New telecom policy puts small, medium ISPs at risk

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has welcomed the newly approved telecom policy but urged the government to amend five key clauses to safeguard the interests of small and medium entrepreneurs in the sector.

In a statement, ISPAB highlighted several provisions that it said could jeopardise long-standing district and upazila-level ISPs. Many of these have been operating since 2009 and have decades of experience serving last-mile users.

According to Clause 7.4.5, nationwide and divisional ISPs can become Fixed Telecom Service Providers (FTSP), while district and upazila ISPs can only move up to district-level FTSP.

ISPAB argued that such restrictions should be relaxed, allowing ISPs the freedom to expand into nationwide or district-level FTSPs based on capacity and interest, rather than being compelled into a one-size-fits-all model.

The association also expressed concern over Clause 7.4.7, which limits district FTSPs to providing only internet and data services. ISPAB pointed out that in 2025, internet services now encompass a wide range of digital offerings — including IP telephony, telemedicine, and other emerging solutions — and argued that district ISPs must also be allowed to deliver these services to ensure equal access for last-mile users and prevent discrimination.

Besides, ISPAB criticised the continued authorisation for NTTN (National Transmission Network) operators to connect end users, saying this has led to misuse of ANSP (Access Network Service Provider) domains for unauthorised business activities. The association called for the removal of this provision entirely.

While supporting Clauses 7.7.6 and 7.7.11, which confirm that NTTN operators will remain transmission operators, ISPAB questioned whether areas without NTTN network coverage would continue to face digital exclusion.

It urged policymakers to allow ANSP operators to build transmission networks in underserved regions to reduce digital disparity.

ISPAB warned that without these amendments, the new telecom policy could threaten domestic investment and undermine small and medium ISPs, which form the backbone of broadband expansion in Bangladesh.

A few timely changes cannot only protect entrepreneurs but also significantly improve the quality of broadband services nationwide, the association added.