Local laptops to hit market in June: Raju

Post and Telecommuni­cations Minister Raziuddin Ahmed Razu Thursday said Telephone Shilpa Sangstha (TSS)-made laptops will come into local market by June. The prices of laptop with one year warranty will range from Tk 15,000 to Tk 21,000, Mr Razu told the reporters at a press conference, held at his secretariat office to describe his ministry's success in last two years. "We'll be able to market local laptops by June, which was delayed due to various government procedures." Mr Razu said the government is also planning to reduce the existing SIM tax of Tk 800 each from the next fiscal year. "We're thinking on the SIM tax reduction, as only one operator is financially solvent to pay the tax." The minister said he will visit China to sign a $211 million deal on February 28 relating to third generation (3G) mobile technology. "We've planned that the state-owned Teletalk will first launch the 3G technology in the country." Mr Razu said the government is also contemplating to rationalise the licence fee and spectrum charge of the mobile phone operators. Four mobile phone operators - Banglalink, Citycell, Grameenphone and Robi - claimed on February 8 that the planned licence fee would threaten their business. "We've already talked with four operators, and the decision will be taken soon in this regard," the minister added. Mr Razu said the government has taken moves to introduce Bangla domain. "We're expecting that Bangla domain will be installed soon, and all will be able to write in Bangla." He said Bangladesh will install its own satellite. "We've appointed consultant and earmarked plot for installation of the satellite."