BTRC mulls alternative to 3G auction

The telecom regulator has a plan to look for possible alternative option to award 3G spectrum unless it can hold the auction by the scheduled deadline of September 2 due to unwillingness of the operators.    It, however, determined to hold the auction on time as the schedule has been deferred twice for the convenience of the operators.   “The much waited 3G auction will take place on time. If any operator does not participate in the bidding, we will think alternative...We could not linger the process further as the commission has a roadmap in line with the government’s vision- 2021,” Sunil Kanti Bose, chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) told BSS, however.    He hinted they will open the mobile broadband technology for other operators in different forms through revising the policy, if any cellular phone operator does not participate in the forthcoming bidding.    He said the commission has already resolved different disputed issues for creating a level playing field to ensure a win-win situation for both the parties.    “The government has already trimmed SIM tax and VAT on spectrum charges by 50% and also assured them (operators) of solving other issues in phases. You can’t expect everything to go in your favour,” said Bose.    The SIM tax currently stands at Tk300, while the VAT on 3G spectrum fees has been brought down to 7.5% from 15% and the government also gave assurances to slash those further in future.    The regulatory body chief said the country needs broadband internet service to make the government’s “digital Bangladesh” campaign successful.    The 3G auction was originally set for June 24, but it was refixed on July 31 before being rescheduled for September 2.    Replying to a query on steps if the operators do not participate in the bidding,   Sunil Kanti Bose said, they (operators) have freedom to participate or not in auction, but the commission will move ahead with its own plan to roll-out mobile broadband.    “We will open 3G/4G spectrum in different forms for other operators so the people could avail high-speed internet easily,” he added.    Bose explained that if the cellular phone operators do not participate in the bidding, the regulator would offer the mobile broadband spectrum to WIMAX and other internet service providing operators through revising the broadband policy. “We can’t leave our valuable resources unused.”    Responding to another query regarding the cases of tax on replacement of SIM cards and other issues, Sunil Kanti Bose said both the parties have to accept the court verdict whether it favours any party or not.    The cases, however, are still pending at the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court that may take time to pronounce the judgement.