No one’s telecom license will be taken away before its term ends under the new telecom policy. A group of ‘Autocratic Cronies and Mafias’ are spreading misinformation in the name of local investors.
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Foyez Ahmed Taiyeb made the comments at a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Monday, amid concerns from internet service providers about the new telecom policy.
When asked about claims that the proposed policy would harm local telecom investors like ICX and IGW operators, he said, “This is a complete misinterpretation. We have said that when the term for the current licenses ends, no one’s license will be revoked mid-term. Each one was given a license for a specific period, like 10 years or 15 years. The license will not be taken away during its valid period.”
“What will happen is that we will not continue with these types of licenses under the new system. They will have to get a new license through new investment to continue their business,” he added.
Taiyeb said, “We have said for this reason that we will give priority to those who apply for the new license—this is clearly stated in the new policy. Besides, the ICX and IGW operators whose licenses will end around 2027 have the opportunity to work as outsourcing partners with their existing licenses if they wish.”
“So, it is a complete misinterpretation that local businesses are being shut down. They are not,” he continued, “I believe that a group of autocratic cronies and mafias, who created a syndicate and do not want it to be broken, are spreading this misinformation. They do not want new people to enter the telecom business.”
The Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, ICT Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury, and Posts and Telecommunications Division Secretary Md. Zahirul Islam were also present at the event.
