Roll out programme for 3G service faces disruption

Activities of the mobile telecom operators` network roll out programme for third-generation (3G) mobile phone service have faced a virtual halt due to the prevailing political stalemate, industry insiders said.  
Most of the mobile operators have also feared that it would not be possible for them to meet their roll out target, if the current unrest prolongs.  
However, the operators are also concerned over their network safety amid ongoing political turmoil. Network of the operators faced disruption in some areas of the country following cutting of fiber optics, sources said.  
As a result, Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) sent a letter to the Home Ministry and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) demanding of ensuring security of the telecom infrastructure across the country.
TIM Nurul Kabir admitted that the telecom organisation sent letter to the concerned ministries and regulator for ensuring their network security.
He told the FE recently that government should give security of the mobile phone operators` network infrastructure for maintaining smooth communication across the country. Otherwise, disarray in telecommunication could create national crisis.
Telecom operators started their network development activities aggressively since after getting 3G licence in September this year. But it became sloth for the present political unrest, industry insiders said.
A spokesperson of the Grameenphone said the BTRC gave them fixed timeline for their 3G network coverage across the country in phase by phase. As per the timeline of the regulator, the operators have to reach 3G network coverage in seven divisional headquarters by three months of licence receiving.
Talking to the network roll out issue, the GP official informed the FE on the sideline of a program that they had plan more rather than BTRC`s timeline, but the present situation is making them difficult to fulfill their roll out target.
Another spokesperson of Airtel Bangladesh echoed same. He said they could not movement with the vehicle for network development activities. That is why they are also lagging behind from their plan of 3G network roll out.
He mentioned that miscreants cut his company`s fiber optic line in Meherpur.
The Airtel official claimed that they are the fastest growing operators in terms of network readiness and services. To keep their commitment to the customers, their officials are working hard in holidays also.
It is learnt that the 3G customer based of the leading operator Grameenphone and fourth largest operator Airtel crossed 50 thousand each. Everyday a substantial amount of new subscribers are connecting with the 3G services of the operators.