps to approve the different types of telecommunication service in consistence with the policy of the Government. 17) Name and address change of licensing organization. 18) Present the agenda relating to license to the Commission meeting for decision. 19) Implement the decision of Commission meeting. 20) Execute the Compulsory Implementation Order. 21) Preserve, deduct and release of Bank guarantee relating to roll out. 22) Communication with ministry and implementation of the decision regarding license. 23) Settle the application regarding share transfer. 24) Settle the issue regarding merger of company. 25) Do any other activities by order of superior authority. Issuance of License The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (Licensing Procedure) Regulations, 2004 (BTRC Regulation No. 1 of 2004) has compiled in view of issued license to the organization serving telecommunication service in consistent with and implementation of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001. According to the said licensing regulation, license for telecommunication service has been issued by bidding/ auction and open procedure. 1 Open Licensing procedure

The licenses for providing ISP, IPTSP call center, vehicle tracking, NTTN, NIX and VSAT services are issued by the Commission following the open licensing procedure. After receiving the applications for these licenses, a committee detailed by the Commission inspects the applicants’ establishment to verify the legal requirements and submit a report to the Commission. A report basing on the committee’s proceeding is sent to the government for the approval for issuance of license. After obtaining approval of the government the license is issued from the Commission.

BTRC 95 Annual Report-2017-2018 Here, the types of licenses issued by the Commission through open licensing procedure are given below as flowchart:

ISP

VSAT IPTSP

NTTN VTS Open LIcensing

Cyber NIX Cafe

CALL TVAS Center

2 Bidding/auction licensing procedure

The licenses limited in number are awarded through bidding system. Generally, the licenses are awarded according to the guidelines made for licensing procedure for every type of license. The Commission forms an evaluation committee for proper scrutiny and examination of applications applied for each type of license. The concerned evaluation committee evaluates all applications and recommends for the eligible applicants. This division sends the aforesaid views/ recommendation to the MoPTIT for obtaining prior approval of the government to take subsequent action. As a valuable and precious property of the country, spectrum related licenses are awarded by bidding or auction. The auction is done following the procedure described in the concerned guidelines which is duly approved by the Commission and the government.

Here, the types of licenses issued by the Commission through bidding licensing procedure are given below on flowchart:

IGW MNP ICX

BWA IIG

Bidding/ Auction ITC 4G

PSTN 3G

VSP 2G

BTRC 96 Annual Report-2017-2018 Since the formation time of Commission to 30th June, 2018 with the view of issued various license the following guidelines issued:

Category Name of the Guidelines Issue No. PSTN Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for PSTN Operator License, 2004 2G Cellular Mobile Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for GSM Cellular BTRC/LL/New Cellular Mobile Telecommunication Services Mobile(218)/2005-1729, Dated: 05-10-2005 Central Zone PSTN Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for PSTN Services BTRC/LL/Central Zone/PSTN in Central Zone (227)/2006-1916, Dated: 23-03-2006 IGW Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for International BTRC/LL/IGW(247)/2007-3447, Gateway (IGW) Services Dated: 08-10-2007 ICX Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Interconnection BTRC/LL/ICX(248)/2007-3448, Exchange (ICX) Services Dated: 08-10-2007 IIG Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for International BTRC/LL/IIG(249)/2007-3452, Internet Gateway (IIG) Services Dated: 16-10-2007 PSTN Conversion Zonal PSTN License ‡_‡K National License G BTRC/LL/PSTN Conversion (235)/2006-2996, Conversion Kivi c×wZ I m¤¢ve¨ kZ©vejx Dated: 04-07-2007 Infrastructure Sharing Amended Guidelines for Infrastructure Sharing BTRC/LL/INF-Sharing (304)/2008-227, Dated: 07-07-2007 BWA Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Broadband BTRC/LL/BWA(275)/2008-1033, Wireless Access Services in Bangladesh Dated: 06-08-2008 NTTN Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for National BTRC/LL/NTTN(307)/2008-1346, Telecommunication Transmission Network Dated: 30-11-2008 IPTSP Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Internet BTRC/LL/IP Telephony(276)/2008-260, Protocol Telephony Service Provider License Dated: 15-04-2009 VTS Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines (Amended) BTRC/LL/Vehicle Tracking(311)/2008-277, for Vehicle Tracking Service Dated: 26-04-2009 Call Center Amended Guidelines on Call Center Licensing BTRC/LL/Call Center/Licensing Procedure (268)/2008-503(1), Dated: 14-07-2009 Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for International BTRC/LL/ITC(369)/2008-178, ITC Terrestrial Cable (ITC) Systems and Services in Dated: 31-03-2011 Bangladesh SC Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Submarine BTRC/LL/SC(270)/2008-177, Cable Systems and Services Dated: 31-03-2011 NIX Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for issuing BTRC/LL/NIX(387)/2011-845, License to National Internet Exchange Dated: 27-06-2012 Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Invitation of BTRC/LL/IGW(383)/2011-699, IGW Proposals/Offers for Issuing License for Establishing, Dated: 20-10-2011 Operating and Maintaining International Gateway (IGW) Services in Bangladesh Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Invitation of BTRC/LL/ICX(384)/2011-700, ICX Proposals/Offers for Issuing License for Interconnection Dated: 20-10-2011 Exchange (ICX) Services Establishing, Operating and Maintaining Services in Bangladesh IIG Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Invitation of BTRC/LL/IIG(385)/2011-701, Proposals/Offers for Issuing License for Establishing, Dated: 20-10-2011 Operating and Maintaining International Internet Gateway (IIG) Services in Bangladesh 2G Cellular Mobile Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Renewal of BTRC/LL/Mobile/License Renewal (Renewal) Cellular Mobile Phone Operator License for Establishing, (342)/2009-563, Dated: 11-09-2011 Operating and Maintaining Cellular Mobile Phone Systems and Services in Bangladesh VSP Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for issuing BTRC/LL/VSP(392)/2012-889, License to VoIP Service Provider (VSP) in Bangladesh Dated: 22-07-2012 Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Invitation of BTRC/LL/3G Guideline(394)/Part-1/2012-148, 3G Proposals/Offers for Issuing License for Establishing, Dated:14-02-2013 Operating and Maintaining 3G Cellular Mobile Phone Services in Bangladesh

BTRC 97 Annual Report-2017-2018 MNP Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Mobile 14.32.0000.007.81.013.15.876, Number Portability Services in Bangladesh. Dated:15-06-2016 Tower Sharing Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for issuing 14.32.0000.007.81.014.15.480 License for Tower Sharing in Bangladesh Dated: 01-04-2018 4G Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for 4G/LTE 14.32.0000.007.51.081.17.1592, Cellular Mobile Phone Services in Bangladesh Date: 04-12-2017 2100, 1800 and Guidelines for Invitation To Proposal/Offers for 14.32.0000.007.51.061.15.1593, 900 MHz Bands Assignment of Spectrum From 2100, 1800 Date: 04-12-2017 Spectrum Auction and 900 MHz Bands To Cellular Mobile Phone Service Operators and Issuing Radio Communications Apparatus License In Bangladesh A brief description of the service of licenses issued by the Commission is provided below

1. International Gateway (IGW) Services : This license has been issued with the view to earn government revenue by routing international voice transmission through legal routes. IGW is switching system through which international voice can be received and transmitted. The traffic flow can be monitored in the IGW. The Commission has issued 23 (Twenty Three) IGW licenses with the prior approval of the government. All IGW operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.

2. Interconnection Exchange (ICX) Services: For the convenience of call management of both international and domestic voice calls, ICX licenses have been issued. ICX refers to switching system which provides interconnection network among the existing/ future telecommunication network of the operators and allows monitoring, lawful interception facilities and roaming of number portability. The Commission issued 26 (Twenty Six) ICX licenses with the prior approval of the government. All ICX operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.

3. International Internet Gateway (IIG) Services : IIG licenses have been issued in order to ensure proper use of internet bandwidth and to analyse different usage of the internet subscribers. IIG is a system through which data traffic is recieved and transmitted internationally. The Commission, with the prior approval of the government has issued 35 (Thirty Five) IIG licenses. All IGW operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.

4. Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) Services : This license has been issued to link the rural people of the country with the information super highway by providing high speed data services along with the voice services through mobile phones. The aim of this license to introduce wireless broadband in the country to keep pace with the new technology. WiMAX is such a platform from where operators can provide newer value added services to the interest based people of the country. The Commission has issued 3 (Three) BWA licenses. All BWA operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.

5. International Terrestrial Cable (ITC) Services : The idea is to link up with the neighboring country and through them to connect with the international super highway i.e., submarine cable by laying optical fiber network within the country. Through this service, uninterrupted telecommunication services of both data and voice can be ensured around the globe. 7 (Seven) ITC licenses have been issued with the prior approval of the Government. All ITC operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.

6. Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) Operator Services : This license was issued in order to reach fixed phone services to the door steps of the people of the country in parallel to provide mobile phone services. In PSTN, people are served with telecommunication services by using wire and WLL system. The Commission has cancelled a number of PSTN

BTRC 98 Annual Report-2017-2018 licenses and some of the PSTN operators has surrendered their PSTN licenses to the Commission. Besides that, 05 (five) PSTN operator licenses was cancelled in 2010 due to illegal call termination. However, as per decision of the Government, the license cancellation order has been withdrawn for 3 (Three) PSTN Operators i.e. Ranks Telecom Limited, National Telecom Limited and World Tel Bangladesh Limited and 02 (Two) of the remaining PSTN Operators i.e. Dhaka Telephone Company Limited and Peoples Telecommunication and Information Services Limited were not able to comply with the decision of the Government and hence, their PSTN license cancellation order withdrawal opportunity has been held postponed. The Commission has issued 12 (Twelve) PSTN licenses.

7. National Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) Services : BTRC has issued NTTN licenses for building a unique and common telecommunication extension network and for its maintenance throughout the country. The main objective of this is to help making ‘Digital bangladesh’ by creating an opportunity for all telecommunication service providers to use a country wide transmission network backbone.The Commission, with the prior approval of the Government has issued 5 (Five) NTTN licenses. All NTTN operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.

8. Vehicle Tracking Services (VTS) License: This service enables to locate all types of transports of the entire country through mobile phone. The technology of GPS and cellular mobile phone system used in this field. 34 (Thirty Four) Vehicle Tracking Services licenses and 3 (Three) Vehicle Tracking Service Approval have been issued with the prior approval of the Government. All Vehicle Tracking Service Providers have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.

9. Internet Protocol Telephony Service Provider (IPTSP) License: Internet Protocol Telephony is commonly known as IP Telephony by which voice calls can be transformed into data packets to transmit from one point to another through internet. Through this telecommunication system a voice call can be made in a cheap rate by using internet. The Commission, with the prior approval of the government has issued 34 (Thirty Four) IPTSP licenses. All IPTSP operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.

10. Internet Service Provider (ISP) License: ISP operators provide the service of dialup, cable, wireless and DSL broadband internet connection, data connectivity to various organizations and to individual subscribers. They also provide other services like domain registration, web design, web hosting, managed network solution, network security solution, DNS parking, video conference, e-mail hosting etc. The Commission issued 382 (Three Hundred Eighty Two) ISP licenses with the prior approval of the Government. All ISP operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.

11. Internet Service Provider including Cyber Café License: Small entrepreneurs can provide internet and cyber café service investing a short capital. Generally, cyber cafes are providing services in the city for reaching easy internet access to the urban people. The cyber cafés have been brought under the Licensing format to prevent the student folk from unexpected illegal activities by the unobstructed use of cyber café. The Commission, with the prior approval of the Government has issued 836 (Eight Hundred Thirty Six) Cyber Café licenses. All Cyber Café operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.

12. Call Center License: A Call center can provide services like exchange of information, conducting business, marketing etc., to a third party by using telecommunication facilities and internet. Call center is one of the promising sectors of Bangladesh. Call Center was introduced as a new era of earning foreign exchange and to create employment opportunity in

BTRC 99 Annual Report-2017-2018 Bangladesh since 2008. Meanwhile, 07 (seven) ITC licensed companies are providing their services in the country. Moreover, soon the submarine cable operators of Bangladesh are going to join another submarine cable (SEA ME WE-5). The Commission issued 19 (Nineteen) Call Center licenses. Recently with the prior approval of the Government the Commission introduces call center registration instead of license by excluding call center from telecom service. In the mean time, 240 (Two Hundred Forty) organizations have registered for providing different categories’ service related call center. It is expecting that for the above mentioned decision all kind of call center will developed and it will contribute in socio economic sector of the country.

13. National Internet Exchange (NIX): National Internet Exchange is the neutral peering point of internet service providers. The main objective of having NIX is to ensure routing of domestic internet traffic. NIX would help the development of local contents, web hosting and ease the routing of domestic traffic and thereby would minimize use of international bandwidth to save foreign currency.The Commission, with the prior approval of the government has issued 06 (Six) National Internet Exchange (NIX) licenses. All NIX operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.

14. VoIP service Provider (VSP): VoIP is a voice conversation system over internet or internet network protocol. Here voice data are transmitted using packet switch network instead of dedicated circuit switch voice transmission line.The Commission, with the prior approval of the government has issued 881 (Eight Hundred Eighty One) VoIP service Provider (VSP)licenses. All VSP operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.

Status of the licenses in the year of 2017-2018

The Commission has issued various licenses in the financial year of 2017-2018 for providing various telecom services like Vehicle Tracking Services, Internet protocol Telephony Service Provider, ISP and Call Center etc. A total of 621 (Six hundred twenty one) different licenses were issued by the Commission in this financial year. The description is given below:

Sl Category of License FY 2017-2018

1. Mobile Number Portability (MNP) 1

2. 4G/LTE Cellular Mobile Phone Services Operator 4

3. National Internet Exchange (NIX) 4

4. Vehicle Tracking Services [Service License: 34, Service Approval: 03] 34

5. Internet Protocol Telephony Service Provider – Nationwide 1

6. Internet Service Provider – Nationwide 09

7. Internet Service Provider – Central Zone 16

8. Internet Service Provider – Zonal [South-East:24 South-West:30, North-East: 23 North-West: 12] 89 9. Internet Service Provider – Category A 226 10. Internet Service Provider – Category B 27

11. Internet Service Provider – Category C 167

12. Call Center Registration Certificate 43 Total Number of Present Licenses 621

BTRC 100 Annual Report-2017-2018 Status of Different Active Licenses: The list of different licenses issued from BTRC that are active as on 30 June, 2018 is mentioned below:

Sl Category of License Licensee

1. International Gateway (IGW) Services 23 2. Interconnection Exchange (ICX) Services 26 3. International Internet Gateway (IIG) Services 35 4. Mobile Number Portability (MNP) 1 5. Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) 3 6. Cellular Mobile Telecom Operator 5 7. 3G Cellular Mobile Phone Services Operator 3

8. 4G/LTE Cellular Mobile Phone Services Operator 4

9. International Terrestrial Cable (ITC) Services 7 10. Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) Operator [National: 04, Zonal: 07, Rural: 01] 12 11. VoIP Service Provider 880 12. Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) Service Provider 5 13. National Internet Exchange (NIX) 6 14. Vehicle Tracking Services [Service License: 34, Service Approval: 03] 37 15. Internet Protocol Telephony Service Provider – Nationwide 30

16. Internet Protocol Telephony Service Provider – Central Zone 2 17. Internet Protocol Telephony Service Provider – Zonal [South-East: 02, South-West: 00, North-East: 00, North-West: 00] 2 18. Internet Service Provider – Nationwide 136 19. Internet Service Provider – Central Zone 84 20. Internet Service Provider – Zonal [South-East:21 South-West:17, North-East: 18 North-West: 21] 162 21. Internet Service Provider – Category A 540 22. Internet Service Provider – Category B 42 23. Internet Service Provider – Category C 254 24. VSAT User 19 25. VSAT Provider 3 26. VSAT Provider with HUB 4 27. Call Centre License 19 28. Call Center Registration Certificate 240 Total Number of Present Licenses 2584

BTRC 101 Annual Report-2017-2018 Statistics of issued license by the Commission:

900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 W G C X I G G I I G G 4 I A 3 X 2 C I P N T W P N I S T S T B S I T T A T é P r V f N N S P S e I t T V V n C a S

r P e C e

b l l C y Number of Effective Licences C a

The Year-Based Developing Images of License is issued by the Commission from starting to 30 June, 2018:

3000 2584 2500 2085 2016 1948 2000 1838

1500

939 1000 804 823 562 604 429 500 332 395 221 139

0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Number of Issued Licences

Share Transfer and Merger of Licensee of the year of 2017-2018

On receipt of an application from any operator regarding transfer of their share or to merge with other operator/ company/ entity, LL division, on behalf of the Commission, examines the application in reference to section 37(2)(i) of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001. If the applicant fulfills the conditions mentioned therein, the report is forwarded to the MoPTIT for prior approval of government.

License Cancellation, Withholding and Issuance of Enforcement Order

If any Licensee/ Operator fail to comply with or violate any of the applicable licensing conditions of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001, the LL division takes steps for

BTRC 102 Annual Report-2017-2018 cancellation/ withholding as per section 46 of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001. The process requires the LL division to issue a show cause notice to the licensee asking him/ her to explain within 30 (Thirty) days specifying the reasons as to why the license will not be cancelled/ suspended. If the licensee does not reply or if the reply given by the licensee/ operator is not considered satisfactory, then the matter is sent as a report to MoPTIT according to the provisions laid in section 46 (3) of the Act. The Commission takes necessary action basing on the government decision. Besides, if any licensee/ holder of a certificate or permit violates any provision of this Act or its regulations or any other condition of operation or service provision as provided in the license/ permit or has procured the license/ permit/ technical acceptance certificate by furnishing a false information, the Commission may direct the licensee/ holder of the permit or certificate to show cause within 30 days as to why an enforcement order shall not be issued license/ permit/ certificate shall not be cancelled. If the licensee fails to reply or if the reply given is not deemed satisfactory, then a decision is sought on the matter from the Commission under section 63(3) of the Act. This Division also informs the licensee/ operator of decision of the Commission regarding any permit or administrative fines/ suspension/ cancellation. Renewal of License Usually, license renewal is done as per the conditions laid down in a license and on the payment of such fees as may be prescribed in the license or relevant circular/ administrative orders issued by the Commission and on the basis of performance of the licensee, a report is sent to the government. Finally, on the approval of the MoPTIT, the license renewal activities are completed. In 2017-2018, a total of 39 (Thirty Nine) licenses have been renewed; list of which are shown below:

S/ No. Category of licenses No. of Renewed Licensee 1 Internet Service Provider- Nationwide 16 2 Internet Service Provider- Central Zone 03 3 Internet Service Provider- Zonal 01 4 VSAT User 11 5 Call Center Registration Certificate 04 6 VSAT Provider with Hub 02 7 Vehicle Tracking Services 02 Total 39

Amendment of Conditions of License

In order to fulfill the objective of section 39 of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001, the Commission may, amend any condition of any of the license subject to the prior approval of government. When the Commission, on its own initiative, issues any amendment in the conditions of a license, LL division serves a notice to the licensee informing the reasons for the proposed changes with a scope to submit his/ her comments. In response, if there is any reply/ comment from the licensee, the changes/ amendments are sent to the MoPTIT in the form of a report by LL division. The Commission takes necessary steps on the decision of the Government. Besides these, the Government may take step to change the condition of license by its own accord or operators may apply to change the condition for reasonable ground to the Government/ Commission.

BTRC 103 Annual Report-2017-2018 Contribution of Telecom Sector through the continuous trend of development of the present government:

Previous Status-2008 Current Status- Till 2018 Number of Mobile Subscriber- 4.5 Crore Number of Mobile Subscriber- 15.09 Crore Number of Internet Subscriber- 60 Lac Number of Internet Subscriber- 8.77 Crore Uses of Data/Bandwidth- 10 GBPS Uses of Data/Bandwidth- 689 GBPS Prices of Bandwidth- Tk. 72,000/MBPS Prices of Bandwidth- Tk. 625/MBPS Telecommunication Related License Number- 614 Telecommunication Related License Number- 2647

09 (Nine) Years of Progress

1. Internet Service Provider (ISP) License: ISP operators provide the service of dialup, cable, wireless and DSL broadband internet connection, data connectivity to various organizations and to individual subscribers. They also provide other services like domain registration, web design, web hosting, managed network solution, network security solution, DNS parking, video conference, e-mail hosting etc. The Commission issued 382 (Three Hundred Eighty Two) ISP licenses with the prior approval of the Government. All ISP operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations. 2. Internet Service Provider including Cyber Café License: Small entrepreneurs can provide internet and cyber café service investing a short capital. Generally, cyber cafes are providing services in the city for reaching easy internet access to the urban people. The cyber cafés have been brought under the Licensing format to prevent the student folk from unexpected illegal activities by the unobstructed use of cyber café. The Commission, with the prior approval of the Government has issued 836 (Eight Hundred Thirty Six) Cyber Café licenses. All Cyber Café operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations. 3. Call Center License: A Call center can provide services like exchange of information, conducting business, marketing etc., to a third party by using telecommunication facilities and internet. Call center is one of the promising sectors of Bangladesh. Call Center was introduced as a new era of earning foreign exchange and to create employment opportunity in Bangladesh since 2008. Meanwhile, 07 (seven) ITC licensed companies are providing their services in the country. Moreover, soon the submarine cable operators of Bangladesh are going to join another submarine cable (SEA ME WE-5). The Commission issued 19 (Nineteen) Call Center licenses. Recently with the prior approval of the Government the Commission introduces call center registration instead of license by excluding call center from telecom service. In the mean time, 240 (Two Hundred Forty) organizations have registered for providing different categories’ service related call center. It is expecting that for the above mentioned decision all kind of call center will developed and it will contribute in socio economic sector of the country. 4. Internet Protocol Telephony Service Provider (IPTSP) License: Internet Protocol Telephony is commonly known as IP Telephony by which voice calls can be transformed into data packets to transmit from one point to another through internet. Through this telecommunication system a voice call can be made in a cheap rate by using internet. In last 2009, IPTSP licenses have been issued in the open licensing process from the Commission. The Commission, with the prior approval of the government has issued 34 (Thirty Four) IPTSP licenses. All IPTSP operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.

BTRC 104 Annual Report-2017-2018 5. Vehicle Tracking Services (VTS) License: This service enables to locate all types of transports of the entire country through mobile phone. The technology of GPS and cellular mobile phone system used in this field. In last 2009, VTS licenses have been issued in the open licensing process from the Commission. 34 (Thirty Four) Vehicle Tracking Services licenses and 3 (Three) Vehicle Tracking Service Approval have been issued with the prior approval of the Government. All Vehicle Tracking Service Providers have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations. 6. International Terrestrial Cable (ITC) Services: The idea is to link up with the neighboring country and through them to connect with the international super highway i.e., submarine cable by laying optical fiber network within the country. Through this service, uninterrupted telecommunication services of both data and voice can be ensured around the globe. In last 2011, ITC licenses have been issued in the auction licensing process from the Commission. 7 (Seven) ITC licenses have been issued with the prior approval of the Government. All ITC operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations. 7. Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) Operator Services: This license was issued in order to reach fixed phone services to the door steps of the people of the country in parallel to provide mobile phone services. In PSTN, people are served with telecommunication services by using wire and WLL system. The Commission has cancelled a number of PSTN licenses and some of the PSTN operators has surrendered their PSTN licenses to the Commission. Besides that, 05 (five) PSTN operator licenses was cancelled in 2010 due to illegal call termination. However, as per decision of the Government, the license cancellation order has been withdrawn for 3 (Three) PSTN Operators i.e. Ranks Telecom Limited, National Telecom Limited and World Tel Bangladesh Limited and 02 (Two) of the remaining PSTN Operators i.e. Dhaka Telephone Company Limited and Peoples Telecommunication and Information Services Limited were not able to comply with the decision of the Government and hence, their PSTN license cancellation order withdrawal opportunity has been held postponed. The Commission has issued 12 (Twelve) PSTN licenses. 8. National Internet Exchange (NIX): In the last 2014, BTRC for the first time International Internet Exchange (NIX) licenses has been issued in the open licensing system according to the provision of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 and to implement ILDTS Policey, 2010, to create a competitive environment in the telecommunications sector and to make faster international internal data/information exchange service. National Internet Exchange is the neutral peering point of internet service providers. The main objective of having NIX is to ensure routing of domestic internet traffic. NIX makes data interchange more dynamic to help the development of local contents, web hosting and ease the routing of domestic traffic. ISP operators make faster web content browsing of their valuable customer and improve standards of their service delivery by using NIX. NIX services are provided through peering between ISP and NIX exchanges. As a result, local web content increases the speed and by doing this, foreign currency is saved in bandwidth purchase. ISP operators generally accept their bandwidth from IIG operators. In that case, if IIG operators providing NIX service among peering themselves for local content, Use of international bandwidth across the nation will be very affordable and If the foreign connection is interrupted for any reason, The speed of the local content will not be interrupted in any way. Apart from the use of NIX, any type of information available in the country will remain in the country. NIX would help the development of local contents, web hosting and ease the routing of domestic traffic and thereby would minimize use of international bandwidth to save foreign currency.The Commission, with the prior approval of the government has issued 06 (Six) National Internet Exchange (NIX) licenses. All NIX operators have been performing their activities abiding by

BTRC 105 Annual Report-2017-2018 rules & regulations.

9. International Gateway (IGW) Services: This license has been issued with the view to earn government revenue by routing international voice transmission through legal routes. IGW is switching system through which international voice can be received and transmitted. The traffic flow can be monitored in the IGW. In last 2007 and 2012, IGW licenses have been issued in the auction licensing process from the Commission. The Commission has issued 23 (Twenty Three) IGW licenses with the prior approval of the government. All IGW operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations. 10. Interconnection Exchange (ICX) Services: For the convenience of call management of both international and domestic voice calls, ICX licenses have been issued. ICX refers to switching system which provides interconnection network among the existing/ future telecommunication network of the operators and allows monitoring, lawful interception facilities and roaming of number portability. In last 2007 and 2012, ICX licenses have been issued in the auction licensing process from the Commission. The Commission issued 26 (Twenty Six) ICX licenses with the prior approval of the government. All ICX operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations. 11. International Internet Gateway (IIG) Services: IIG licenses have been issued in order to ensure proper use of internet bandwidth and to analyse different usage of the internet subscribers. IIG is a system through which data traffic is recieved and transmitted internationally. In last 2007 and 2012, IIG licenses have been issued in the auction licensing process from the Commission. The Commission, with the prior approval of the government has issued 35 (Thirty Five) IIG licenses. All IGW operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations. 12. National Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) Services: In the case of transmission in the country, the business competition among NTTN licenses was not created, the cost of Bandwidth and simultaneously the transmission cost hopefully did not reduce in the field of telecommunication. The government has taken initiatives of various telecommunication services / ICT service activities, establishment of e-post office, ICT center at the union level, in addition to conveying internet services to all the public's hands. This requires fast speed bandwidth internet connectivity and wide backbone across the country. Demand for the increasing telecommunication service of the country and with this service available, in addition to the fastest expansion of telecommunication services, Number of telecom operators of the country and considering the needs of the described services, Government companies Bangladesh Railway, Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL), Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Ltd. (PGCB) has its own transmission facilities, the Commission has brought the three organizations under the NTTN License in the current fiscal year. The first NTTN license was issued in 2009 in the open licensing system from the Commission. The Commission, with the prior approval of the Government has issued 5 (Five) NTTN licenses. All NTTN operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations. 13. Renewal of VoIP service Provider (VSP) License: VoIP is a voice conversation system over internet or internet network protocol. Here voice data are transmitted using packet switch network instead of dedicated circuit switch voice transmission line.The Commission, with the prior approval of the government has issued 881 (Eight Hundred Eighty One) VoIP service Provider (VSP)licenses. All VSP operators have been performing their activities abiding by rules & regulations.

BTRC 106 Annual Report-2017-2018 14. Moble Number Portability Services (MNPS): Mobile Number Portability Services (MNPS) is a service that allows subscribers to change the mobile operator without changing their existing mobile number.The Commission issued of MNPS guidelines to on the 24-07-2017 of the government's approval. In the prescribed time, 6(Six) organizations purchase the guidelines of the MNPS license and 5(Five) organizations apply to the Commission for the MNPS license. The evaluation committee submitted the evaluation report on 07-09-2017, by properly evaluating the papers received from the applied organizations. The committee formed for evaluating the papers has recommended the MNPS license in favor of the Infozillion BD-Teletech Consortium, as the organization obtained highest marks from the evaluation committee. Subsequently, a Mobile Number Portability Services (MNPS) license is issued to Infozillion Teletech BD Limited on 30-11-2017, subject to government approval. According to Clauses 6 and 7 of the MNPS License, the company has the obligation to start commercial services within 180 days of issuance of license, but the company applies for extension of time. Due to the decision of the meeting of the post and telecommunication department, the commencement of the company's commercial activities from the Commission was extended to 31 July, 2018. It is expected that the company will start commercial activities and provide MNPS services immediately.

Awarding of mobile number portability services license to Infozillion Teletech BD Limited. 15. 4G/LTE Cellular Mobile Phone Operator License: The latest version of mobile telecommunication is 4G (Fourth Generation). It is a complete Internet Protocol based telecommunications system that provides ultra-broadband mobile internet access to the customer. 4G technology is the latest version of 3G mobile. This technology has not yet become available at customer end. It is expected that there will be a revolutionary change in the IT and telecommunications system when the full commercial production and marketing of 4G Mobile is started. Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for 4G/LTE Cellular Mobile Phone Services In Bangladesh is issued on 04-12-2017 from the Commission, subject to government approval. After that 5(five) companies for the 4G/LTE Cellular Mobile Phone Services Operator license, respectively, requested Teletalk Bangladesh Limited, Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Limited, Banglalink Digital Communications Limited, Grameenphone Limited and Robi Axiata Limited. The committee formed for evaluation of applications of the applications is made according to the provisions of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act, 2001 and Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines For 4G/LTE Cellular Mobile Phone Services

BTRC 107 Annual Report-2017-2018 In Bangladesh and the recommendations of the Commission are sent to the Post and Telecommunications Department. The Commission issued 4G / LTE Cellular Mobile Phone Services Operator License on behalf of Teletalk Bangladesh Limited, Banglalink Digital Communications Limited, Grameenphone Limited and Robi Axiata Limited on 19-02-2018, subject to the government approval.

Awarding of 4G / LTE Cellular Mobile Phone Operator License and Radio Communication Aptitude License for Technology Neutral Spectrum

Awarding of 4G / LTE Cellular Mobile Phone Operator License and Radio Communication Aptitude License for Technology Neutral Spectrum

BTRC 108 Annual Report-2017-2018 16. 2100, 1800 & 900 MHz Band Spectrum Auction: To ensure the best service of 4G technology, the requirement of bandwidth for the 2100, 1800 and 900 MHz band is observed. Regarding the approval of the government, the Guidelines for Assignment of Spectrum from 2100 MHz, 1800 MHz and 900 MHz Band to Cellular Mobile Phone Operators and issuing Radio Communication Apparatus License are issued from the Commission on 04-12-2017. For participants in the 2100, 1800 and 900 MHz band, 4 (four) cellular mobile phone operators licensed organization Banglalink Digital Communications Limited, Grameenphone Limited, Robi Axiata Limited and Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Limited applied to the Commission. The evaluation of the application of the requested institutions is considered appropriate and the four (four) organizations from the Commission are considered eligible. But later, Robi Axiata Limited and Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Limited did not participate in the auction. According to the schedule given in the published guideline, on June 13, 2018, the 2400, 1800 and 900 MHz band auction were held. In the auction, Banglalink Digital Communications Limited and Grameenphone Limited bought 10 MHz and 5 MHz spectrum respectively in two bands. The government earned revenue of Tk 3843.244 crore through this auction.

2100 MHz, 1800 MHz and 900 MHz Band Spectrum Auction

Participant organizations in 2100, 1800 and 900 MHz band Spectrum auction

BTRC 109 Annual Report-2017-2018 2100, 1800 and 900 MHz band Spectrum auction

BTRC 110 Annual Report-2017-2018 2100, 1800 and 900 MHz band Spectrum auction

17. Social Obligation Fund Rules: According to section 21 (Ka) of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001, there has a provision to form a fund with the name of ‘Social Obligation Fund’. Government has approved the condition to pay 1% subscription from total income of mobile phone operator to the ‘Social Obligation Fund’ of Commission in license renewal related guideline according to the provision of law. Activities of ‘Social Obligation Fund’ has been started as immediate as the execution of ‘2G Cellular Mobile Phone Operator Guideline’ in 11-09-2011. Commission has already formed ‘Social Obligation Fund’ and opens an account in specific scheduled bank. To ensure proper and right use of the fund, Commission has drafted ‘Social Obligation Fund Rules, 2012’ and sent to the Ministry of Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology in 03-06-2012 and according this letter, the Guideline was issued in 09-12-2014 which was published in Gazette in 14-12-2014. There has been described in details about deposit and withdrawal of money and procedure of running account, procedure of collecting dues, income and expenditure, subscription rate, procedure and time of payment, fund management committee, power and functions of fund management committee and duties and responsibilities of Commission regarding fund administration and proper utilization of fund. Social Obligation Fund management committee has been formed comprising the Minister, Ministry of Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology; Secretary, Post and Telecommunication Division, Ministry of Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology; Secretary, Information Technology Division, Ministry of Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology; Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare, Chairman and Vice Chairman of BTRC; MD of BTCL; representative of AMTOB; representative of Association of PSTN operators of Bangladesh and DG, System and Services Division, BTRC. All power of fund administration and management vested on that Committee.

BTRC 111 Annual Report-2017-2018 18. Tower Sharing License: First guideline of inrfastructure sharing was published in 2008. Later on the Commission published amended Guideline of infrastructure sharing for mobile operators. Mobile operators are sharing their infrastructure by mutual undedrstanding according to the guideline. Based on information of mobile operator, there are 26400 towers in our country. The amount of tower sharing is 15% - 16%. After review of amended guideline for infrastructure sharing, approval is given on ANS operator tower sharing. There was no rules and regulations tower sharing. The use or tower resources, the intensity of radiation on local people by the individual mobile tower made by individual operator, the amount of damage on overcrowded areas, environment and health hazards, the demand on electricity, decreasing of plantation by the installation of mobile tower infield etc. are increasing. After overall considerations, the Commission has prepared a draft guideline and send it to the Posts and Telecommunications Division. The Commission will issue the guideline after obtaining approval from the government. The Tower Sharing Licensing Guideline, with the prior approval by the government, has been published on the website of the Commission issued on 01-04-2014. Ministry of Posts and Telecommunication has sanctioned the issue of tower sharing licenses for the favor of 4 organizations on 14-08-2018.

Tower sharing license will bring the following benefits:

● CAPEX and OPEX will be reduced of mobile operators. ● Optimum Resource Utilization can be ensured of Telecom installations. ● Ensure customer service at affordable prices. ● Rollout of 3G/4G services will be faster. ● Radiation can be reduced from the Tower. ● Opportunities of investment of new operators will be created. ● New employment will be created. ● Pressure will be reduced on the new electricity demand. ● Installation of Tower will be reduced on the arable land.

In 2007, due to the easy access of technology, telecommunication business in Bangladesh started growing without any control. To curb the uncontrolled development, the government took the first step to address the issue by approving “International Long DistanceTelecommunications Service (ILDTS) Policy 2007”; on the demand of non-resident Bangladeshis, local business entrepreneurs and multinational companies. Later, with the careful analysis of the experience and problems of the implementation of ILDTS policy 2007, the MoPTIT, acting under the power set out in section 33 of The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 (Act 18 of 2001), approved and promulgated ILDTS Policy, 2010.

The ILDTS Policy, 2010 has an important role in materializing the present Government’s declaration of the vision of making Digital Bangladesh by the year 2021. With the prior approval of the Government, the Commission has issued a total of 1838(One thousand eight hundred and thirty eight) licenses in 27 (Twenty seven) different categories to the interest of the subscribers for providing international telecommunication facilities at an affordable price and to encourage the local entrepreneurs to invest in the telecom sector using modern technologies. The present Government is strongly determined to turn Bangladesh into a poverty free country by using ICT properly. With a sound plan for providing telecommunication

BTRC 112 Annual Report-2017-2018 facilities, Bangladesh would be focused as a modern country in the world by 2021. The Government has already started amending to update the National Telecom Policy, 1998. Under the changed situation, the internal telecommunication system is being modernized for keeping pace with the modern world by ensuring speedy information flow arrangements and making new infrastructures. It is expected that Bangladesh will become digital technology dependent middle income country before 2021 if the trend of the developement continues in this way.

BTRC 113 Annual Report-2017-2018 Finance, Accounts & Revenue Department

BTRC 114 Annual Report-2017-2018 Finance, Accounts & Revenue Department

Finance, Accounts and Revenue is the pivotal department of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).This department prepares income & expenditure budget of the commission. The main function of Accounts section is to prepare monthly pay bills of all officers and staff of the commission and disbursement of salary in due time. Accounts section is responsible for the preparation and expenditure of travelling allowance bills, contingency bills and it bears the responsibility of deducting income tax and VAT from the bills of suppliers and contractors and deposit the same into government treasury through Challan. Accounts section prepares monthly statement of expenditure, makes reconciliation of bank statement. This section prepares annual income and expenditure statement. Preparation of Balance Sheet is the most important task of this department. The Balance Sheet reflects actual financial position of the Commission. BTRC is responsible for collection of non-tax revenue of the government from the Telecom operators. The main sources of income are the collection of License fee, License Renewal fee, Revenue Sharing and Spectrum Charge as well as service charge from different telecom operators. It collects revenue from Mobile Operators as well as PSTN, IGW, ICX, IIG, ISP & VSAT licensees. According to the provision of VAT Act, Revenue section of the Commission collects VAT from all kinds of license fees, license renewal fees, spectrum charges and deposit the collected VAT to Bangladesh Bank through Treasury Challan. These are the day to day job of the Revenue and Accounts section of the Commission.

1 Synopsis of income and expenditure accounts of the financial year 2017-2018

In the financial year 2017-2018, the target of revenue collection of the commission was taka 6,444.86 crore. Administrative expenditure target was taka 193.87 crore while capital expenditure target was taka 69.64 crore. The total expenditure budget was taka 263.51 crore. In the fiscal year 2017-2018, actual revenue collection was taka 6,445.36 crore where administrative expenditure was taka 149.57 crore and capital expenditure was taka 32.83 crore inclusively 182.40 crore as revenue expenditure. A lot of money was saved in expenditure sector due to strict compliance of the expenditure control. 2 Revenue collection details in the year of 2017-2018

S/N Description Actual Revenue (Taka in Crore)

01 License fee 179.02 02 Revenue Sharing 2,501.50 03 Spectrum Charge 3,520.64 04 License Acquisition Fee 99.67 05 Income from Application & Evaluation fee 0.23 06 Income from Administrative fine & Illegal Operation 20.20 07 Income from late fee 23.45 08 Merger fee 1.88 09 Other Income 98.77 Total Revenue 6,445.36

BTRC 115 Annual Report-2017-2018 3 A Comparative feature of revenue collection since Formation of BTRC

S/N Financial Year Target amount of revenue Actual Revenue collection collection (Taka in crore) (Taka in Crore) 01 2001-2002 04.26 3.45 02 2002-2003 89.00 120.07 03 2003-2004 91.00 147.85 04 2004-2005 270.00 357.14 05 2005-2006 449.25 735.70 06 2006-2007 512.31 565.61 07 2007-2008 1,501.92 1,677.85 08 2008-2009 2,547.68 3,195.38 09 2009-2010 2,135.35 2,370.98 10 2010-2011 2,556.74 3,047.28 11 2011-2012 6,302.57 6,957.70 12 2012-2013 5,159.32 5,404.69 13 2013-2014 9,497.00 10,085.35 14 2014-2015 7,000.00 4,219.19 15 2015-2016 4,181.10 4,207.94 16 2016-2017 4,060.00 4066.48 17 2017-2018 6,444.86 6,445.36 Total 52,802.36 53,608.02

Revenue collection (taka in crore) by Chart

12000

10000

8000

6000

4000 Series1 2000 Series2 0 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 2009-2010 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Taka (in Crore) BTRC 116 Annual Report-2017-2018 4 Information System Audit (D) Pension Allowance & Pensionary Benefit Scheme: The Commission has introduced Contributory Provident Fund for the benefit of the employees. The Commission has also According to the provisions of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act 2001, Information formed Employees Gratuity Fund to extend retirement benefit to the employees immediately System Audit of the Mobile Operators is mandatory to execute in the proper way. As part of that, after retirement. Auditing of the Mobile Operators is going on now. Auditing of Grameen Phone and Robi Axiata Limited has already been finished starting from the fiscal year 2015-16. The starting formality of 7 Annual Audit information system audit of Banglalink and Airtel is under process now. According to the provision of Article 27(2) of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act, 5 Social Obligation Fund 2001, Annual Income and Expenditure Account of the Commission is to be audited by a registered Chartered Accountant Firm within 60 (sixty) days after the closing of each financial year and to be Social obligation Fund (SOF) has been formed according to the provisions of the clause 21-KA of forwarded it to the Ministry in order to produce before the parliament within the next 60 (sixty) Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act 2001 (Amended Act 2010). The fund has been days. Besides, the Auditor General of Bangladesh conducts Audit of accounts of BTRC after the raised for extending telecom facilities for the underprivileged population i.e. to the telecom facility expiry of each financial year according to the provision of Bangladesh Constitution. deprived area. This would also develop the socio-economic condition, alleviate poverty and contribute in the economic progress of the country. The receivable amount of money from the following sources is deposited in this fund:- I. Government grant, II. Any other native, overseas or international organization’s grant, III. Subscription from the telecom and radio stakeholders and IV. Contribution from any other legal sources. Money of SOF is being deposited in a scheduled bank, as determined by the commission. According to the provision of the licensing guideline, the mobile operators have to subscribe at the rate of 1% on their gross audited revenue to the SOF. This fund is to be invested with the approval of the commission in order to make telecommunication facilities available to the poor and to the people of remote areas where there is deprivation of Telecom facilities. An amount of taka 1,406.95 crore has so far been collected as on 30th June’2018 and deposited in the SOF account.

6 Steps taken for the welfare of officers/staff

(A) Contributory Provident Fund (CPF): CPF scheme has been introduced for the welfare of officers and staff of BTRC. According to CPF Rules -1979, 10% of basic of each officer/staff is deducted from monthly pay. The Commission also pays equal contribution i.e. 10% from Commission’s fund to the employee’s CPF Fund Account. A total amount of taka 8.89 crore has been deposited in the CPF account as on 30th June’2018.

(B) Medical Assistance: In case of illness, an employee or dependent members of his family including dependent parents are provided medical assistance in the form of money usually not exceeding one month’s basic pay of that employee. The amount is payable to the employee on production of doctor’s prescription, medical test report and vouchers in support of purchase of medicine.

(C) Trusty Board : According to the provisions of Benevolent Fund & Group Insurance ordinance, 1982, Group insurance & Benevolent Fund has been formed for the welfare of the officers/staff of the Commission. The Commission has formed an eleven (11) member Trusty Board with one Commissioner as the Chairperson for a three year term. The Trusty Board maintains Benevolent and Group Insurance fund according to the rules and procedures of Benevolent fund & Group Insurance Ordinance-1982. The Trusty board is to submit its report along with expenditure statement to the Commission within two months at the end of every financial year.

BTRC 117 Annual Report-2017-2018 4 Information System Audit (D) Pension Allowance & Pensionary Benefit Scheme: The Commission has introduced Contributory Provident Fund for the benefit of the employees. The Commission has also According to the provisions of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act 2001, Information formed Employees Gratuity Fund to extend retirement benefit to the employees immediately System Audit of the Mobile Operators is mandatory to execute in the proper way. As part of that, after retirement. Auditing of the Mobile Operators is going on now. Auditing of Grameen Phone and Robi Axiata Limited has already been finished starting from the fiscal year 2015-16. The starting formality of 7 Annual Audit information system audit of Banglalink and Airtel is under process now. According to the provision of Article 27(2) of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act, 5 Social Obligation Fund 2001, Annual Income and Expenditure Account of the Commission is to be audited by a registered Chartered Accountant Firm within 60 (sixty) days after the closing of each financial year and to be Social obligation Fund (SOF) has been formed according to the provisions of the clause 21-KA of forwarded it to the Ministry in order to produce before the parliament within the next 60 (sixty) Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act 2001 (Amended Act 2010). The fund has been days. Besides, the Auditor General of Bangladesh conducts Audit of accounts of BTRC after the raised for extending telecom facilities for the underprivileged population i.e. to the telecom facility expiry of each financial year according to the provision of Bangladesh Constitution. deprived area. This would also develop the socio-economic condition, alleviate poverty and contribute in the economic progress of the country. The receivable amount of money from the following sources is deposited in this fund:- I. Government grant, II. Any other native, overseas or international organization’s grant, III. Subscription from the telecom and radio stakeholders and IV. Contribution from any other legal sources. Money of SOF is being deposited in a scheduled bank, as determined by the commission. According to the provision of the licensing guideline, the mobile operators have to subscribe at the rate of 1% on their gross audited revenue to the SOF. This fund is to be invested with the approval of the commission in order to make telecommunication facilities available to the poor and to the people of remote areas where there is deprivation of Telecom facilities. An amount of taka 1,406.95 crore has so far been collected as on 30th June’2018 and deposited in the SOF account.

6 Steps taken for the welfare of officers/staff

(A) Contributory Provident Fund (CPF): CPF scheme has been introduced for the welfare of officers and staff of BTRC. According to CPF Rules -1979, 10% of basic of each officer/staff is deducted from monthly pay. The Commission also pays equal contribution i.e. 10% from Commission’s fund to the employee’s CPF Fund Account. A total amount of taka 8.89 crore has been deposited in the CPF account as on 30th June’2018.

(B) Medical Assistance: In case of illness, an employee or dependent members of his family including dependent parents are provided medical assistance in the form of money usually not exceeding one month’s basic pay of that employee. The amount is payable to the employee on production of doctor’s prescription, medical test report and vouchers in support of purchase of medicine.

(C) Trusty Board : According to the provisions of Benevolent Fund & Group Insurance ordinance, 1982, Group insurance & Benevolent Fund has been formed for the welfare of the officers/staff of the Commission. The Commission has formed an eleven (11) member Trusty Board with one Commissioner as the Chairperson for a three year term. The Trusty Board maintains Benevolent and Group Insurance fund according to the rules and procedures of Benevolent fund & Group Insurance Ordinance-1982. The Trusty board is to submit its report along with expenditure statement to the Commission within two months at the end of every financial year.

BTRC 118 Annual Report-2017-2018 BTRC 119 Annual Report-2017-2018 BTRC 120 Annual Report-2017-2018 BTRC 121 Annual Report-2017-2018 Media and Publications Wing

BTRC 122 Annual Report-2017-2018 Media and Publications Wing

In order to establish effective and continuous communication between Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and the general people and also to keep the authority informed about the public opinion, the Media and Publications wing of BTRC is working in close coordination with various print, electronic and online media and news agencies. Apart from keeping the people informed about the functions and principles of BTRC, this wing is also working to bring the telecom related news stories published in various media to the attention of the relevant authority. This wing also works as the public relations branch of BTRC. Apart from highlighting the successes and prospects of the country’s telecommunications sector, this wing is also pledge bound to inform the people about the modern telecommunications services and to bring the news and information about new and updated technologies at the subscriber level. The Media and Publications Wing is attached to the office of the Chairman and it is currently working under the supervision of the Commission Secretary through a team combining a Senior Assistant Director and a Photographer.

Chairman

Commission Secretary

Media and Publications Wing Enforcement and Inspection Directorate

Chairman’s office and attached directorate and wing.

Notable Activities accomplished by the Media and Publications Wing during the Fiscal Year 2017/18 are:

1. Producing a total of 358 press clippings combining important news stories published in major national dailies, circulating them up to the director level of BTRC and taking necessary measures as per the instructions of the Honorable Chairman 2. Monitoring telecom related news, information and feature stories broadcasted in major TV Channels, radios, news agencies and online media and bringing them to the attention of the relevant authority 3. Arranging media coverage for various functions, achievements, successes and observations of important days by BTRC 4. Arranging meetings, interviews and press conferences for the mass media 5. Preparing 12 monthly reports and circulating them up to the Director level 6. Throughout the year 2017-18, there have been lots of inquiries from the journalists about the successes, achievements and activities of BTRC. Numerous news stories have been published

BTRC 123 Annual Report-2017-2018 and broadcasted in the media during this period, a few of which are presented below:

Print and Online Media

Serial No. Media Topic of the Notable Published News Item 1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 2. 4G service launched related 3. Regarding the introduction of new short codes for BTRC’s customer complaints 4. Regarding restrictions on sale of SIM/RUIM to Rohingyas 5. Regarding closing Gateway link for Blue-Whale games 6. Regarding import restriction of illegal mobile handsets 7. 2nd submarine cable inaugurated 1 8. More than 15 SIM/RUIM closing instructions related 9. Regarding the launch of MNP services 10. Robi’s bank account seizure 11. Citycell pending payment instructions 12. Cybercrime related 13. Regarding the commitment of Robi to pay taxes 14. Regarding customer complaints against Mobile operators to the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection 15. Regarding licensing to operate mobile phone towers 16. 4G services and technology neutrality related 17. Customer dissatisfaction with the standard of 4G services 18. Mobile Phone subscribers related 19. Regarding illegal VoIP

1. Concerning the USDD charge for mobile banking 2. Tariff on mobile internet use 3. To seized Robi’s bank accounts for arrears revenue collection 4. Regarding the introduction of new short codes for BTRC’s customer complaints 5. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 6. 4G service launched related 2 7. 1st submarine cable repair related 8. More than 15 SIM/RUIM closing instructions related 9. Regarding restrictions on sale of SIM/RUIM to Rohingyas 10. Regarding closing Gateway link for Blue-Whale games 11. Regarding import restriction of illegal mobile handsets 12. Regarding protection of children from cybercrime 13. Regarding the launch of MNP services

1. Increase of bandwidth usage related 2. Bangabandhu satellite launch and its commercial facilities 3. 4G service launched related 4. Regarding restrictions on sale of SIM/RUIM to Rohingyas 5. Regarding closing Gateway link for Blue-Whale games 6. Illegal 03 million SIM closing related 7. Regarding Cybercrime 3 Daily Star 8. Regarding the introduction of new short codes for BTRC’s customer complaints 9. Regarding Grameenphone Profit Growth 10. Regarding licensing to operate mobile phone towers 11. Robi’s bank account seizure 12. Citycell pending payment instructions 13. More than 15 SIM/RUIM closing instructions related 14. 2nd submarine cable inaugurated 15. Regarding the launch of MNP services 16. Regarding Citycell’s spectrum return

BTRC 124 Annual Report-2017-2018 Print and Online Media

Serial No. Media Topic of the Notable Published News Item 1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch and Benefits from its 2. 4G service launched related 3. Regarding closing Gateway link for Blue-Whale games 4. Regarding Cybercrime 5. Regarding the introduction of new short codes for BTRC’s customer complaints 4 6. Regarding the launch of MNP services 7. High Court directive to return Citycell spectrum 8. Regarding non-use of wireless spectrum 9. More than 15 SIM/RUIM closing instructions related 10. Regarding broadband Internet subscriber growth in remote areas 11. Fraud in mobile phones 12. Regarding the introduction of new short codes for BTRC’s customer complaints

1. Regarding pricing of bandwidth 2. Regarding Mobile operators’ internet packages and offers fraud 3. Call drop and related compensation 4. Broadband policy related report 5. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 5 6. 4G service launched related 7. Regarding restrictions on sale of SIM /RUIM to Rohingyas 8. Regarding closing Gateway link for Blue-Whale games 9. More than 15 SIM/RUIM closing instructions related 10. Regarding the launch of MNP services 11. Regarding illegal VoIP 12. Regarding licensing to operate mobile phone towers

1. About to stop Facebook before elections 2. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch and Benefits from its 3. Regarding the introduction of new short codes for BTRC’s customer complaints 4. Regarding the launch of MNP services 6 Amader Somoy 5. More than 15 SIM/RUIM closing instructions related 6. Regarding illegal VoIP 7. Offense on the biometric SIM 8. 4G services and technology neutrality related 9. Robi’s bank account seizure 10. BTRC launches new Short codes to accept complaints

1. Regarding the payment of arrears of spectrum fee from Ekushey Television 2. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 3. Regarding the purchase of BTRC’s Quality of Service Equipment 4. Risk of Mobile Tower Radiation 5. Regarding mobile internet tax withdrawal 6. 4G service launched related 7. Regarding the introduction of new short codes for BTRC’s customer complaints 8. Regarding the launch of MNP services 6 The 9. High Court directive to return Citycell spectrum 10. Regarding closing Gateway link for Blue-Whale games 11. Illegal 03 million SIM closing related 12. Regarding Cybercrime 13. Regarding import restriction of illegal mobile handsets 14. Regarding protection of children from cybercrime 15. Regarding the launch of MNP services 16. Regarding APT Cyber Security Seminar

BTRC 125 Annual Report-2017-2018 Print and Online Media

Serial No. Media Topic of the Notable Published News Item 1. Concerning the USDD charge for mobile banking 2. Report on harassment of children through social networking 3. Maximum customer complaints against Grameenphone 4. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 8 Ittefaq 5. 4G service launched related 6. Regarding restrictions on sale of SIM/RUIM to Rohingyas 7. Regarding closing Gateway link for Blue-Whale games 8. More than 15 SIM/RUIM closing instructions related 9. Robi’s bank account seizure

1. Reducing the cost of construction of Bangabandhu satellite 2. Extra SIM/RUIM closing against NID 3. Regarding the purchase of Tower Radiation Equipment of BTRC 9 4. 4G service launched related 5. Regarding restrictions on sale of SIM/RUIM to Rohingyas 6. Regarding the increase in mobile phone call rate 7. 2nd submarine cable inaugurated

1. Regarding the wave radiation policy 2. Cell phone operators in technology racket 3. Mobile operators barrier to implement MNP services 4. Regarding payment of Citycell arrears 5. Increase of Mobile internet usage 6. Regarding the introduction of new short codes for BTRC’s customer complaints 7. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 10 Bonik barta 8. 4G service launched related 9. Regarding restrictions on sale of SIM/RUIM to Rohingyas 10. Regarding closing Gateway link for Blue-Whale games 11. Regarding the launch of MNP services 12. More than 15 SIM/RUIM closing instructions related 13. Regarding illegal VoIP 14. Regarding licensing to operate mobile phone towers 15. 4G services and technology neutrality related 16. 1st submarine cable repair related

1. QoS Guidelines Finalizing 2. Regarding the approval of the VAS policy 3. More than 15 SIM/RUIM closing instructions related 4. Robi’s bank account seizure related 5. 2nd submarine cable inaugurated 11 The Independent 6. Regarding restrictions on sale of SIM/RUIM to Rohingyas 7. Regarding closing Gateway link for Blue-Whale games 8. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 9. 4G service launched related 10. Regarding the approval of the VAS policy

1. Report on Technology Neutrality 2. Regarding BTRC’s Social obligatory Fund 3. Harmful Radiation of Mobile Phone Towers 12 The Financial Express 4. Bangabandhu satellite launch and its commercial facilities 5. Regarding the introduction of new short codes for BTRC’s customer complaints 6. Regarding the launch of MNP services 7. Regarding the approval of the VAS policy 8. 4G service related

BTRC 126 Annual Report-2017-2018 Print and Online Media

Serial No. Media Topic of the Notable Published News Item 1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 2. 4G service launched related 13 Bangladesh Protidin 3. 1st submarine cable repair related 4. More than 15 SIM/RUIM closing instructions related 5. Regarding restrictions on sale of SIM/RUIM to Rohingyas

1. Regarding pricing of internet and voice call 2. Robi’s bank account seizure 14 Manab Zamin 3. Cybercrime related 4. Bangabandhu satellite launch and its commercial facilities 5. Regarding the introduction of new short codes for BTRC’s customer complaints 6. Regarding 4G service inauguration

1. Providing illegal telecommunications services of the Submarine Cable Company ltd. 2. Regarding fake SIM/RUIM registration 15 Inqilab 3. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 4. 4G service launched related 5. Regarding illegal VoIP operations 6. Regarding the launch of MNP services

1. Regarding fake SIM/RUIM registration 2. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 3. 4G service launched related 16 4. Regarding restrictions on sale of SIM/RUIM to Rohingyas 5. Regarding closing Gateway link for Blue-Whale games 6. Cybercrime related 7. Regarding the commitment of Robi to pay taxes

1. Regarding social media control 2. Internet speed related 3. Complaints against mobile operators 17 Jai Jai Din 4. Regarding the allegation of tax evasive against Robi 5. More than 15 SIM/RUIM closing instructions related 6. Regarding restrictions on sale of SIM / RUIM to Rohingyas 1. Regarding revenue growth of BTRC 2. Regarding illegal VoIP operations 3. Regarding the promise of payment of arrears of Robi 4. Regarding customer complaints against Mobile operators to the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection 5. Regarding licensing to operate mobile phone towers 18 Share Biz 6. 4G services and technology neutrality related 7. Bangabandhu satellite launch and its commercial facilities 8. Regarding the introduction of new short codes for BTRC’s customer complaints 9. Regarding the launch of MNP services 10. 4G speed related 11. More than 15 SIM / RUIM closing instructions related 12. Regarding restrictions on sale of SIM/RUIM to Rohingyas 13. Regarding closing Gateway link for Blue -Whale games 1. Regarding the introduction of new short codes for BTRC’s customer complaints 19 2. Regarding Grameenphone Profit Growth 3. Regarding licensing to operate mobile phone towers

1. Regarding the launch of MNP services 20 Sokaler khobor 2. Regarding the approval of the VAS policy 3. 4G services related

BTRC 127 Annual Report-2017-2018 Print and Online Media

Serial No. Media Topic of the Notable Published News Item 1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 21 Amader Orthoniti 2. 4G service launched related

1. Regarding mobile call rate adjustment 2. Cyber Security related 22 The Asian Age 3. Mobile operators barrier to launch MNP services 4. Regarding the second submarine cable

1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 23 New Nation 2. 4G service launched related

1. Regarding the introduction of new short codes for BTRC’s customer complaints 24 Protidiner Songbad 2. Regarding the launch of MNP services

25 1. More than 15 SIM / RUIM closing instructions related 2. Robi’s bank account seize related 26 Manobkantha 1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 2. 4G services and technology neutrality related 3. Regarding restrictions on sale of SIM/RUIM to Rohingyas 4. Regarding the creation of mobile phone security related database 5. Regarding South Asia Satellite 27 bdnews24.com 6. Regarding the launch of MNP services 7. Robi’s bank account seizure 8. Citycell pending payment instructions 9. The maximum number of SIM cards in a single NID 10. 2nd submarine cable inaugurated 11. Regarding the approval of the VAS policy 12. Regarding domestic Smartphone factory

1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 2. 4G service launched related 3. Regarding the launch of MNP services 28 banglanews24.com 4. More than 15 SIM/RUIM closing instructions related 5. Regarding import restriction of illegal mobile handsets 6. 2nd submarine cable inaugurated

1. Regarding the introduction of new short codes for BTRC’s customer complaints 2. Regarding Grameenphone Profit Growth 3. Regarding licensing to operate mobile phone towers 4. Robi’s bank account seizure 29 techshohor.com 5. Citycell pending payment instructions 6. More than 15 SIM/RUIM closing instructions related 7. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 8. 4G service launched related 9. Regarding restrictions on sale of SIM / RIM to Rohingyas

1. 4G service launched related 2. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 3. Discontinuation of porn sites related 4. Regarding restrictions on sale of SIM / RIM to Rohingyas 30 banglatribune.com 5. Regarding closing Gateway link for Blue -Well games 6. Regarding the launch of MNP services 7. More than 15 SIM/RUIM closing instructions related 8. Regarding illegal VoIP 9. Regarding licensing to operate mobile phone towers

BTRC 128 Annual Report-2017-2018 Print and Online Media

Serial No. Media Topic of the Notable Published News Item News Agencies 1. Important news on Bangabandhu Satellite, 4G service, MNP and 1 BSS Telecommunication related 2. Important news on Bangabandhu Satellite, 4G service, MNP and 2 UNB Telecommunication related Electronic Media 1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 2. 4G service launched related 1 Somoy TV 3. Regarding the launch of MNP services 4. Regarding closing Gateway link for Blue -Whale games 5. More than 15 SIM/RUIM closing instructions related

1. Regarding 4G services and technology neutrality 2 Jamuna TV 2. Bangabandhu satellite launch and its commercial facilities 3. Regarding the introduction of new short codes for BTRC’s customer complaints 4. Regarding the launch of MNP services 1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 3 Channel-i 2. 4G service launched related

1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 4 Independent TV 2. 4G service launched related 1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 5 My TV 2. 4G service launched related 1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 2. 4G service launched related 6 Ekattor TV 3. Regarding the launch of MNP services

1. Regarding the launch of MNP services 7 Channel 24 2. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 3. 4G service launched related 1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 8 Gazi TV 2. 4G service launched related

1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 9 Ekushey TV 2. 4G service launched related

1. Regarding Bangabandhu Satellite Launch 10 NTV 2. 4G service launched related

BTRC 129 Annual Report-2017-2018 07. When all other communications are closed or in vain when natural and national emergency disasters such as earthquake, tsunami, cyclone and burning problems, the Amateur radio operators play a special voluntary role with their communication technology. Apart from establishing information and communication system, with the assistance of the concerned authorities, they are in contact with the world in accordance with the rules. A written test has been conducted in the BTRC on 19th August, 2017 to provide Amateur radio license in the country. Many interested candidates from different parts of the country participated in it. A press conference was held to inform the people of the country about the requirements and use of this license. Various media journalists participated in this.

Brig. Gen. Md. Nasim Parvez, Director General of Spectrum division deliver his speech to the journalists of telecom arena on the occasion of amateur radio license exam held in BTRC Premises. 08. On November 07, 2017, at a press conference in the central conference room of the commission, it was announced that Joint consortium of Bangladesh and Slovenia, Infozillian BD-Teletech will provide mobile number portability (MNP) service in Bangladesh. Former BTRC chairman Shahjahan Mahmud made this announcement while interacting with various media.

BTRC’s former chairman Dr. Shahjahan Mahmud delivered his words in a press conference on mobile number portability (MNP) service.

BTRC 130 Annual Report-2017-2018 09. A regular practice of BTRC chairman to sharing view with journalist working in telecommunication arena. In the usual sequence in 29th November of 2017 BTRC chairman was sitting with telecom journalists for the purpose exchanging views and experience. This is the way of accelerating functional activities of the commission by sharing the experience of the journalists in telecom sector with chairman through this meeting. Media people support us by providing information about various controversial issues of telecommunication sector and logical pathway of solution along with publicity of development work of BTRC for public interest by the help of media wing of the commission.

BTRC’s former chairman Dr. Shahjahan Mahmood sharing his views with the journalists from different media house. 10. A press conference was held in the main conference room of the commission on Jan 14, 2018, to provide the fourth-generation mobile phone service or license of 4G and to inform the people about the latest developments of the related activities. In this program, senior officials of all departments, directorates and wings of the commission were present.

Answering the various media queries in the press conference about the issue of licensing of 4G services and the latest developments in the related activities.

11. On February 13, 2018, fourth generation mobile phone service or a 4G spectrum auction was held in Dhaka Club. Honorable Minister of Post Telecommunication and Information Technology, Mustafa Jabbar and BTRC chairman Dr. Shahjahan Mahmud was present in the country's largest auction., Representatives of various mobile operator, senior officials of different ministries and organizations and journalists of national and international media were invited on the auction.

BTRC 131 Annual Report-2017-2018 4G spectrum auction and press meet next to auction 12. Bangabandhu Satellite has made Bangladesh glorious in national and international ancillaries. A round table meeting was held in BTRC's main conference room with the members of Telecom Reporters Network Bangladesh (TRNB) in about the launching of the Bangabandhu Satellite in space on April 25, 2018. Honorable Minister of the Ministry of Telecommunication and IT, Mostafa Jabbar, representatives of BTRC, satellite company, representatives of various television channels, satellite marketing officers, international consultants and telecommunications analysts and various media representatives were present in that meeting.

Bangabandhu-1 Satellite: Space for possibilities; The round table meeting organized by Telecom Reporters Network Bangladesh (TRNB), in the main conference room of the BTRC where a portion of guest were seen. 13. 17 May, 2018, along with other countries of the world, The World Telecommunications and Information Society Day-2018 was celebrated in Bangladesh including the theme, “Creating a positive opportunity for artificial intelligence for everyone”. On the occasion of celebration, the day a Road Show organized. Honorable Mustafa Jabbar, the Minister of Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology was inaugurated the program. In this time Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications division Mr. Shyam Sunder Sikder, BTRC Chairman Dr. Shahjahan Mahmud and mobile phone operator representatives were present. Besides them, representatives of six mobile phone operators and ICT service providers of the country participate in it.

BTRC 132 Annual Report-2017-2018 A Road and Rally Show was organized on World Telecommunication and Information society Day-2018. High officials Telecom sectors and the well-equipped vehicle of different organizations were seen with honorable Telecom Minister , which get publicity in all media. 14. In 24th October, 2017, a three days program of '8th APT Cyber Security Forum' was organized by the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) initiative of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and Post and Telecommunication Division was inaugurated at the LA Meridian Hotel in Dhaka. Honorable State Minister for Post and Telecommunication division Tarana Halim MP was the chief guest and Mr. Shyam Sunder Sikder, the Post and Telecommunication Secretary were present as special guests. In this program Deputy Secretary General of Asia Pacific Telecommunity Masanori Kondo presented the welcome speech and Chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Dr. Shahjahan Mahmud was presented inaugural speech. Senior officials of Posts and Telecommunications, BTRC, Law Enforcing and Security Agency were also present on this occasion. About 150 delegates from Bangladesh, India, China, Korea, , Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Tonga, Vanuatu and 14 other member countries, associate member countries, related member organizations and other telecommunications service providers were participated in this forum.

Inauguration of '8 th APT Cyber Security Forum' and guests coming from different countries. In addition, the Media and Publications Wing was also responsible for providing professional assistance in arranging roundtable on Telecommunications Policy, keeping the media updated about the removal of cables hanging from electric post, deal signing between BTRC and various private organizations, coordinating various meeting for the Honorable Chairman and preparing various reports, speeches and messages for the Honorable Chairman. BTRC 133 Annual Report-2017-2018 Enforcement & Inspection Directorate

BTRC 134 Annual Report-2017-2018 Enforcement & Inspection Directorate Introduction: Enforcement and Inspection Directorate (E&I) is playing important role in curbing illegal VoIP (illegal call termination); detecting and halting unauthorized telecom service provider’s set-up; supervising and deactivating illegally SIM/RUIM registration- activities; and imposing fines against respective unlawful activities prevalent in telecommunication sector of Bangladesh. This directorate’s Organogram is comprised with 38 human resources. Now, there are 15 officers and staffs relentlessly working in this directorate. The following activities are performed as part of regular activities of E&I directorate: Main Functions of Enforcement & Inspection Directorate at a Glance: A. To monitor whether telecom operators are violating or not the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act 2001 (Amended 2010) and take necessary action. B. To observe and monitor whether the telecom operators are following licensing conditions and time to time issued directives by BTRC. C. Take necessary preventive measures against illegal international call terminations (illegal VoIP) and if required, provide legal and technical assistance to other law enforcement agencies. D. Provide all types of assistance to the national level committee formed by the Commission name “Telecommunication Establishment, Inspection, Testing, Detection and Investigation committee”. E. To take preventive measures and Legal action against the individual/organization who are providing illegal telecommunication services. F. Regular collection and verification the reports regarding their activities from telecom operators. Currently the mentionable activities which are ongoing in E&I directorate are described as below:

1 Steps Taken for Preventing Illegal Call For preventing illegal call termination, the Commission has formed a high profile monitoring committee by which illegal activities control system has been strengthened in telecommunication sector. BTRC along with some nominated personnel from the law enforcement agencies is directly involved in this committee. The following are the endeavors undertaken from the Commission in combating the misuse of VoIP technology: (a) Conducting operations for detecting illegal VoIP establishment: BTRC in collaboration with law enforcement agencies are continuously conducting operations for identification and detection of illegal VoIP set-up. Normally, channel Box, gateway, server, SIM/RUIM registered with fake information, computers etc. are confiscated while running such operations. In the 2017-2018 FY, there are 24 operations has been conducted during which huge amount of channel boxes, gateways, servers and fake-registered SIMs/RUIMs were impounded. Such confiscated materials are entrusted to the assigned investigation officers. The following chart specifies a brief summary of it:

BTRC 135 Annual Report-2017-2018 S/L Operators’ Name SIMs Confiscated Operation Summary Equipment Seized

1 Grameenphone 438 1. GSM Gateway 2. SIM card 2 Banglalink 478 1. Lawsuit-17 3. Soft Switch 4. Computer 3 Robi Axita 1,846 2. Operation-24 5. Router 6. Modem 4 Airtel 3,484 7. LAN Switch 5 Teletalk 9,330 8. Mobile Handset 9. Laptop Total 15,576 10.Calling card

Confiscated SIM/RUIM of Illegal VoIP Operations

10000

9000

8000

7000

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0 Teletalk Grameenphone Airtel Robi Axita Banglalink

SIM/RUIM Qty 9,330 438 3,484 1,846 478

BTRC 136 Annual Report-2017-2018 Live illegal VoIP activities

Confiscated SIM Box & Antenna

BTRC 137 Annual Report-2017-2018 SIMs used in illegal VoIP installation

(b) SIM Box Detection System: SIM Box Detection System has been established at BTRC in collaboration with all mobile phone operators to dissuade illegal SIM Box users. Recently, adding up of additional Hits along with virtual circuit in SIM Box Detection System has been done as per BTRC’s direction. As a result, the Commission is playing effective role in detecting more suspicious SIMs/RUIMs. Furthermore, a committee formed by the Commission fixes logic(s) for self-regulatory process from the operators’ end in detecting SIMs being used in illegal VoIP. Those detected SIMs are to be directed to be deactivated within stipulated time as per a directive issued by the Directorate. (c) Self-Regulation Process: As a part of the continuous endeavors adopted at times in preventing illegal VoIP, the Commission has fixed some logic(s) in detecting and deactivating the SIMs allegedly used in illegal call termination. Using such logic(s) on regular basis within stipulated time, every operator detects those SIMs which are supposed to be used in illegal VoIP. According to the directive issued by the Commission in this respect, it is imperative for the operators to deactivate such SIMs so detected. The Commission alters or extends such aforesaid logic(s) when it requires doing so. Provably, this process hinders using SIMs in illegal VoIP. In the 2017-18 FY, the following numbers of SIMs were deactivated by SIM Box Detection System and Self-Regulation Process:

BTRC 138 Annual Report-2017-2018 Closed SIM/RUIM Quantity Opertors name SIM Box Detection System Self-Regulation Process SIGOS 3VI Grameenphone 1704 257 470,139 Banglalink 2254 455 105,022 Robi 3081 454 600,674 Airtel 4139 399 765,503 Teletalk 33,433 857 116,980 Total 44,611 2,513 2,058,318

Illegal SIM/RUIM deactivation by SIMBox Detection System (July'2017 to June'2018) 765503 600674 470139 116980 105022 33433 455 399 857 4139 545 257 3081 2254 1704

SIGOS 3VI SRP SIGOS 3VI SRP SIGOS 3VI SRP SIGOS 3VI SRP SIGOS 3VI SRP Grameenphone Robi Banglalink Airtel Teletalk

2 Imposition of Fine on SIMs having Lifespan of more than Stipulated Time Administrative fine has already been imposed on three (03) cellular mobile phone operators. Name of those operators are as follows: A) Grameenphone Ltd. B) Robi Axiata Ltd. C) Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd.

3 Conducting Regular Inspections

There continues inspectional activities on regular basis over the establishment, set-up and installation of the telecom licensees of the country. Therefore, the operators are becoming more conscious about the proper use of their network. Consequently, the Commission is being informed whether the licensing conditions, guidelines, and directives are being duly followed or complied

BTRC 139 Annual Report-2017-2018 with by them. Moreover, inspections are being conducted on multifarious telecom establishments, set-up and installation from information received from various sources, news and reports.

4 SIM/RUIM Registration

It is now under close and keen observation whether bio-metric verification process is being used in SIM/RUIM registration or the mobile operators are complying with the directives issued by the Commission on SIM/RUIM registration. 30 operations have already been conducted nationwide in order to oversee fake/illegal SIM/RUIM-registration activities. In the fiscal year of 2017-18, the SIMs fake registered were confiscated and the cases were lodged thereon are in the following:

Sl. Case Description Accused Grameen Robi Banglalink Teletalk Airtel Citycell Total No Nos. SIM SIM SIM SIM SIM RUIM SIM Chittagong Sadar 01 PS Case No.-47 08 471 341 688 2031 790 - 4321 Date 24-07-16

Patuakhali Sadar 02 PS Case No-09 04 ------02 - 02 Date 09-08-16 Natore Sadar 03 PS Case No-42 01 -- -- 5 -- -- - 5 Date 25-10-16 Shere-e-Bangla 04 PS Case No- 02 68 203 208 1400 41 - 1920 Date 25-10-16 Kounia 05 PS Case No-19, 03 05 95 02 275 05 - 382 Date 27-09-16 EPZ in Chittagong 06 PS Case No-27 01 -- 38 212 -- 15 - 265 Date 24-11-16 Halishahar 07 PS Case No.-33 02 108 20 35 491 17 - 671 Date 28-01-17 Pallabi 08 PS Case No.-25 61 ------Date 10-02-17 Shere-e-bangla 09 PS Case No.-21 06 -- 100 ------100 Date 20-02-17 Siddirganj 10 PS Case No. 04 -- 100 80 1100 04 - 1284 Date 09-03-17 Motijheel 11 PS Case No.-37 06 466 520 107 4370 184 27 5674 Date 23-03-2017 Chandpur 12 PS Case No.- 47 04 -- -- 500 ------500 Date 24-04-2017 102 1118 1417 1837 9667 1058 27 15,124

Snapshots of Operations on Illegal SIM/RUIM Registration

BTRC 140 Annual Report-2017-2018 On Ground inspection of Biometric SIM/RUIM Verification in presence of the Honorable State Minister

Field inspection of Biometric SIM /RUIM registration process.

5 Shut down of Operational Activities of telecom Operator The operational activity of the mobile operator Citycell has been shut down due to unable of paying the government revenue. Thereafter the operator has paid due amount of the revenue according to the rules and started its operational activity again. Besides that, another PSTN operator, namely Worldtel has been shut down due to no operational activity for longtime.

BTRC 141 Annual Report-2017-2018 6 Conducting illegal ISP Inspection

In the 2017-18 FY on the basis of complain inspection has been conducted at 14 ISP’s office and their illegal connections was disconnected along with fine imposed at the following rate:

SI Company Name Location Type of License Amount of Fine (Tk) 1 Stargate Communications Ltd Dhaka Nationwide ISP 1,00,000/-(one lac) 2 Maya Cyber World Rangpur Category-B ISP 50,000/-(fifty thousand) 3 Dhaka Fiber Net Ltd Dhaka Central Zone ISP 1,00,000/-(one lac) 4 J.F optical Service Dhaka Central Zone ISP 1,00,000/-(one lac) 5 Zx Online Ltd Dhaka Central Zone ISP 50,000/-(fifty thousand) 6 Net cafe Dhaka Category-A ISP 5,000/-(five thousand) 7 Wims Online Rangpur Category-A ISP 50,000/-(fifty thousand) 8 Cybernet Communication Savar Category-C ISP 50,000/-(fifty thousand) 9 Triangle Communications Dhaka Nationwide ISP 2,00,000/-(two lac) 10 Media & Multimedia Dhaka Central Zonal Under Process 11 Circle Network Savar Nationwide ISP Under Process 12 Mega City Link Dhaka Category-A ISP Under Process 13 Khathal Bagan HotLink Dhaka Category-A ISP License Under Process 14 Speed Link Dhaka Category-A ISP Under Process

7 Conducting Operations through SIMBox Geo location Finder

To prevent illegal VoIP several operations has been conducted with US based vendor organization LATRO and as a pilot project 7 (seven) successful operations has been completed. The operation information is given below:

Confiscated SIMs Number according to Operator SI Date Address Grameen Robi Banglalink Airtel SIM Teletalk Total SIM SIM SIM SIM SIM

House# 55, 5th Floor, - - 49 55 - 104 1 06-03-18 Road # 02, Mohammadia Housing Ltd., Mohammadpur

House#330, 6th Floor, Mayer Doa Nadi House, 40 19 123 412 62 656 2 07-03-18 North Shahajanpur, DMP, Dhaka

16/1 Gopibagh, 4th Floor, 08-03-18 3rd Lain, Gopibagh, 14 2 4 - 644 664 3 Mothijil, DMP, Dhaka

BTRC 142 Annual Report-2017-2018 Confiscated SIMs Number according to Operator SI Date Address Grameen Robi Banglalink Airtel SIM Teletalk SIM SIM SIM SIM Sadia Mangil, Road no-05, 4 11-03-18 Block-F, Bonoshri, 92 - 50 28 290 460 Khilgaon,Dhaka 32/17, Sadia Mangil, 5 12-03-18 5th Floor, Road no-05, 102 50 35 210 300 697 Block-F, Bonoshri, Khilgaon,Dhaka House #330, Road no-13, 6 13-03-18 Block-H, Godaraghat, 1 - - 120 850 971 Mirpur-1,P.S. Shah Ali, Dhaka

Asnahar, plot no-34, 5th Floor, Block-b, 7 14-03-18 10 450 30 3 200 693 Road no-3, Aftabnagar, Badda, Dhaka Total 259 521 291 828 2,346 4,245

SI Date Address Number of seized SIMBox 1 6 March 2018 House# 55, 5th Floor, Road # 02, Mohammadia Housing Ltd., 1 Mohammadpur 2 7 March 2018 House#330, 6th Floor, Mayer Doa Nadi House, North Shahajanpur, 3 DMP, Dhaka 3 8 March 2018 16/1 Gopibagh, 4th Floor, 3rd Lain, Gopibagh, Mothijil, DMP, Dhaka 3

4 11 March2018 Sadia Mangil, Road no-05, Block-F, Bonoshri, Khilgaon,Dhaka 6 5 12 March 2018 32/17, Sadia Mangil, 5th Floor, Road no-05, Block-F, Bonoshri, 11 Khilgaon,Dhaka

6 13 March 2018 House #330, Road no-13,Block-H, Godaraghat, Mirpur-1,P.S. 3 Shah Ali, Dhaka

7 14 March 2018 Asnahar, plot no-34, 5th Floor, Block-b, Road no-3, Aftabnagar, 14 Badda, Dhaka

Total 41

8 Future Plan

In order to prevent illegal call termination this directorate has taken steps for Automated Self Regulation monitoring Platform and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) monitoring Platform. PoC of both platforms have already been conducted to relevant segment of concern operators. As a result, it is fairly expected that illegal call termination shall be reduced significantly.

BTRC 143 Annual Report-2017-2018 9 Conclusion

Besides combating against illegal activities in telecom sector, E&I directorate is also playing an important role by disseminating public awareness related information. Recently, in order to increase public awareness for the prevention of misuse of mobile SIM/RUIM and to stop SIM/RUIM registration with fake information, broadcasting activities has been conducted for a long period of 1 month in various media including Radio and Television. As a result, customer level is prompted for proper SIM/RUIM registration which will play a helpful role in crime reduction. Moreover, various current initiatives such as SIM Box geo- location finder, telecom set-up inspection has reduced the all illegal telecommunication activities and call termination significantly and the revenue of the government appears to be increasing in the legal path.

BTRC 144 Annual Report-2017-2018 Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project

BTRC 145 Annual Report-2017-2018 Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project The technical designs of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 were finalized by completing those reviews at different stages.

The Father of the Nation initiated a modern communication technology with the outer world through the inauguration of the satellite earth station at Betbunia on 14 June 1975. The country is The final characteritics of Bangabandhu satellite-1: moving towards the Digital Bangladesh following the ideals of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and under the strong leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Orbital Position : 119.1° East Hasina. In the long 6-year strenuous effort, Bangladesh has successfully launched its first satellite Propulsion : Full Chemical titled ‘Bangabandhu Satellite-1’ on May 12, 2018, 2:14 am BST from the historic Cape Canaveral Launch Mass : >3700 Kg on Falcon 9 Launch Pad LC-39A, by using the Falcon9 (Block-5) launch vehicle of SpaceX. Mission Life : Minimum 15 Years Transponder : Total 40 (26 Ku Band &14 C Band) Filling to ITU for an orbital slot in 2009, appointment of a U.S. based International Consultancy Bandwidth : 36 MHZ per Transponder Firm Space Partnership International on 29 March 2012, Orbital Slot contract signature with INTERSPUTNIK on 15 January 2015 and finally the contract signing with Thales Alenia Space Final Model of Bangabandhu Satellite-1: France on 11 November 2015 for Bangabandhu Satellite System initiated the major activities under the Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project. The main functions under the agreement signed with Thales Alenia Space France are: Satellite manufacturing, satellite launch, construction of two ground control stations, installation of machinery and equipment for the next 01 years after satellite launch and for the next 3 years of satellite launch.

Project Name: Bangabandu Satellite Launching Project Ministry/Division: Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology (Posts and Telecommunications Division) Implementing Agency: Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Implementation period: 01 July, 2014 to 31 December, 2018 till (amended) Estimated project cost: 2967.95 crore taka (GoB 1,315.51 crores and Bidder’s financing TK 1,652.44 crores) Revised Project Cost: 2,765.66 crore taka Contract price of Thales: 1,908.75 crore taka

'Space Partnership International' (SPI), a US-based international consultancy trim is providing technical consultancy services under "Preparatory of functions and supervision in launching a Communication and Broadcasting Satellite (1st Revised) Project", since 29 March 2012. Among the major tasks of the foreign consultancy firm, market analysis and feasibility s tudies, preparation of a Business Plan, prepare a framework for forming an ‘Operating Company’, exploration of various sources for Project Funding, providing assistance in developing the DPP for the ‘Bangabandu Satellite Launching Project’, Orbital Slot Analysis and its Frequency Coordination, Preparation of tender document along with Technical Specifications, providing assistance with Contract Negotiations works are completed. The technical monitoring and supervision during Satellite Manufacturing, Launching, ‘In-Orbit Testing (IOT)’, installation of Ground Station equipment, Network Acceptance Testing and commissioning activities will be Final Model of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 completed time to time as per work plan. After signing the contract, Program Kick-of Meeting (KOM) was held in December 2015 for initial discussion on topics related to Bangabandhu satellite manufacturing and planning activities, Satellite Launch Service, Ground Station Facilities etc. Hence the Technical Design Review of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 started with Thales Alenia Space, France. In the technical design review meetings, Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project, BTRC, Post and Telecommunication Division and representatives from foreign consulting firm SPI have participated time to time.

BTRC 146 Annual Report-2017-2018 Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project The technical designs of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 were finalized by completing those reviews at different stages.

The Father of the Nation initiated a modern communication technology with the outer world through the inauguration of the satellite earth station at Betbunia on 14 June 1975. The country is The final characteritics of Bangabandhu satellite-1: moving towards the Digital Bangladesh following the ideals of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and under the strong leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Orbital Position : 119.1° East Hasina. In the long 6-year strenuous effort, Bangladesh has successfully launched its first satellite Propulsion : Full Chemical titled ‘Bangabandhu Satellite-1’ on May 12, 2018, 2:14 am BST from the historic Cape Canaveral Launch Mass : >3700 Kg on Falcon 9 Launch Pad LC-39A, by using the Falcon9 (Block-5) launch vehicle of SpaceX. Mission Life : Minimum 15 Years Transponder : Total 40 (26 Ku Band &14 C Band) Filling to ITU for an orbital slot in 2009, appointment of a U.S. based International Consultancy Bandwidth : 36 MHZ per Transponder Firm Space Partnership International on 29 March 2012, Orbital Slot contract signature with INTERSPUTNIK on 15 January 2015 and finally the contract signing with Thales Alenia Space Final Model of Bangabandhu Satellite-1: France on 11 November 2015 for Bangabandhu Satellite System initiated the major activities under the Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project. The main functions under the agreement signed with Thales Alenia Space France are: Satellite manufacturing, satellite launch, construction of two ground control stations, installation of machinery and equipment for the next 01 years after satellite launch and for the next 3 years of satellite launch.

'Space Partnership International' (SPI), a US-based international consultancy trim is providing technical consultancy services under "Preparatory of functions and supervision in launching a Communication and Broadcasting Satellite (1st Revised) Project", since 29 March 2012. Among the major tasks of the foreign consultancy firm, market analysis and feasibility s tudies, preparation of a Business Plan, prepare a framework for forming an ‘Operating Company’, exploration of various sources for Project Funding, providing assistance in developing the DPP for the ‘Bangabandu Satellite Launching Project’, Orbital Slot Analysis and its Frequency Coordination, Preparation of tender document along with Technical Specifications, providing assistance with Contract Negotiations works are completed. The technical monitoring and supervision during Satellite Manufacturing, Launching, ‘In-Orbit Testing (IOT)’, installation of Ground Station equipment, Network Acceptance Testing and commissioning activities will be Final Model of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 completed time to time as per work plan. After signing the contract, Program Kick-of Meeting (KOM) was held in December 2015 for initial discussion on topics related to Bangabandhu satellite manufacturing and planning activities, Satellite Launch Service, Ground Station Facilities etc. Hence the Technical Design Review of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 started with Thales Alenia Space, France. In the technical design review meetings, Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project, BTRC, Post and Telecommunication Division and representatives from foreign consulting firm SPI have participated time to time.

BTRC 147 Annual Report-2017-2018 The manufacturing and Mating of the two main modules (Communication Modules and Service Modules) and the construction of solar panels, antenna, of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 was completed in May 2017. Under the monitoring of BTRC's project team in regular basic and supervision of two experts of are being foreign consultancy trim SPI, the work described in Thales's manufacturing facilities are being completed. Honorable State Minister and the Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division visited the progress of the manufacturing of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 in the Cannes facility of Thales during 22-24 May, 2017.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is taking the model of Bangabandhu satellite-1

Benefits of Bangabandhu Satellite-1

1 Establish an uninterrupted Telecommunication and Broadcasting services within the territory of Bangladesh. 2 Saving approx. 14 M USD per year which is being paid as transponder rental charge. 3 Revenue generation opportunity through national and international sales of bandwidth, license fees from new services and spectrum charge of various satellite services. 4 Provide tele-medicine, e-learning, e-education, DTH services along with telecommunications and Broadcasting services. Progress of manufacturing of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 at carnes tacitly

5 Ensure uninterrupted telecommunication services during disaster period. J Satellite Pre-Shipment Review (SPSR) 6 Create social and community benefits, for example, first response communications in disaster areas. The manufacturing of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 has been started since 2016 after the Critical Design Review (CDR) was held. The Satellite Pre-Shipment Review (SPSR) of Bangabandhu 7 Create new jobs to operate the satellite and to manage the overall traffic through the satellite. Satellite-1 was held during 17-21 November, 2017. A team led by the Chairman, BTRC and accompanied by the additional Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division, Implementation progress Commissioner (SM), representatives of Prime Minister's Office, Posts and Telecommunications Division and representatives of BTRC and Satellite Project, representatives from foreign The progress occurred in the financial year 2017-2018 under the 'Bangabandhu Satellite consultant SPI, USA successfully completed the Satellite Pre-Shipment Review (SPSR) of Launching' project and preparatory project is as follows: Bangabandhu Satellite-1. Prior to completing the SPSR, the Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) 1) Progress of manufacturing of Bangabandhu satellite has been completed in 4 steps which took around six months.

J Communication Module and Service Module of Bangabandhu Satellite-1:

BTRC 148 Annual Report-2017-2018 The manufacturing and Mating of the two main modules (Communication Modules and Service Modules) and the construction of solar panels, antenna, of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 was completed in May 2017. Under the monitoring of BTRC's project team in regular basic and supervision of two experts of are being foreign consultancy trim SPI, the work described in Thales's manufacturing facilities are being completed. Honorable State Minister and the Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division visited the progress of the manufacturing of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 in the Cannes facility of Thales during 22-24 May, 2017.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is taking the model of Bangabandhu satellite-1

Benefits of Bangabandhu Satellite-1

1 Establish an uninterrupted Telecommunication and Broadcasting services within the territory of Bangladesh. 2 Saving approx. 14 M USD per year which is being paid as transponder rental charge. 3 Revenue generation opportunity through national and international sales of bandwidth, license fees from new services and spectrum charge of various satellite services. 4 Provide tele-medicine, e-learning, e-education, DTH services along with telecommunications and Broadcasting services. Progress of manufacturing of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 at carnes tacitly

5 Ensure uninterrupted telecommunication services during disaster period. J Satellite Pre-Shipment Review (SPSR) 6 Create social and community benefits, for example, first response communications in disaster areas. The manufacturing of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 has been started since 2016 after the Critical Design Review (CDR) was held. The Satellite Pre-Shipment Review (SPSR) of Bangabandhu 7 Create new jobs to operate the satellite and to manage the overall traffic through the satellite. Satellite-1 was held during 17-21 November, 2017. A team led by the Chairman, BTRC and accompanied by the additional Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division, Implementation progress Commissioner (SM), representatives of Prime Minister's Office, Posts and Telecommunications Division and representatives of BTRC and Satellite Project, representatives from foreign The progress occurred in the financial year 2017-2018 under the 'Bangabandhu Satellite consultant SPI, USA successfully completed the Satellite Pre-Shipment Review (SPSR) of Launching' project and preparatory project is as follows: Bangabandhu Satellite-1. Prior to completing the SPSR, the Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) 1) Progress of manufacturing of Bangabandhu satellite has been completed in 4 steps which took around six months.

J Communication Module and Service Module of Bangabandhu Satellite-1:

BTRC 149 Annual Report-2017-2018 Delegation at Cannes Facility after the completion of the manufacturing of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 during SPSR

2 Various technical acceptance test progress

J VSAT Hub Factory Acceptance Test (VSat Hub FAT)

The VSAT Hub Factory Acceptance Test (VSat Hub FAT) was held in Thales Alenia Space France's Toulouse facility in last August, 2017. Following the Test Manual of the FAT, Thales Alenia Space France's related expert conducted the Tests sequentially. A technical team comprising BTRC officials / consultants participated in VSat Hub FAT to ensure the tests procedures and results according to the test manual.

During VSAT Hub Factory Acceptance Test (VSat Hub FAT)

BTRC 150 Annual Report-2017-2018 J NOCC Factory Acceptance Test (NOCC FAT)

The NOCC Factory Acceptance Test (NOCC FAT) of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 was held at Thales Alenia Space France's Toulouse facility in last October 2017. Following the Test Manual of the FAT, Thales Alenia Space France's related expert conducted the Tests sequentially. A technical team comprising BTRC officials and consultants participated in VSat Hub FAT to ensure the tests procedures and results according to the test manual.

During the Network Operation and Control Center's Factory Acceptance Test (NOCC FAT)

J Various sites Acceptance Test

Name of the Test Date GCN SAT March 2018 CMS SAT February 2017 (Gazipur) and June 2018 (Betbunia) VSatHub SAT October 2017 NOCC SAT March 2018 IFL Acceptance May 2018

During various Site Acceptance Tests

BTRC 151 Annual Report-2017-2018 J Ground Control Station:

To control and operate the Bangabandhu Satellite-1, the primary ground station is being established at Gazipur under the turn key contract signed with Thales Alenia Space France. The secondary ground station is being located at Betbunia, Rangamati. Thales Alenia Space, France under the turnkey contract has completed the construction of Ground Control Station's main building, Dormitory Building and utility building in Gazipur and Betbunia. Total 15 lots of equipment for the Ground Control Station are imported in Bangladesh by Thales. Thales has completed the installation of the imported equipment under the supervision of project team and their consultants.

View of Newly built Sajeeb Wazed ground station Gazipur

View of newly built sajeeb wazed ground station betbunia

BTRC 152 Annual Report-2017-2018 Three local consultants (civil engineers) of the project have been working regularly at Gazipur and Betbunia sites Along with Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project Team, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Posts, Telecommunication and Information Technology, Secretary, Posts and Telecommunication Division, representatives of foreign consultancy firm SPI has continuously visited the progress of construction at Primary and Secondary Ground Stations.

Honorable Minister of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology visited the progrese of construction work of the Ground Station

BTRC 153 Annual Report-2017-2018 Hon'ble Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Devision Inspecting of the construction work of the Ground Station.

3 Various Training / Meetings / Workshops of the project held in the year 2016-2017

J Technical training of Bangabandhu satellite-1: Total of 30 people from BTRC, Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project and Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company (BCSCL) were sent in France for theoretical training in by Thales Alenia Space (TAS). There were two segments for the training, 16 people were trained for the Network Operation Control Center (NOCC) and 14 people for Satellite Operations Control Center (SOCC).

Project officials with Trainees of Satellite Operation Control Center (SOCC) Training

BTRC 154 Annual Report-2017-2018 Trainees to manage Network and Operation Control Center (NOCC)

J Meeting on Project Implementation and Progress: - In the FY 2017-2018, 02 (Two) Project Steering Committee (PSC) meetings were held at the Posts and Telecommunications Division for the Project Preparatory Project and the Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project. - In the year 2017-2018, 12 meetings were held regarding the progress of Annual Development Program (ADP) implementation and Posts and Telecommunications Division, where Bangabandhu satellite project was included. - The 4th Quarterly Program Management Review Meeting (QPMR-4) was held under the agreement signed with Thales. In this meeting, the overall progress of the project, the problems and possible solutions to the implementation of the agreement have been discussed; a delegation participated in the meeting from satellite project including experts of foreign consultant SPI, USA. - During July 2017 to 30 June 2018, total of 48 weekly meetings were held with Thales Team through conference call; Where discussions and decisions have been made regarding regular progress and implementation of project work.

4 Launch Vehicle Progress

J Launcher Integration: Since the signing of Launch Service Agreement (LSA) with Thales, SpaceX has completed 3 stages of technical tests and finally sent the launch vehicle Falcon9 to the integration center at Cape Canaveral. In Cape Canaveral facility the integration of the first stage and second stages of the launch vehicle was completed.

BTRC 155 Annual Report-2017-2018 Integrated Falcon 9 launch Vehicle rolling over to the launch pad for static fire test

J Launch Campaign: The launch campaign was held at the Cape Canaveral SpaceX Facility in Florida from April 1, 2018 to May 9, 2018. After completing detailed technical tests of the Satellite and Launch vehicle, SpaceX is preparing the launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 through completing the integration of Launch Vehicle with the satellite.

Off-loading from the cargo after Bangabandhu Satellite-1 arrives in Florida Bangabandhu satellite -1 inside the launch vehicle fairing

Preparation of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 Launch: After the completion of all the tests of Bangabandhu satellite-1, it was being kept in Thales's Cannes facility shipping container. After that, Bangabandhu Satellite-1 is being shipped to the launch site on March 29, 2018 by the antonov cargo flight as per the launch manifesto of SpaceX. After Satellite arrives at the launch facility a detail technical tests have been conducted until the fueling is done and after that the satellite was integrated with the launch vehicle. Finally, after completing the launch campaign successfully for one month, Bangabandhu Satellite-1 was ready for launch.

BTRC 156 Annual Report-2017-2018 Prior to the launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 in Florida, USA, the project team of BTRC with the advisor to honorable Prime Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Mr. Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed

BTRC 157 Annual Report-2017-2018 Historical moments of the Bangabandhu Satellite-1 Launch Day

BTRC 158 Annual Report-2017-2018 Successful Launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 After six years relentless effort of in the project Bangladesh's first ever satellite, 'Bangabandhu Satellite-1', was successfully launched by Spacex on May 12, 2018 2:14 PM BST from historical launch complex pad 39A, Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Visit of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 Launching the scene: Beginning Bangladesh in space

BTRC 159 Annual Report-2017-2018 Mr. Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed, advisor to honorable Prime Minister for Information and Communication Technology shares a joyous moment with the delegation after the successful launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 After the successful launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 in space, the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) has been started from 01/05/2018 from the specific earth stations of France and Italy. In addition, In Orbit Test (IOT) has been successfully completed during 22/05/2018 to 06/06/2018 from primary ground station at Gazipur.

Future Action Plan

1) Completion of two Remote Carrier Monitoring Station (CMS) by Thales in Indonesia and the Philippines. 2) After the successful launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1, handover of network along with complete Bangabandhu satellite system. 3) Completion of the project after finishing all the works as per the turnkey contract. 4) Handover of operational activities along with the associated activities related to project to BCSCL through BTRC.

Conclusion Bangladesh have attained a glorious state in the world history of space though the successful launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 and through becoming the 57th country in the world owning their own satellite. Bangladesh has now entered into the space era and thus Bangabandhu Satellite-1 will play a significant role in implementation of the government’s vision for "Digital Bangladesh".

BTRC 160 Annual Report-2017-2018 Mobile Phone industry of Bangladesh

BTRC 161 Annual Report-2017-2018 Mobile Phone industry of Bangladesh

Bangladesh introduced Advance Mobile Phone System (AMPS) technology back in 1993 as the first ever country in South Asia. Though the first mobile phone license was awarded in 1989, in fact, it took quite a long year to reach its services to the people of the country. Because the network coverage at that time was too limited. Total number of subscribers was very low because of high call rate. In 1996, the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina awarded three more mobile phone licenses to create a competitive market in the mobile phone industry and to reach the services to the root level subscribers. In the later stage, with the entrance of few more operators in this sector, the market became very competitive. The growing sub sectors around the telecom arena created job opportunities for the general people and contributed in education and health sector. This has influenced millions of people and made communication easier between people and our economy has been greatly boosted up and it is continuing to boost up. According to the report of Bangladesh Bank, 8% of the national revenue has been earned from telecom sector in 2008 and 59% direct investment has been made in this particular sector.

A few important contributions of Bangladesh telecom sector are enumerated below:

Increase in Subscriber Number and Density

Srl no. Description 2009 Jun, 2018 1. Mobile Subscriber (Million) 52.4 150.9 2. 3G Mobile Subscriber (Million) Not Introduced 64.9 3. Internet Subscriber (Million) 6.98 87.8 4. Internet Density (%) 4.78% 53.78% 5. Teledensity (%) 37.08% 92.62%

J Improved lifestyle and support to business: -Agro related information, telemedicine, latest news, utility bills payment, sms and mms, share market information are part of life now.

-In business sector, access to internet, mobile e-mail, sms banking, data, fax, EDGE, GPRS, 3G, International roaming etc have become indispensable.

J Providing services at affordable prices: -Looping in low income groups by offering the world lowest call charges. J Internet: -Its advancements mostly depend on the development of the mobile industry. -Among 87.8 million internet users, 93.6% are using mobile internet which means with increased mobile penetration, internet usage also increases.

BTRC 162 Annual Report-2017-2018 Initiatives of the mobile operators - Corporate Social responsibility (CSR)

School sponsorship: Various training program for development of children’s skills and offering local / foreign schol- arship.

Environmental projects:

Undertaking beautification of the city/town, cleaning and maintaining Cox’s Bazar sea beach, face lifting of the airports, road safety, preservation of heritage, awareness building programs etc.

Supporting the disadvantageous group:

Mobile operators have been providing quick distribution of relief, healthcare services, mone- tary assistance as well as voluntary support to different flood and cyclone affected areas in Bangladesh.

Mobile sector has the potential of playing a pioneer role in implementing our national dream of ‘Digital Bangladesh’. Mobile operators Revenue & investment of last fiscal year

SL Mobile operator Revenue (Tk.) Investment (Tk.) Remarks

1. Grameenphone Limited 12921,92,91,368 3221,35,45,210

2. Banglalink Digital Communications Ltd. 4647,10,00,000 820,60,00,000

3. Robi Axiata Ltd. 6889,84,16,488 2602,32,66,135

4. Teletalk Bangladesh Limited 497,90,32,752 3,49,37,445

Total

BTRC 163 Annual Report-2017-2018 Countrywide mobile phone network coverage:

1997 2000 2002 3/64 30/64 50/64 Districts Districts Districts

2004 At present 61/64 64/64 Districts Districts

BTRC 164 Annual Report-2017-2018 Network Coverage

Countrywide underground optical fiber network diagram:

BTRC 165 Annual Report-2017-2018 Diverse activities

BTRC 166 Annual Report-2017-2018 Bangladesh in space - "Bangabandhu Satellite-1" Bangabandhu Satellite-1, a unique milestone in honor building of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Digital Bangladesh, with firm conviction of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh signed a turnkey agreement for the manufacturing, launch and the construction of 02 (Two) ground Stations with the Thales Alenia Space in France on 11 November 2015. The Bangabandhu satellite-1 was sent to the Launch facility of space Exploration technologies corp. (Spacex) after completion of manufacturing that took around two years. After completing varisus tuchnical test at the launch facility the fueling and integrations with the launch vehicle was done. After successfully completing all the tests of the Bangabandhu Satellite at Launch Pad, the satellite was placed inside the rocket fairing and integration with the second stage of the rocket. The Bangubandhu satellite-1 was sent to its designated orbital slot from Launch pad LC-39A on 11 May 2018 at 4.14 PM EST i.e 12 May 2018 at 2.14 PM BST after completion of Launch compaign. Through this, the name of Bangladesh is added to the satellite's elite club as the 57th country. Another color tinge of the domestic achievement was drawn of the canvas.

BTRC 167 Annual Report-2017-2018 BTRC 168 Annual Report-2017-2018 Bangabandhu Satellite-1 Launching The process of launching Bangabandhu satellite-1 was done in two ways. The first process is to reach the initial stage of the launch and the specific orbital and reach the specific location of the orbit, this process takes 10 days. The second step is the In-Orbit Test (IOT), it takes less than 20 days. In all, it takes approximately one month for Bangabandhu Satellite-1 to place specific orbit 119.1 degrees east longitude. Under the supervision of the Posts and Telecommunications Division, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) carried out the overall responsibility to supervise manufacture and launch of the satellite. The program was adopted by the BTRC through "Preparatory Functions and Supervision in Launching a Communication and Broadcasting Satellite (1st Revised)-Project" and "Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project".

BTRC 169 Annual Report-2017-2018 Bangladesh Communications Satellite Company Limited (BCSCL) has been formed for the launch, marketing and maintenance of the concern Satellite. The Bangabandhu Satellite-1 geostationary satellite. It is located at 119.1 degrees east longitude. Through this, advanced communication and broadcasting services will be offered to many countries in Asia including Bangladesh. The satellite's platform SPACE BUS400 B2 and each of its wings has 03 solar panels inserted. Bangabandhu Satellite-1's minimum life expectancy is 15 years. Frequency Plan There are 40 transponders in Bangabandhu Satellite 1. Of these, 26 Ku-Band and 14 C-Band Transponders The bandwidth of each transponder is 36 MHz and total bandwidth of Bangabandhu is satellite-1 si 1600 MHz.

Band Uplink Frequency Downlink Frequency Ku-Band (Fixed Satellite Services) 12750 – 13250 MHz 10700 – 10950 MHz & 11200 – 11450 MHz

Ku-Band (Broadcast Satellite Services) 14500 – 14800 MHz & 11700 – 12500 MHz 17300 – 18100 MHz

C-Band (Broadcast Satellite Services) 6725 – 7025 MHz 4500 – 4800 MHz

* There are V and H polarization for each C-band transporter Coverage Area The coverage area of Bangabandhu satellite-1 has been divided into two categories. This is called the primary coverage area and the other is the secondary coverage area. The area is divided into three parts, according to the antenna beam and area, namely: 01. Region-01: It covers the Beam-1 of the Ku band. Its coverage area is Bangladesh and its territory waters in Bay of Bengal. Antenna beams have been designed by prominence on the basis of the population and demand of Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi and Sylhet. 02. Region-02: It is covered by the Ku band's Beam-2. The expansion of the beam is in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. For the 10 cities of India on the basis of population and demand, the performance of this seed has been increased: Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmadabad, Chennai, Calcutta, Surat, Pune and Jaipur. 03. Region-03: It is basically the C-band’s coverage area in Beam-5 . The included countries are: Bangladesh and its included Bay of Bengal, Area, India in Bcam-5 Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Pakistan, , , Turkmenistan, and the secondary coverage area are Beam-03 and Beam-04. Antenna beam-03, a Ku-band beam that covers Indonesia and its included islands. Antenna beam-04 is a Ku-band beam that covers the Philippines and its included islands. Satellite Ground Stations Two satellite stations have been set up to control, monitor and manage the Bangabandhu satellite-1 from land. One of them is in Gazipur and the other in Betbunia, Rangamati. Among the two satellite ground stations, Gazipur will run as the main control center and Btbunia ground station will work us backup. These two satellite ground stations are connected with the optical fiber protected, so that no technical problem can stop any service.

BTRC 170 Annual Report-2017-2018 There are SOCC (Satellite Operation Control Center) and NOCC (Network Operation Control Center) with the main ground station in Gazipur and there are also SOCC and NOCC in Betbunia.

There is a 9m antenna and 04 broadcast lines (with options) for the Ku band in the ground station and a 9.3m antenna for the C band and two broadcast lines (with options). The main groud station has a VSAT Hub and CMS (Carrier Monitoring System). Also, CMS (Career Monitoring System) has been set up in Indonesia and the Philippines to ensure the service quality of Bangabandhu Satellite-1. Services of Bangabandhu Satellite-1: Bangabandhu Satellite 1 is basically a communication and broadcasting satellite. The services offered through this are: 1. DTH (Direct to Home): This service will be provided through Ku Band. As a result, digital TV and radio broadcasting will reach the rural areas, in remote areas. Customers can avail this service with a small antenna. 2. Video Broadcast: This service can be provided through satellite in C band. Through this service, video broadcast can be done anywhere on the coverage area of Bangabandhu satellite -1. Customers can avail this service through small to medium type of antenna. 3. VSAT Network: Any government or non-government organization can create their own protected network through satellite services. Bangabandhu satellite -1 will be able to provide this service through C-band and KU band . 4. Broadband: This service can be found in the Ku band of Bangabandhu satellite. Through this, any organization can use their own Internet-based protection. 5. Communication Trunk: This service can be provided through the C-band of Bangabandhu Satellite-1. Through this, telecommunication and mobile communication services can be reached in remote areas. Besides, e-Learning, new services like Telemedicine will be open. During any natural disaster, it will be possible to provide uninterrupted telecommunication services through satellites.

BTRC 171 Annual Report-2017-2018 Mr. Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed, advisor to honorable Prime Minister for Information and Communication Technology during a joyous moment after the successful launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 After the successful launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 in space, the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) has been started from 01/05/2018 from the specific earth stations of France and Italy. In addition, In Orbit Test (IOT) has been successfully completed during 22/05/128 to 06/06/198 from primary ground station at Gazipur. Future Action Plan: 1) Completion of two Remote Carrier Monitoring Station (CMS) by Thales in Indonesia and the Philippines. 2) After the successful launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1, handover of network along with complete Bangabandhu satellite system. 3) Completion of the project after finishing all the works as per the turnkey contract. 4) Handover of operational activities along with the associated activities related to project to BCSCL through BTRC. Conclusion: Bangladesh have attained a glorious state at the world history of space though the successful launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 and through becoming the 57th country in the world who owns their own satellite. Bangladesh has now entered into the space era and thus Bangabandhu Satellite-1 will play a significant role in implementation of the government’s vision for "Digital Bangladesh".

BTRC 172 Annual Report-2017-2018 APT Forum

The 8th APT Cyber Security Forum was held on 24-26 October 2017 at Hotel Le meridien, in Dhaka by the association of BTRC.The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) was founded in 1979 on the joint initiatives of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The APT is an intergovernmental organization that operates in conjunction with telecom service providers, manufacturers of communications equipment, and research and development organizations active in the field of communication, information and innovation technologies. Internet security, Telecom regulation related to cyber security, along with discussion on cross border data flow by local and international experts were held in this forum. Around 15 member countries, 09 affiliated members and 109 representatives of these countries were participated in this forum.

Participants of different countries in 8th APT Cyber Security Forum

BTRC 173 Annual Report-2017-2018 Radiation related Activities

In the context of the High Court direction, a guidelines/regulations formulation committee regarding EMF radiation Gi exposure was formed. The concern committee formulated a draft about this by consulting the policy/guidelines/ research papers on EMF radiation of various countries, recommendation of ITU, APT, WHO, on it and also the recommendations of stakeholders. The draft guideline was sent to posts and telecommunications division for final approval by the approval of the commission. Beside this, By the direction of High Court BTRC procured radiation measurement equipment according to PPR-2008. The concern officials of the commission were trained up for the purpose operation, calibration and configuration of these equipment. Now these are ready for use.

BTRC 174 Annual Report-2017-2018 World Telecommunication And Information Society Day (WTISD-2018)

BTRC 175 Annual Report-2017-2018 World Telecommunication And Information Society Day (WTISD-2018)

Bangladesh Observed the world Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD-2018) like others countries on May,17,2018. With the theme ÔÔEnabling the positive use of Artificial Intelligence for All ” this day is celebrated at Osmani Memorial Auditirium of Dhaka and chief guest of the program was Honorable Minster of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry Mr. Mustafa Jabbar.The acting Chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Md. Jahurul Haque was present. Posts and Telecommunications division’s Additional secretary Mr.Md. saiful Islam chaired thefunction.

Honorable Minster of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry Mr. Mustafa Jabbar and others guests as on world Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD-2018).

At 17 May,1865 International Telecommunication Union was established and from 17 May,1969 World Telecommunication Day is celebrating. Then at ITU Conference which held in November 2006 decision of celebrating World Telecommunication and Information Society Day was taken. Honorable Minster of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry Mr. Mustafa Jabbar inauguarated road show and rally from BTRC Office at Ramna. In this programme all high officials of government, representatives from mobile operators, electronics and print media were present.

BTRC 176 Annual Report-2017-2018 Inauguration of road show and rally at WTISD-2018 Television talkshow and special supplement at newspaper are arranged to celebrate the day. Online eassy competition is also arranged and prize is given among the winners to celebrate this day.

A seminar was arranged by BTRC for celebrating WTISD-2018 on the theme “Enabling the positive use of Artificial Intelligence for All”. In this seminar wideness and necessity of ICT brought up towards future generations.

The aim of celebrating the day is to recognise people and make people aware about Internet, Telecommunication and development of ICT sector which may emerge worldwide technological development.

BTRC 177 Annual Report-2017-2018 River cruise and 16th anniversary of BTRC

At 3rd February, 2018 a river cruise was arranged to strengthen the relationship among BTRC officials and their family members. Different types of sports, cultural programs and raffle draw was held at “Sundarban-10” the biggest launch of Dhaka- Barisal route.

Some precious moments of Celebration of BTRC’s 16th anniversary and river cruise 2018 at “Sundarban-10”

BTRC 178 Annual Report-2017-2018 Conclusion

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) in line with government policy is relentlessly working to create investment friendly environment in telecommunication sector in order to speed up social and economical development of the country. If the current pace of development continues, Bangladesh would emerge as technology based middle income country by 2021and developed country by 2041. With continuous effort BTRC, the country witnessed 92 percent tele-density, 53.65 percent internet density by June 2018. Number of mobile subscribers rose to 159 million and internet subscribers stood at 87.7 million. Besides, voice call charge (average minute/Tk) fell to Tk 0.81 and bandwidth price reduced to Tk 625. During this fiscal year, BTRC has earned highest non-tax revenue. Apart from revenue earning the commission played a vital role in creating job opportunity, expansion of mobile financial service and attracting local and foreign investors. BTRC has taken effective initiatives to update national telecommunication policy. It has taken effective measures to implement Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Service, launching of 4G/LTE service, formulation of tower sharing guideline, directives on mandatory infrastructure sharing, drives against illegal VOIP, reducing prices of voice call and SMS. People can now exchange text and images, audio visual materials through mobile phone and internet. People are now accustomed with e-commerce, mobile banking, online study, viewing televisions through mobile and internet. BTRC is working hard to make these services faster, taking 3G services at people’s doorstep. Necessary steps are also taken to introduce 4G service soon. With the introduction of the new services, e-commerce, e-banking, e-education, e-health, e-agri, e-governance and teleconference will be easier and faster, which will play a big role for government’s revenue earning. BTRC is pledge bound to take effective measures to attract more investment in this sector, creating employment opportunity, providing high speed internet service, implantation of environment friendly telecommunication technology, emergency telecommunication service during any natural disaster, climate change and achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDC), and prioritizing telecommunication in all global issues in post 2015 time. The success and experiences of BTRC gained in its journey will help guide us to take future challenges. With all your support, BTRC will march forward to achieve the goal.

BTRC 179 Annual Report-2017-2018 BTRC 180 Annual Report-2017-2018 Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission IEB Bahban, Ramna, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Phone : 880-2-961 1111, Fax : 880-02-955 6677 Web: www.btrc.gov.bd