The fate of around Tk500 crore, which IGW operators reportedly owe to the government in accordance to the previous call termination rate, has become uncertain because of confusion over the recently announced rate and revenue sharing structure.
The fate of around Tk500 crore, which IGW operators reportedly owe to the government in accordance to the previous call termination rate, has become uncertain because of confusion over the recently announced rate and revenue sharing structure.
The new termination rate was reduced to ¢1.5 per minute from ¢3, following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s approval on September 18. According to the approval letter, the new rate and revenue sharing structure was supposed to come into effect from the date of issuance.
Also on September 18, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued a letter to authorities concerned, setting a six-month test period for the new rate and structure; but as the date for implementation was not mentioned, confusion arose over which date the new rates should take effect.
However, the telecom minister and influential industry figures had reportedly been trying to give the fresh rate a retrospective effect from July 1.
Taking advantage of the confusion, several International Gateway (IGW) operators have followed the new slashed rates to pay the bills for the months of July and August to the stakeholders, especially the ANS (mobile and land phone) operators.
Source: DT
