Formulating telecom policy to make ICT-based society underscored

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FE Report Speakers at a national dialogue Wednesday underscored the need for formulation of a comprehensive telecommunication policy to make an information and communication technology (ICT)-based society for sustainable economic development. They said the government should focus on building telecom infrastructure to the rural level in the upcoming 'National telecom policy 2012' for exploration of the real potential of the ICT sector. Over taxation on the telecom sector and harsh rule are deemed as barriers to next level growth of the sector, they said. Bangladesh Unnayan Parishad organised the national dialogue on 'Draft National Telecom Policy - A Roadmap towards Sustainable Growth of Economy through Telecom and ICT' at CIRDAP auditorium in the city. Posts and Telecommunication Minister Shahara Khatun and Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu spoke in the programme as the guests of honour. PKSF (Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation) Chairman Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Sunil Kanti Bose, telecom secretary Abubakar Siddique and Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) President and chief executive officer of mobile operator Robi Michael Kuehner, among others, took part in the event as discussants. Dr Sharif Bhuiyan presented keynote paper on the 'Draft national telecom policy 2012' in the roundtable. The speakers noted that the telecom policy should be made through consultation with all stakeholders concerned so that it could be acceptable to all. They said the government should create such an environment that would encourage local and foreign investment in the telecom sector to spread up ICT facility across the country. While addressing the programme, Shahara Khatun said the current telecom policy will be formulated to spread the ICT sector to all levels. "When young generation will be used to ICT, then the country will see real development of the sector," the minister said. The information minister said the country is not being really benefited from the ICT sector for lack of concerted efforts. "Without increasing broadband internet penetration, there will be no real ICT-based development in the country," Mr Inu said adding that 10 per cent tele-density increases one per cent GDP (gross domestic product). Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said ICT has the opportunity to contribute to all sectors. He said mobile operators should make logical profit by protecting the customers' right and affordability. Sunil Kanti Bose said the government should change its mindset relating to revenue earning from the telecom sector as thinking only revenue earning will halt its real growth. He said some ministries should work together for getting long-term benefit from the sector. Abubakar Siddique said there will be some stages to formulate the telecom policy. They will consider the recommendations of the stakeholders during finalisation of the policy, he added.