Bangladeshi operators hit with further spectrum fees

Mobile operators in Bangladesh have been told to pay renewal fees for additional spectrum they bought in 2008. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) told the operators they will have to pay the charges before 31 October as the spectrum is no longer valid after 10 November, the Daily Star reports. The regulator also sought papers related to tax, VAT and VoIP services from the operators. The regulator is seeking BDT 3.84 billion from Grameenphone and BDT 471.50 million from Banglalink on top of spectrum charges recently announced. However, Robi will see some of its money returned as its Market Competition Factor decreased slightly in the new calculations, while Citycell did not buy additional 1,800 MHz spectrum and thus does not have to pay extra. Grameenphone said it would seek clarification from the regulator on the issue.