BTRC restrictions on Grameenphone remain in force

The Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission's restrictions on Grameenphone will remain in force as the High Court yesterday dropped a writ petition, filed challenging the BTRC decision from its hearing list.

According to the restrictions, GP will have to secure prior approval  from the telecom regulator before rolling out any packages or offers.  The mobile operator will also have to have all of its existing packages  and offers validated by August 31. However, for new offers and packages,  the directive will become effective on July 1.

Yesterday, the HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim made the petition filed by the mobile operator "out of list" after virtually hearing it.

During the hearing, GP's lawyer Barrister Mahfuzur Rahman Khan told the bench that his client would not proceed with the petition as it is moving for a settlement over the issue with the BTRC.

BTRC lawyer Barrister Khandaker Reza-E Raqib told The Daily Star that the restrictions imposed by the BTRC on GP will remain effective following the HC order.

Grameenphone has recently filed the petition with the HC, challenging legality of BTRC decision. The petition was submitted on June 28, also seeking a stay on the restrictions imposed on June 21.

GP's lawyer Barrister Mahfuzur Rahman Khan earlier told The Daily Star that his client filed the petition as it did not violate any rule or law concerned.

Even the BTRC itself has not brought any allegation against GP of abusing its dominant position in the market, he said citing the petition.