Robi finally pays fine following BTRC restrictions

Mobile operator Robi Axiata Limited on Sunday deposited Tk 20,400 in fine imposed by telecoms regulator for the operator’s delay in blocking four SIM cards that were used in illegal VoIP, officials said.

Robi deposited the money after the BTRC (Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission) took a tough stance against the mobile phone operator for non-payment of the penalty.

The BTRC on September 28 initiated the move to refrain from supporting and giving approval to any application of the mobile phone operator for the delay in paying the penalty. Robi, however, claimed it failed to block the SIM cards due to technical glitches.

The BTRC, however, is yet to lift the embargo as another Tk 9,200 fine that was imposed on Airtel, which has merged with Robi, is yet to be deposited.

Following its merger with Airtel, Robi Axiata Limited emerged as the second largest mobile phone operator of Bangladesh.

When contacted, corporate communications department of Robi Axiata that is a joint venture between Axiata Group Berhad of Malaysia, Bharti Airtel Limited of India and NTT DoCoMo Inc of Japan, declined to comment on the fine payment.

Axiata holds 68.7 per cent controlling stake in Robi Axiata, Bharti holds 25 per cent while the remaining 6.3 per cent is held by NTT DOCOMO of Japan.

Robi finally pays fine following BTRC restrictions

Mobile operator Robi Axiata Limited on Sunday deposited Tk 20,400 in fine imposed by telecoms regulator for the operators delay in blocking four SIM cards that were used in illegal VoIP, officials said. Robi deposited the money after the BTRC (Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission) took a tough stance against the mobile phone operator for non-payment of the penalty. The BTRC on September 28 initiated the move to refrain from supporting and giving approval to any application of the mobile phone operator for the delay in paying the penalty. Robi, however, claimed it failed to block the SIM cards due to technical glitches. The BTRC, however, is yet to lift the embargo as another Tk 9,200 fine that was imposed on Airtel, which has merged with Robi, is yet to be deposited. Following its merger with Airtel, Robi Axiata Limited emerged as the second largest mobile phone operator of Bangladesh. When contacted, corporate communications department of Robi Axiata that is a joint venture between Axiata Group Berhad of Malaysia, Bharti Airtel Limited of India and NTT DoCoMo Inc of Japan, declined to comment on the fine payment. Axiata holds 68.7 per cent controlling stake in Robi Axiata, Bharti holds 25 per cent while the remaining 6.3 per cent is held by NTT DOCOMO of Japan.