Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is going to take legal action against six non-operational International Internet Gateway (IIG) companies.
The six IIGs failed to reply satisfactorily to the BTRC’s latest query as to why they failed to roll out their networks.
The highest policy level meeting of the regulatory body came up with the decision at its recent meeting.
The six companies are Exabyte Ltd, I-tel Ltd, Managewell Communication Ltd, Peerex Networks Ltd, Coronet Corporation Ltd and Velocity Networks Ltd.
According to the BTRC guidelines, all licenced companies have to roll out their networks within six months after obtaining approval.
But the six IIGs failed to do that within the time frame. At present 24 IIG companies are operating in the country.
The BTRC guidelines said the licence shall establish and complete the IIG services within six months from the date on which the licence shall come into force unless the government decides otherwise.
In case of failure of commencement within the time frame, 10% of the performance bank guarantee will be deducted for each month or its fraction thereof.
Last June, the six IIGs obtained a 30-day extension from the telecom watchdog to roll out their networks.
Asking not to be named, a BTRC official said the regulatory body formed a two-member inspection team to dig out the real fact behind their non-operations.
The inspection team found that Velocity Network Ltd paid its annual licence fee and applied for purchasing telecommunication equipment, but it didn’t set up any monitoring terminal at BTRC office which is required for launching its activities.
In 2012, both Exabyte Ltd and Managewell Communication Ltd obtained their IIG licences. One year later, Exabyte and Managewell applied for an extension to roll out.
However, BTRC inspection team reported that if the two IIGs get additional time, they would able to start operation.
I-tel Ltd, Peerex Networks Ltd and Coronet Corporation Ltd also got licence in 2012, but neither of them could launch their operation within the six-month stipulated time.
Considering their application, BTRC granted them an extension to begin operation.
Over the last one and half years, all the six International Internet Gateway companies obtained their extension on different excuses.
In accordance with the condition of BTRC guidelines, the commission gave the six additional 30 days to kick off their operation.
The regulatory authority also sought explanation from the IIGs on why they did not roll out.
A senior official of BTRC said as the IIG companies paid little attention to their roll-out plan, the regulatory body reached an ultimate decision to take legal action against them.