BTRC

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is the national regulatory authority for telecommunications in Bangladesh. It was established in 2001 under the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Act 2001 to regulate the telecom sector and to replace the former Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board. The Commission operates as an autonomous statutory body under the government, with its headquarters in Dhaka.

Mandate and functions: BTRC's mandate includes licensing, spectrum management, numbering, interconnection, and regulation of service quality. It grants licenses to telecom operators and service providers, allocates and manages radio frequency spectrum, maintains the National Numbering Plan, and regulates interconnection and roaming agreements between operators. It monitors operator compliance with technical and quality standards and handles consumer protection and complaint resolution. It also works to promote fair competition, telecom infrastructure development, and digital inclusion, and it cooperates with other government agencies on security and policy matters.

Regulatory powers: The Commission issues licenses, enforces regulations, conducts audits and market surveillance, and has the authority to impose penalties or revoke licenses for violations. It develops technical standards, policy guidelines, and regulatory orders used by operators and service providers to comply with the law.

Scope: BTRC regulates public telecommunications services, including mobile, fixed-line, broadband, and other wireless communications.

Impact: As the primary regulator, BTRC shapes market access, quality of service, and consumer rights in Bangladesh's telecom sector.