This section features background information and resources relevant to the current research theme. It includes resources produced by WDR and external sources and is organised by regions and topics. An archive of resources recommended in previous research cycles is also available along with news from the WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News Service.
Bangladesh: Regulator develops infrastructure sharing guidelines Print E-mail
Tuesday, 09 September 2008

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has developed guidelines for network infrastructure sharing.

Infrastructure sharing refers to the use of network infrastructure by two or more operators. Shared facilities will include base station sites, backbone and towers and should reduce duplication of investment in network facilities, according to BRTC officials. The officials said the guidelines would promote the availability of high quality, efficient and competitive telecommunication services throughout the country by ensuring optimum utilization of resources.

The guideline is formulated to encourage telecommunications operators to remove uncertainty and create a framework for better cooperation. Infrastructure sharing includes the requirement to lease or rent infrastructure on a non-discriminatory basis to other service providers. Operators are expected to provide capacity to other operators on a non-discriminatory, first come, first served basis. The guidelines are subject to relevant laws, rules and regulations in conjunction with the operators’ license conditions.

Tariffs for infrastructure sharing are to be mutually agreed upon based on the Commission’s directives. In case of tariff disputes, the decision of the Commission shall be final and binding upon the parties.

All operators are required to publish on their websites detailed information describing the infrastructure available for sharing with other operators. The list must be updated monthly.

Source: United News of Bangladesh - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News.