DHAKA, Oct 28, 2024 (BSS)- Stakeholders at a discussion today underscored the necessity of taking comprehensive initiatives for multi-dimensional use of digital services for market growth. 

To this end, they made call to the country’s telecom regulator to frame time-appropriate policy with reformation of existing laws.

They also called for ensuring affordable quality telecommunication services, uninterrupted internet connectivity, development of telecommunication infrastructures in remote areas and penetration of smart phones.

Entrepreneurs of telecommunication, ICT and online market places brought up these issues in the discussion titled “Leveraging Telecommunication Power for Escalating Digital Services in Bangladesh” at the auditorium of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

BTRC Chairman Major Gen Md. Emdad Ul Bari (retd) presided over the meeting, attended by ICT Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury, stakeholders and experts from the sectors.
 
Waseem Alim, Chief Executive Officer of e-commerce platform, Chaldal, presented the keynote paper at the meeting, moderated by Brig Gen Mohammad Khalil-Ur-Rahman, Director General of Systems and Services of BTRC.

He said that the size of e-commerce market in India is US$ 75 billion and $ 45 billion Indonesia. But it’s only $ 1.3 billion in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has only 60 million online customers, while India has 150 million and Indonesia has 40 million online customers, he added.

AKM Fahim Mashroor, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of bdjobs.com, insisted for reduction of the cost of mobile data like broadband, saying unlimited monthly mobile data price should be maximum Taka 500 like broadband. 

If the mobile phone operators offer smartphones in installments, penetration of the device will be boosted significantly, he opined. 

AHM Hasinul Quddus Rusho, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of e-commerce platform Daraj Limited, said that SMS providers should give concessions to SME companies for their services. In this case, mobile operators can provide subscription facilities at a low cost by signing a one-year contract, especially discount may be higher for those who use more SMS, he added.

Fahim Ahmed, chief executive officer of ridesharing platform Pathao, said that data localization and data protection laws are important for Bangladesh. 

Pointing out that 60 percent of the country's digital commerce is done through Facebook, he said there are more than 3 lakh small entrepreneurs on Facebook, most of whom are women. So there is a need to have single platform to connect with customer data, he added.

Taimur Rahman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Banglalink said, if internet usage increases by 10 percent, it contributes 1.8 percent to GDP. 

Mentioning that income from voice services is decreasing, he said mobile operators should also be given the opportunity to provide digital services. For this aspect, he insisted on vertical integration of policies.

Former Director General of BTRC Major General (retd) Wahiduzzaman emphasized on the reform of telecommunication law, saying market of Bangladesh is not able to accept AI or artificial intelligence at this moment. He urged to create a unique platform for data sharing.

BTRC Director General of Spectrum Department Brig. Gen. Mohammad Moniruzzaman Jewel said that BTRC is working to increase the use of smartphones and few months would be required to launch the NEIR system. He said operators have been asked to make proper use of existing spectrum to increase the speed of mobile internet.

ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury said that the digital divide is gradually decreasing in the country, but the telecommunication sector requires collaboration between government-academia and sector stakeholders. He also said that the ICT division is working to create digital awareness.

BTRC Chairman Major Gen Md Emdad Ul Bari (retd) said that there is a delay in the issuance of license as it is required prior approval from the Ministry in the existing telecommunication act. In that case the license authority should be at the hand of BTRC, he said.

BTRC Vice-Chairman, Commissioners and representatives of around 30 organizations providing digital services, among others, were present and gave their views in the meeting.