BTRC opens 2.4, 5.7 GHz band for internet service through Wi-Fi tech

Country's telecom regulator has opened 2.4 and 5.7 GHz band for providing internet service through Wi-Fi technology across the country.
The regulator took the initiative to make available internet to the people at a cheaper rate in a bid to accelerate digitalisation activities across the country.
It will allow an individual or an institution like mobile phone operators, private, corporate, public and national entity for establishing the Wi-Fi band in a short range at low power consumption to provide high speed digital wireless service, according to the regulator.
However, the BTRC restricted the mobile phone operators to give the service in Dhaka and Chittagong city corporation areas.
The Wi-Fi service providers using the band do not need to pay licence or spectrum fees.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) finally opened the 2.4 and 5.7 GHz band for the WiFi based internet service on Sunday last.  In 2012, the regulator had made a guideline in this regard.
BTRC sources said it is a licence exempted band. There is no charge for licence and no exclusive allocation of spectrum for the utilisation of the band.
This initiative will also materialise the government's vision of "Digital Bangladesh 2021" and to provide a more liberal regulatory regime for users, manufacturers, operators, regulators, importers and suppliers in Bangladesh under 'unlicensed' band which is also called 'Wi-Fi' band.  
According to the BTRC data, Wi-Fi operators need to pay only a fee of Tk 500 and application processing fee of Tk 5,000.
BTRC declares 83.5 MHz and 150 MHz bands as Wi-Fi band. A total of 233.5MHz bandwidth has been stored for Wi-Fi services, according to the guideline.
It may be noted that access to the spectrum will be on share basis. No exclusive spectrum will be allocated to specific operator.
According to a BTRC official who is an expert on spectrum, internet through Wi-Fi technology will reduce cost sharply, even its using cost will be half than that of 3G mobile services ensuring high speed. He said Wi-Fi hotspot will be allowed up to 200 metre range.
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Grameenphone Mahmud Hossain said it would be the cost effective service.
He told the FE Sunday that "People will enjoy real wireless experience through Wi-Fi technology in an efficient manner at cheaper rate due to the opening of the band."
He said this initiative will reduce load of BTS creating opportunity for the customers to get quality internet service.
Vice-President, ISP Association of Bangladesh Suman Ahmed Sabir welcomed the decision of the BTRC and said this initiative will make internet available at a reduced cost.
He also said small operators will be benefitted in the two cities-Dhaka and Chittagong in the absence of the mobile phone operators' service.