Power grid failure disrupts internet, call services

National power grid failure is disrupting telecommunication and internet services in the country.

Mobile phone users around the country have claimed that they are facing difficulties in making calls and using internet.

The national grid line failure has caused power outages in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet and Cumilla regions this afternoon.

Earlier, the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (Amtob) said the grid failure may disrupt the telecommunication services.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience," the Amtob said in a statement.

Anamika Bhakta, executive vice president for regulatory affairs and communications at Robi Axiata Limited, said customers are still getting the services but they may face difficulties if the outage lasts longer.

"In a telecom tower, there is generally a six-hour battery back-up generally. So, if the grid line can be restored before six hours, telecommunication services will not be disrupted," she said.

Anamika said she is currently in Gazipur, where electricity service has already been restored.

Around 8,000 towers of the three private operators—Robi, Grameenphone and Banglalink—which are located in power outage-affected areas, could face the problem, she added.

However, some towers located in important locations are equipped with diesel generators and those towers will remain operational even after better charge runs out, Anamika also said.