BTRC plans to issue amateur radio licence for community service

FE Report | Published: June 25, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

Country`s telecom regulator has moved to issue amateur radio licence to provide community service non- commercially.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) already made draft instructions and now it is seeking public opinion on the licensing procedure and use of amateur radio in Bangladesh.
People from telecom industry or consumers can send their feedback in response to the BTRC`s call.
BTRC sources said the commission will start the licence issuance process after completion of consultations.
The draft instructions made by the BTRC read that "amateur radio service is considered as a voluntary non-commercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communication".
It said each amateur radio licence holder should be ready to help with severe weather reporting and spotting, supporting evacuations to safe areas, shelter operations, locate people, assisting government agencies, medical help requests, critical supply requests, property damage surveys and cleanup and any other services in favour of humanity.
The licence will be issued to the Bangladeshi entities (resident citizens, Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB)) through examination. Besides, Social welfare / disaster management related government organisations or a school, college or a university in Bangladesh and Amateur Radio Society/Club can also obtain amateur radio licence through application.
According to the regulator instructions, all amateur radio licencees must operate their equipment only in frequencies for Amateur Radio as allocated in National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP). If amateur radio licencee uses frequency of any other service except frequency of amateur band, licence shall be cancelled.
The duration of the licence will be for 3 years initially which will be counted after receiving the approval of licence from the commission.