Mobile networks shut within 1km of borders with India
Telecom
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has ordered the mobile operators to shut down mobile networks within one kilometre of borders with India citing security reasons, according to a notice.
Senior Information Officer of BTRC Zakir Hossain told The Business Standard that the government high-ups took the decision and BTRC implemented the technical process.
Telecom operators said the move by the telecom regulator will affect around 10 million users. Four telecom operators, Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi and Teletalk, have already closed around 2,000 base transceiver stations along the borders.
"Mobile network operators in Bangladesh remain compliant with the government regulations, and accordingly, the border network coverage related directive has already been implemented," said Brig Gen SM Farhad (Retd), secretary general of the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh.
Certainly, this decision will leave an impact since a large segment of citizens along the border areas will be out of internet, voice and other mobile services, he said.
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