Regulator goes tough on unwanted telco packages

Body to be formed to protect customers’ interest

Mobile phone operators are still offering unwanted package deals to their subscribers despite Bangladesh Telecommuni-cation Regulatory Commission seventeen months ago assured to take measures to stop these kinds of deals, which in turn create hassle for subscribers.

BTRC Chairman Shahjahan Mahmood, however, said the regulator has lined up different packages, conditions and unwanted offers from operators and decided to form a committee to protect subscribers from deception by offering packages. The regulator will take necessary steps after receiving advice from the committee, BTRC chairman added.

Earlier, on August 30, 2016 BTRC had decided to monitor the content of packages offered to the subscribers by the telecom operators. The decision was made in the 199th meeting of the telecom regulator.

Also, the commission said that the operator will have to take clearance from BTRC before offering any package.

The telecom regulator took the decision to protect subscribers from deception by offering packages. The commission also asked the operator to make the language of package simple and not to impose hidden charge and hidden condition.   

But there has been no progress in implementing the decision till today. Mobile phone operators are still offering unwanted package deals to the subscribers.

Also, Systems and Services Division of BTRC was asked to follow the proper guideline for the language used by the operators. The division generally gives permission to the operators for package, tariff and service messages.

If any operators do not ask permission beforehand from Systems and Services Division than according to Directive on Service and Tariff 2015 the alleged operators may have to pay fine, pay the subscriber compensation or in the worst case scenario can have their licence cancelled as well.

Earlier, BTRC Chairman Shahjahan Mahmood told The Independent that the decision came after the allegation against the country’s biggest operator at the Chittagong Judge Court by a lawyer claming that the operator gave misleading information.

Many a times it has been seen that operators would start a package without the knowledge of the subscriber. Thus, as a result with the starting of the offer package the subscriber would unwillingly pay for the package.

There has been also complains about the validity of the packages. The automated system of the packages creates a lot of problems for the subscribers.

Subscribers many a times pay for voice, internet MMS, SMS packages without having any knowledge about the package. Validity for those packages extends one, two or three days but, even though after the expiration of the package the subscribers still pay more money.

BTRC chairman also added that this in turn can only be termed as fraud and the telecom regulator is always working to stop these types of unwanted offers. 

“The packages should be weekly and monthly.

Though there could be exception on Eid, Puja and X- mas, he said.

 

Regulator goes tough on unwanted telco packages

Body to be formed to protect customers interest

Mobile phone operators are still offering unwanted package deals to their subscribers despite Bangladesh Telecommuni-cation Regulatory Commission seventeen months ago assured to take measures to stop these kinds of deals, which in turn create hassle for subscribers. BTRC Chairman Shahjahan Mahmood, however, said the regulator has lined up different packages, conditions and unwanted offers from operators and decided to form a committee to protect subscribers from deception by offering packages. The regulator will take necessary steps after receiving advice from the committee, BTRC chairman added. Earlier, on August 30, 2016 BTRC had decided to monitor the content of packages offered to the subscribers by the telecom operators. The decision was made in the 199th meeting of the telecom regulator. Also, the commission said that the operator will have to take clearance from BTRC before offering any package. The telecom regulator took the decision to protect subscribers from deception by offering packages. The commission also asked the operator to make the language of package simple and not to impose hidden charge and hidden condition. But there has been no progress in implementing the decision till today. Mobile phone operators are still offering unwanted package deals to the subscribers. Also, Systems and Services Division of BTRC was asked to follow the proper guideline for the language used by the operators. The division generally gives permission to the operators for package, tariff and service messages. If any operators do not ask permission beforehand from Systems and Services Division than according to Directive on Service and Tariff 2015 the alleged operators may have to pay fine, pay the subscriber compensation or in the worst case scenario can have their licence cancelled as well. Earlier, BTRC Chairman Shahjahan Mahmood told The Independent that the decision came after the allegation against the countrys biggest operator at the Chittagong Judge Court by a lawyer claming that the operator gave misleading information. Many a times it has been seen that operators would start a package without the knowledge of the subscriber. Thus, as a result with the starting of the offer package the subscriber would unwillingly pay for the package. There has been also complains about the validity of the packages. The automated system of the packages creates a lot of problems for the subscribers. Subscribers many a times pay for voice, internet MMS, SMS packages without having any knowledge about the package. Validity for those packages extends one, two or three days but, even though after the expiration of the package the subscribers still pay more money. BTRC chairman also added that this in turn can only be termed as fraud and the telecom regulator is always working to stop these types of unwanted offers. The packages should be weekly and monthly. Though there could be exception on Eid, Puja and X- mas, he said.