Advisory Council approves new telecom network policy
Staff Reporter :
The Advisory Council on Thursday approved the Telecommunications Network and Licensing Policy, 2025, marking a milestone in the country’s telecom sector.
Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, announced the decision at a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy and shared details of the newly adopted policy.
He said, “The earlier licensing system, which included 3,299 licenses under 26 categories, failed to ensure standardization of telecom services and consistency in pricing based on quality. To overcome this, the new policy has streamlined the structure into just three categories.”
This change will allow regulators to focus on improving Quality of Service (QoS) in line with citizens’ needs, Taiyeb added.
He noted that the old framework enabled middlemen to draw revenue without contributing meaningful value to the industry. “The new policy eliminates that scope. As a result, government earnings will rise and be redirected to citizen-focused programs such as expanding coverage in climate-vulnerable regions and making services affordable,” he said.
According to Taiyeb, the revised policy incorporated around 10 significant changes recommended by a committee led by the Planning Adviser before it was presented to the Advisory Council for final approval.
The updated framework encourages telecom operators to enhance services through both active and passive sharing, thereby improving quality and opening doors for increased foreign direct investment (FDI).
It also paves the way for next-generation services and technologies-including Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), VoWiFi, WiFi-6, WiFi-7, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
By removing barriers to launching digital services, the policy creates opportunities for innovation, especially for SMEs.
“Through this, marginalized communities will also gain access to connectivity, enabling telecom services to contribute effectively to key sectors such as agriculture, education, and healthcare,” Taiyeb said.
Govt resolves Starlink issues: Addressing a query on Starlink’s satellite internet services, Taiyeb said the government has already resolved technical complications.
“There was an HS code-related issue with Starlink equipment, but that has now been addressed. The problem is essentially resolved,” he told reporters at the briefing following the Advisory Council meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon.
The Council also approved the Policy for Renewable Energy-Based Commercial Electricity Generation/Private Participation in Power Plants, 2025, and the draft of the International Crimes (Tribunals) (Third Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.
On concerns about Starlink’s subscription fees, Taiyeb clarified that pricing is determined by the operator itself. “We do not engage in commercial negotiations on their tariff structure. The Ministry of Finance has already cleared Starlink’s proposed price plan,” he said.
However, he added that discussions are underway to expand Starlink’s reach to underserved areas. “We are particularly prioritizing internet access for schools in remote regions such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts,” Taiyeb noted.
