Staff Correspondent

The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers’ Association (BMPCA) has urged the government and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to revise policies to reduce the floor price for voice calls, aiming to make communication more affordable.

The BMPCA has called for the complete elimination of call drops, emphasising the importance of ensuring uninterrupted and reliable mobile phone services.

The association raised concerns over the current floor price of voice calls, which was increased from Tk 0.25 to Tk 0.45, stating it has adversely affected consumers.

According to the association, this policy has stifled competition among operators, leading to increased costs for users without a corresponding improvement in service quality.

Besides, the ceiling price for calls currently stands at Tk 2, with some operators adding VAT and other charges, further burdening customers.

The BMPCA points out that while voice calls are free in many developed countries, Bangladeshi consumers face disproportionately high charges.

The association demands a more competitive and affordable pricing structure, even suggesting the possibility of free voice calls to match global trends.

Recommendations on Call Pricing

The BMPCA has outlined several recommendations to reform call pricing:

1. Affordable Call Rates: Reduce or eliminate the floor price to make call rates more accessible to all users.

2. Special Packages for Rural and Low-Income Groups: Introduce customised call packages for those in rural areas who heavily rely on mobile communication.

3. Per-Second Billing: Expand per-second billing systems to ensure fairer charges based on actual usage.

Demand for Policy Changes to Eliminate Call Drops

Citing a 2018 High Court ruling, the BMPCA has called on the BTRC to enforce its directive to eliminate call drops and compensate affected consumers.

While current guidelines allow a 2% call drop rate, the BMPCA believes stricter measures are necessary.

They argue that call drops not only inconvenience users but also amount to financial loss.

Suggestions to Address Call Drops

The BMPCA has proposed several measures to combat call drops:

1. Customer Compensation: Provide free minutes or data for every dropped call, ensuring consumers are compensated for disruptions.

2. Network Development: Mandate operators and associated ecosystem entities, such as tower companies, to enhance network quality, particularly in rural and remote areas.

3. Enhanced Monitoring: Require the BTRC to conduct regular quality checks on operators’ networks and promptly address consumer complaints.

4. Transparency in Reporting: Compel operators to publish monthly call drop statistics and corresponding compensation measures on the BTRC’s website.

Additional Demands

The BMPCA has also called for the following actions:

Fair Billing Systems: Ensure transparent and equitable billing mechanisms for consumers.

Improved Customer Service: Strengthen customer care services and establish a one-stop service corner at the BTRC to address consumer grievances efficiently.

Consumer Frustration and Loss of Trust

The BMPCA warned that public dissatisfaction with the current state of mobile services is growing, with many consumers losing trust in the regulatory body.

They believe implementing these recommendations is essential to restoring consumer confidence and creating a more equitable telecommunications environment.

This letter, signed by Sheikh Farid, Information and Office Secretary of the BMPCA, underscores the pressing need for reforms to improve affordability and service quality in the telecom sector.