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Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission

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uuid02lsxsl

Namestring
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
Legal namestring
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
Websiteurl
btrc.gov.bd
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
2002
Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
101–250
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersDhaka, Bangladesh
HQ citystring
Dhaka
HQ countrystring
Bangladesh
HQ regionstring
Asia
Markets served

Serves global market

Offices3 records

Each record includes

City, Country, Type, Description, Source

Keyword5 values
telecom regulatory services, spectrum management, telecom licensing, consumer protection telecom, regulatory compliance
Industry1 code
1Communications, Media & Spectrum Regulators
CodeBPAIAOAIPrimaryYes
NAICS code1 code
  • Regulation and Administration of Communications, Electric, Gas, and Other Utilities92613
Product category
Telecommunications Regulation
GTM motion1 record

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

Revenue model3 records
1License and Spectrum Fees
TypeLicensing Royalties
Description

BTRC collects license fees, spectrum fees, and annual regulatory charges from telecom operators and service providers under the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001.

btrc.gov.bd
2Spectrum Management Fees
TypeLicensing Royalties
Description

Annual fees for radio equipment and spectrum usage by telecommunications operators.

btrc.gov.bd
3Non-Tax Revenue Collection
TypeLicensing Royalties
Description

BTRC is recognized as the highest non-tax revenue provider to the government among all government organizations in Bangladesh.

btrc.gov.bd
Marketing channels6 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels4 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components4 values
Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Pricing details1 tier
1License and spectrum fee structure based on operator category and service type
ModelOtherBilling cadenceAnnual
Notes

Annual fees for spectrum and radio equipment vary by license category and operator type as specified in regulatory guidelines.

btrc.gov.bd
GTM typeB2B
B2B
Offering typeServices
Services
Brand1 record
1BTRC KYD
Description

An internally developed Android application that allows consumers in Bangladesh to verify the legality of mobile phones using the device ID (IMEI) before making a purchase decision.

btrc.gov.bd
Core offering1 text field

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is the statutory regulatory authority that regulates, licenses, and oversees Bangladesh's telecommunications sector. It issues and renews telecom licenses, allocates radio spectrum, sets tariffs, monitors service quality, combats illegal VoIP and counterfeit devices through the NEIR system, and protects consumers via complaint management and the BTRC KYD device-verification app. Revenue is earned from license fees, spectrum fees, and annual regulatory charges paid by telecom operators.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Quantifiable outcome1 value
  • Highest non-tax revenue provider to the government among all government organizations
Product overview1 text field

BTRC operates as Bangladesh's telecommunications regulatory body offering a suite of interconnected digital platforms. The core regulatory systems are NEIR (National Equipment Identity Register) for mobile device IMEI verification to combat illegal handsets and SIM fraud, LIMS (License Issuance & Management System) for issuing and managing telecommunications operator licenses with e-License capability, and DIS (Data Information System) for operator data submission. These are complemented by consumer-facing services including a Telecom Complaint Management System (CRM), an Online Application Portal integrated with the national MyGov platform, the internally-developed BTRC KYD Android app for consumer device verification, and internal Zimbra-based email infrastructure. The platforms serve both regulatory enforcement functions (license management, equipment identity, spectrum monitoring) and public service delivery (IMEI verification, complaint handling, SIM registration tracking).

Product and service5 records
1National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR)
CategoryTelecom Regulation - Device Verification
Description

National database that tracks mobile device IMEI numbers to verify legality of imported handsets, prevent stolen/cloned device use, and protect citizens from SIM-based crimes and financial fraud. Consumers can verify device status via USSD, SMS, or web portal.

2BTRC KYD (Know Your Device) Android App
CategoryConsumer App - Device Verification
Description

Android application developed internally by BTRC allowing consumers to check mobile phone legality by entering the device's IMEI number before purchase, supporting verification against the NEIR database.

3License Issuance & Management System (LIMS)
CategoryLicensing Management System
Description

Online portal for applying, issuing, renewing, and managing telecommunications licenses in Bangladesh. Transitioned to e-License issuance effective 17 May 2025, replacing hardcopy licenses.

4Data Information System (DIS)
CategoryOperator Data Submission Platform
Description

Web-based system for telecom operators to submit and manage operational data. Developed by Kalpurush Technologies. Requires user registration for data entry and reporting.

5Telecom Complaint Management System (CRM)
CategoryConsumer Complaint Resolution
Description

Online portal for filing and tracking telecommunications-related complaints from consumers. Integrated with BTRC's internal complaint resolution process.

Scale indicator4 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Partnership9 partners
Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

State-owned telecommunications company operating under BTRC regulation. BTRC oversees BTCL operations as part of the telecom sector regulatory framework.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

State-owned company managing submarine cable infrastructure. BTRC regulates BSCCCL's international connectivity operations.

Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

State-owned company managing Bangabandhu Satellite-1. BTRC hosts the satellite project office and provides regulatory oversight for satellite communications.

Strategic tierCoreTypeOthers
Description

Parent ministry overseeing BTRC operations. BTRC is under the administrative control of this ministry.

Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

UN agency for ICT. BTRC maintains membership and participates in ITU activities for international standards and spectrum coordination.

Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

Regional telecommunication organization for Asia-Pacific. BTRC collaborates with APT on regional telecom development and standards.

7South Asian Telecommunication Regulators' Council (SATRC)
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

Regional body for SAARC countries. BTRC participates in SATRC activities for harmonized regulatory approaches in South Asia.

btrc.gov.bd
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

Regional Internet registry for Asia-Pacific. BTRC works with APNIC for IP address allocation and Internet resource management.

9ICANN
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. BTRC collaborates with ICANN on domain name administration and Internet governance.

btrc.gov.bd
Recent move6 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight4 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Peers9 records
TypeDirect peer
Description

Thailand's converged broadcasting and telecom regulator handling spectrum, licensing, and consumer protection in a single emerging Asian market. Comparable to BTRC in serving as a unified sector regulator with multi-operator oversight duties.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

The U.S. independent telecom and spectrum regulator with broad authority over licensing, spectrum allocation, and consumer protection. Comparable to BTRC in core function (telecom licensing and spectrum management) but with far broader jurisdictional scope and resources.

TypeOthers
Description

United Nations specialized agency that BTRC is a member of for international standards and spectrum coordination. Indirect peer given BTRC's partnership role rather than direct competition, but highly relevant for shared standards-setting and spectrum coordination duties.

TypeDirect peer
Description

Pakistan's statutory telecom regulator handling licensing, spectrum management, and consumer services in a neighboring market with a comparable operator structure. Like BTRC, PTA is the sole authority and operates across a large multi-operator landscape under federal legislation.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Singapore's converged infocomm and media regulator with licensing and spectrum functions. Comparable in covering telecom licensing and spectrum but operating in a much smaller, more mature market than BTRC.

6Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques (ARCEP France)
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

France's independent authority for electronic communications, postal, and spectrum regulation. Directly comparable in mandate (telecom licensing, spectrum, and consumer protection) and autonomous statutory body structure.

7Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
TypeDirect peer
Description

India's national telecom regulator with statutory licensing, spectrum, and consumer protection mandates across a large and growing market. Highly comparable to BTRC given the shared South Asian regulatory context, multi-operator environment, and similar statutory underpinning.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Australia's statutory regulator for broadcasting, online content, and telecommunications, including spectrum allocation. Mirrors BTRC's combination of telecom regulation and spectrum management under a single statutory body.

TypeBroad incumbent
Description

UK's converged communications regulator overseeing telecom, broadcasting, and spectrum. Comparable in mandate area (telecom licensing and spectrum) and similar statutory autonomous body structure, albeit with a more developed economy and broader scope.

Market position
Strengths4 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Weaknesses5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat3 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Named customers7 records

Each record includes

Name, Industry, Type, Use case, Source, UUID

Segment3 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile2 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
Yes
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Feature5 records

Each record includes

Title, Differentiator, Description, Source

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles1 record

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

No data
No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission

Telecommunications Regulationbtrc.gov.bd

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission firmographics

Firmographics
Name
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
Legal name
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
Website
https://btrc.gov.bd
Company type
Private
Founded year
2002
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
101–250 employees
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission industry classification

Industry
Product category
Telecommunications Regulation
NAICS
Regulation and Administration of Communications, Electric, Gas, and Other Utilities (92613)
akta.pro primary industry
Communications, Media & Spectrum Regulators (BPAIAOAI)

Keywords

  • Telecom regulatory services
  • Spectrum management
  • Telecom licensing
  • Consumer protection telecom
  • Regulatory compliance

Where Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
Dhaka
HQ country
Bangladesh
HQ region
Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission business model

Business model
GTM type
B2B
Offering type
Services
Cost components
Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

  1. License and Spectrum Fees: BTRC collects license fees, spectrum fees, and annual regulatory charges from telecom operators and service providers under the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001.
  2. Spectrum Management Fees: Annual fees for radio equipment and spectrum usage by telecommunications operators.
  3. Non-Tax Revenue Collection: BTRC is recognized as the highest non-tax revenue provider to the government among all government organizations in Bangladesh.

Pricing tiers

ModelBillingPrice
OtherAnnualLicense and spectrum fee structure based on operator category and service type

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is the statutory regulatory authority that regulates, licenses, and oversees Bangladesh's telecommunications sector. It issues and renews telecom licenses, allocates radio spectrum, sets tariffs, monitors service quality, combats illegal VoIP and counterfeit devices through the NEIR system, and protects consumers via complaint management and the BTRC KYD device-verification app. Revenue is earned from license fees, spectrum fees, and annual regulatory charges paid by telecom operators.

Product overview

BTRC operates as Bangladesh's telecommunications regulatory body offering a suite of interconnected digital platforms. The core regulatory systems are NEIR (National Equipment Identity Register) for mobile device IMEI verification to combat illegal handsets and SIM fraud, LIMS (License Issuance & Management System) for issuing and managing telecommunications operator licenses with e-License capability, and DIS (Data Information System) for operator data submission. These are complemented by consumer-facing services including a Telecom Complaint Management System (CRM), an Online Application Portal integrated with the national MyGov platform, the internally-developed BTRC KYD Android app for consumer device verification, and internal Zimbra-based email infrastructure. The platforms serve both regulatory enforcement functions (license management, equipment identity, spectrum monitoring) and public service delivery (IMEI verification, complaint handling, SIM registration tracking).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

  • BTRC KYD: An internally developed Android application that allows consumers in Bangladesh to verify the legality of mobile phones using the device ID (IMEI) before making a purchase decision.

Products and services

  • National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) National database that tracks mobile device IMEI numbers to verify legality of imported handsets, prevent stolen/cloned device use, and protect citizens from SIM-based crimes and financial fraud. Consumers can verify device status via USSD, SMS, or web portal.
  • BTRC KYD (Know Your Device) Android App Android application developed internally by BTRC allowing consumers to check mobile phone legality by entering the device's IMEI number before purchase, supporting verification against the NEIR database.
  • License Issuance & Management System (LIMS) Online portal for applying, issuing, renewing, and managing telecommunications licenses in Bangladesh. Transitioned to e-License issuance effective 17 May 2025, replacing hardcopy licenses.
  • Data Information System (DIS) Web-based system for telecom operators to submit and manage operational data. Developed by Kalpurush Technologies. Requires user registration for data entry and reporting.
  • Telecom Complaint Management System (CRM) Online portal for filing and tracking telecommunications-related complaints from consumers. Integrated with BTRC's internal complaint resolution process.

Quantifiable outcome

  • Highest non-tax revenue provider to the government among all government organizations

Companies that use Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission

Customer profile

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core.

  • Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-owned telecommunications company operating under BTRC regulation. BTRC oversees BTCL operations as part of the telecom sector regulatory framework.
  • Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCCL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-owned company managing submarine cable infrastructure. BTRC regulates BSCCCL's international connectivity operations.
  • Bangladesh Satellite Company LimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-owned company managing Bangabandhu Satellite-1. BTRC hosts the satellite project office and provides regulatory oversight for satellite communications.
  • Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information TechnologycoreOthersParent ministry overseeing BTRC operations. BTRC is under the administrative control of this ministry.
  • International Telecommunication Union (ITU)coreTechnology or IntegrationUN agency for ICT. BTRC maintains membership and participates in ITU activities for international standards and spectrum coordination.
  • Asia Pacific Telecommunication (APT)coreTechnology or IntegrationRegional telecommunication organization for Asia-Pacific. BTRC collaborates with APT on regional telecom development and standards.
  • South Asian Telecommunication Regulators' Council (SATRC)coreTechnology or IntegrationRegional body for SAARC countries. BTRC participates in SATRC activities for harmonized regulatory approaches in South Asia.
  • Asia Pacific Network Information Center (APNIC)coreTechnology or IntegrationRegional Internet registry for Asia-Pacific. BTRC works with APNIC for IP address allocation and Internet resource management.
  • ICANNcoreTechnology or IntegrationInternet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. BTRC collaborates with ICANN on domain name administration and Internet governance.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

  • National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC Thailand): Thailand's converged broadcasting and telecom regulator handling spectrum, licensing, and consumer protection in a single emerging Asian market. Comparable to BTRC in serving as a unified sector regulator with multi-operator oversight duties.
  • Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA): Pakistan's statutory telecom regulator handling licensing, spectrum management, and consumer services in a neighboring market with a comparable operator structure. Like BTRC, PTA is the sole authority and operates across a large multi-operator landscape under federal legislation.
  • Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI): India's national telecom regulator with statutory licensing, spectrum, and consumer protection mandates across a large and growing market. Highly comparable to BTRC given the shared South Asian regulatory context, multi-operator environment, and similar statutory underpinning.

Broad incumbents

  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC): The U.S. independent telecom and spectrum regulator with broad authority over licensing, spectrum allocation, and consumer protection. Comparable to BTRC in core function (telecom licensing and spectrum management) but with far broader jurisdictional scope and resources.
  • Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA Singapore): Singapore's converged infocomm and media regulator with licensing and spectrum functions. Comparable in covering telecom licensing and spectrum but operating in a much smaller, more mature market than BTRC.
  • Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques (ARCEP France): France's independent authority for electronic communications, postal, and spectrum regulation. Directly comparable in mandate (telecom licensing, spectrum, and consumer protection) and autonomous statutory body structure.
  • Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA): Australia's statutory regulator for broadcasting, online content, and telecommunications, including spectrum allocation. Mirrors BTRC's combination of telecom regulation and spectrum management under a single statutory body.
  • Ofcom (Office of Communications): UK's converged communications regulator overseeing telecom, broadcasting, and spectrum. Comparable in mandate area (telecom licensing and spectrum) and similar statutory autonomous body structure, albeit with a more developed economy and broader scope.

Others

  • ITU (International Telecommunication Union): United Nations specialized agency that BTRC is a member of for international standards and spectrum coordination. Indirect peer given BTRC's partnership role rather than direct competition, but highly relevant for shared standards-setting and spectrum coordination duties.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission social profiles

Digital presence

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission

What does Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission do?

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is the statutory regulatory authority that regulates, licenses, and oversees Bangladesh's telecommunications sector. It issues and renews telecom licenses, allocates radio spectrum, sets tariffs, monitors service quality, combats illegal VoIP and counterfeit devices through the NEIR system, and protects consumers via complaint management and the BTRC KYD device-verification app. Revenue is earned from license fees, spectrum fees, and annual regulatory charges paid by telecom operators.

Is Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission a public or private company?

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.

When was Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission founded?

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission was founded in 2002. It employs 101 to 250 people.

Where is Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission based?

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission is headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in the Asia region.

How does Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission make money?

Three revenue lines are on record. License and Spectrum Fees are the primary driver. The others are spectrum Management Fees and non-Tax Revenue Collection.

Who are Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC Thailand), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Broad incumbents are Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA Singapore), Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques (ARCEP France), Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and Ofcom (Office of Communications). ITU (International Telecommunication Union) is listed as an others.

Does Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission have an API?

No public API is recorded for Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.

What industry is Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission in?

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission's product category is Telecommunications Regulation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIAOAI, Communications, Media & Spectrum Regulators. Its NAICS code is 92613.

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Live signals
The Business StandardMobile operators seek rational spectrum pricing to boost investmentMobile operators in Bangladesh, including Grameenphone and Robi, are urging the government to adopt rational spectrum pricing to alleviate high costs that are squeezing network investment and service quality. Industry leaders highlighted that Bangladesh's spectrum costs consume 15-18% of revenue compared to a global average of 7%, arguing for a holistic assessment of sector economics. The call for lower prices was made during a roundtable attended by officials from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the Prime Minister's Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology.Indian Economic ObserverBangladesh's Information and Broadcasting Ministry urges media not to broadcast remarks of former PM Sheikh HasinaBangladesh's Information and Broadcasting Ministry has urged all media outlets in the country to refrain from broadcasting any statements or press releases by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, citing legal obligations and national security concerns. The Ministry pointed to a prior order from Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) prohibiting such broadcasts, which had instructed the Ministry, ICT Division, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, and National Cyber Security Agency to prevent the dissemination of Sheikh Hasina's statements. Sheikh Hasina is currently in India after leaving Bangladesh in August following protests against her government.Daily ObserverBangladesh moves toward 'active sharing' to transform broadband sectorBangladesh's telecommunications regulator, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), has prepared a preliminary draft guideline for 'active sharing' in the broadband sector, allowing multiple ISPs to use common fiber-optic infrastructure instead of building separate networks. The initiative, which follows a stakeholder workshop in April, could expand broadband access from 5 million to 16-17 million households while utilizing only 30-35 percent of existing network capacity. BTRC is reviewing stakeholder feedback and may designate Dhanmondi as Bangladesh's first fully operational active sharing zone before nationwide rollout.The Financial Express700 MHz spectrum auction: Leading mobile operators push for revision of termsThe leading mobile operators in Bangladesh, Grameenphone, Robi Axiata, and Banglalink, have urged the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to revise the terms of the upcoming 700 MHz spectrum auction. They warn that the current pricing and auction design could hinder investment and coverage expansion in rural areas, highlighting discrepancies between proposed allocations and global standards. The operators may consider boycotting the auction if their requests are not addressed, while the BTRC has stated that any price reductions will be decided by the government.The Daily StarLocal handset production drops as grey market expandsBangladesh's local handset production declined by approximately 10 percent in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a dominant grey market holding nearly 40% share and high tax burdens. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is seeking to revive its National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system to curb illegal imports and support domestic manufacturers. Structural challenges including imported component dependency and foreign exchange volatility further exacerbated the industry's struggles.TechCrunchBangladesh regulator orders telcos to stop providing free access to social mediaBangladesh's telecom regulator has ordered internet service providers to stop offering free access to social media services, ending zero-rating deals that allowed users to access platforms without consuming mobile data. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission cited misuse of free social media access for criminal activities as the reason for the order. Major telecom operators Grameenphone and Robi Axiata, which partnered with Facebook for its Free Basics program, said they are complying with the directive, while the future of Free Basics in Bangladesh remains uncertain.