BTRC to slash mobile call charges

The telecom regulator is set to reduce the inter-operator charges in a bid to lower the call rate for users.

The move comes after different operators requested Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, said Md Sarwar Alam, spokesman for the BTRC.

At present, the inter-connection charge stands at Tk 0.18 per minute, of which Tk 0.04 goes to Interconnection Exchange (ICX). The rates were set after a study by World Bank representatives.

The new move, when applicable, will cut inter-connection and ICX charges to Tk 0.13 and Tk 0.03 respectively, sources say. In 2008, the BTRC fixed the per minute call rate for customers between Tk 0.25 to Tk 2, and Tk 0.6 per minute for inter-operator calls.

Photo: Star/File

Now the regulator is mulling over reducing inter-operator call charge to Tk 0.40, and lowering the ceiling for same-operator charge at Tk 1.50. 

A BTRC official underscored the need for a proper cost modelling study rather than arbitrary fixing of charges.

But mobile operators remained cautious about commenting on the issue.

This is the lowest-tariff market in the world and another price cut may impact the quality of service, a senior executive of a top-three operator said. 

"We will propose a cost modelling study at the meeting, not only for voice but for data as well."

Another senior executive said the regulator should not initiate any hasty change, especially to favour any one operator.  If the BTRC reduces call charges, it will hit the government's revenues as well as increase the illegal incoming of international calls, others said. 

As of June, there are 12.69 crore active mobile connections in the market, of which Grameenphone has 5.31 crore, Banglalink 3.22 crore and Robi 2.74 crore.