Mobile phone users call for reducing prices of voice calls, data packages
Over a dozen people made the demand at an open public hearing organised by Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association (BMPCA)
Mobile phone users have called on the interim government to reduce prices of voice calls and data packages.
Frustrated with the poor quality of voice calls, slow internet speeds, and high costs, over a dozen people made the demand at an open public hearing organised by the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association (BMPCA) in front of National Press Club today (28 September), marking the association's 10th anniversary.
Speaking as the chief guest, former Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission member Mukul E-Ilahi Chowdhury said, "The current government should unveil a specific roadmap for reforming the telecommunications and internet services by addressing the complaints and demands of customers to ensure high-quality, uninterrupted services.
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"For the mass people's affordability costs of the services must be reduced," he added.
Khalid Abu Naser, the association's adviser and former director of the Bangladesh Competition Commission, said, "If exploitation at every layer of the telecommunications ecosystem could be reduced, voice calls and data prices could be decreased by 10% to 12% immediately."
"Despite claims of competition within the sector, there is no real competition."
He urged the government and telecommunication regulator to take prompt actions so that competition ensures quality services at affordable prices.
BMPCA President Mohiuddin Ahmed said the prices of internet data packs and voice calls increased over the past one and half month and there should be an explanation from the companies and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
He reiterated the popular demand for unlimited and non-expiring internet data.
BMPCA General Secretary Advocate Abubakkar Siddique said, "The ministry remains unchanged, just as it was during the previous government, and that no signs of change are visible.
The number of mobile phone subscribers has surpassed the population of Bangladesh as many people use multiple operator's connections.
However, over 40% of the population still remained unconnected, according to the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh.
