BTRC sets different spectrum utilisation fee per operator

The new 2G spectrum licence proposal from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has baffled operators, the Daily Star reports. The draft 2G licence renewal decision has set the price per MHz at BDT 3 billion for the 900 MHz band, BDT 1.5 billion for the 1,800 MHz band, and BDT 1.5 billion for the 850 MHz band for CDMA technology. However, the spectrum utilisation charges differ per operator based on their subscriber bases. According to the draft, Grameenphone would have to pay BDT 55.04 billion in spectrum fees, followed by Robi which would pay BDT 30 billion, Banglalink which would pay BDT 29.94 billion, and Citycell would pay BDT 6.20 billion. The licence renewal fee for 15 years would be BDT 100 million. Grameenphone chief corporate officer Mahmud Hossain called the different spectrum utilisation fees discriminatory and unfair. Furthermore, the government has failed to explain the exact method of calculation the utilisation fees.