Restrictions withdrawn: Even hourly mobile data pack allowed
Withdrawing the prevailing restrictions on tenure of the mobile internet packages, the telecom regulator on Sunday allowed mobile operators to offer even hourly data packs.
However, an hourly pack will be limited within 200 Megabyte (MB) data, according to the latest directive by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
Similarly, the daily packs have been limited to 3 GB, 2-day packs within 5GB and 3-day packs within 8 GB.
The regulator in October 2023 ordered operators to stop all other data packages other than those for 7 days, 30 days and those for an unlimited period. The restriction was opposed by both consumers and operators.
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Having found that around 70% users prefer the 3-day packs, it let operators offer 1,3,7, 30-day packs alongside the unlimited packs in July last year.
Still, mobile internet subscription dropped to some 13.72 crore in October, from 14.22 crore in June.
Like before, unused data will expire unless a user buys the same pack before the expiration.
Welcoming the regulatory relaxation, mobile operators said it would help them offer more customer centric and innovative services.
Grameenphone Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Tanveer Mohammad said, "It has created opportunities for us to deliver innovative services to our customers, ultimately enhancing their overall experience.
Stressing further space for refinements, he said, flexible and principle-based guidelines or directives can play a significant role in bringing more people under digital inclusion to reduce the digital divide.
The BTRC encouraged all operators to offer a free 200 MB pack every month to all active users for deeper internet penetration.
Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer of Banglalink Taimur Rahman said, "We appreciate initiatives by the regulator to reduce regulatory complexities related to products and services. We do believe having the right to design products to targeted customers will enable us to be more customer-centric."
"At the same time, we also emphasise the need to ensure proper and fair competition in the market to ensure the freedom of choice for the mobile users in Bangladesh," he added.
