Mobile operators to get tech neutrality in spectrum use

The government plans to offer technology neutrality to mobile operators in spectrum use in two bands, which will help them roll out fourth generation or faster data services within a short time.

The telecom division is preparing a proposal, which will soon be sent to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for approval, said an official involved in the process. "We are looking into the matter and hopefully, a development will come shortly," Md Faizur Rahman Chowdhury, secretary of the telecom division, told The Daily Star by phone.

After getting technology neutrality in the 1800 and 900 bands, the operators can offer services through any technology (2G/3G/4G/LTE) using any of the frequencies they have, which will ensure better services for customers.

"If the government allows technology neutrality, customers will benefit directly from it," said Mahmud Hossain, chief corporate affairs officer of Grameenphone.

Tech neutrality gives operators the scope to use their spectrum efficiently and offer faster data services, he added.

Officials said the government is considering the move before going for the next spectrum auction to bring the operators' attention to it and increase the floor price at the auction.

In line with spectrum auction guidelines, the floor price per MHz spectrum is $25 million now, which is likely to increase to $30 million if technology neutrality is provided, said another official of the telecom division, asking not to be named.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission now allows technology neutrality in only the 2100 band, but this band is not suitable for offering 4G services.

Mobile phone operators said, if they get technology neutrality in the 1800 and 900 bands, it will help them offer quality data services with minimum investment. Currently, the operators are using these bands for only 2G services.

Most countries launched 4G services through the 1800 and 900 bands as technology vendors have designed their fourth generation equipment for these spectrum bands only.

The government has also included technology neutrality in its new telecom policy, which awaits the cabinet's approval.

Currently, only 10.6 MHz of spectrum in the 1800 band is free that will be sold in the next auction to be held by June.

Market leader Grameenphone is currently using 14.6 MHz of spectrum in the 1,800 band and 7.4 MHz in the 900 band. In 2013, they bought another 10 MHz in the 2,100 band for 3G services.

A BTRC official said they will charge extra fees to give technology neutrality for the existing spectrum allocated to operators.

A chief executive officer of a mobile phone operator said they have unofficially learnt of the matter, and are preparing likewise.

Bangladesh is among the few countries in the world that are yet to introduce technology neutrality. Neighbouring countries like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka already introduced it a couple of years ago.