Telcos hit by COVID-19

Obstructions by law enforcers disrupt retail operations: AMTOB

Mobile phone operators have alleged that they are being obstructed by law enforcers from providing services during the general holidays declared by the government to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

At some places, officials and representatives of mobile network operators are facing challenges from law enforcement agencies during their official work, including network management, recharge, and distribution and customer service, sources said.

As per the public administration circular, telecom has been declared as an emergency service. Following the government's instructions, mobile network operators have been providing uninterrupted services across the country.

Sources said a sales executive of a mobile operator faced obstructions from law enforcers in the Hatirjheel area of the capital yesterday. Hatirjheel police disrupted his work at the market of Modhubag, Nayatola lane. Although he showed his ID card and other required documents to the police, they refused to acknowledge them and forced him to leave the market.

Another source from Sylhet said a sales executive of a mobile operator for South Surma Territory of Sylhet was fined by Army personnel while working at a market. He showed all the documents, but was forced to leave.

A source from Joypurhat said Army personnel forced the closure of a GPCF without considering papers shown by executives.

A sales executive of Chapainawabganj was arrested by the local police while distributing services in the market, though he tried to convince the law enforcers that telecommunication falls under emergency services.

The area distributor somehow freed the sales executive, but the police are yet to return his motorbike, said a source.

Another source at Sylhet said Beanibazar police station asked a franchisee to shut down his GPCF until further orders. Although the franchisee showed all required documents, the officer-in-charge refused to accept those and ordered closure of the GPCF.

The franchisee said it would impact customers on a large scale.

A source from a mobile network operator said they provided adequate papers to their retailers to show that telecommunication was an emergency service. So, retailers opened their shops. Law enforcers fined each of them Tk 5,000, though they had the required documents. This has forced retailers to lose faith in mobile operators.

Meanwhile, (AMTOB), in a press statement said the telecom sector is experiencing challenges similar to those faced by all other sectors of the economy due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are already observing trends in usage patterns that may leave some dent on their overall revenue. Due to the current scenario, MNOs have reduced data pack tariffs by up to 50 per cent in some cases, it said.

The move has caused around 15 to 20 percent data usage growth, but data monetization still remains low for MNOs. Voice calls have drastically dropped by up to 20 percent over the last couple of days, the statement read.

Telcos hit by COVID-19

Obstructions by law enforcers disrupt retail operations: AMTOB

Mobile phone operators have alleged that they are being obstructed by law enforcers from providing services during the general holidays declared by the government to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. At some places, officials and representatives of mobile network operators are facing challenges from law enforcement agencies during their official work, including network management, recharge, and distribution and customer service, sources said. As per the public administration circular, telecom has been declared as an emergency service. Following the governments instructions, mobile network operators have been providing uninterrupted services across the country. Sources said a sales executive of a mobile operator faced obstructions from law enforcers in the Hatirjheel area of the capital yesterday. Hatirjheel police disrupted his work at the market of Modhubag, Nayatola lane. Although he showed his ID card and other required documents to the police, they refused to acknowledge them and forced him to leave the market. Another source from Sylhet said a sales executive of a mobile operator for South Surma Territory of Sylhet was fined by Army personnel while working at a market. He showed all the documents, but was forced to leave. A source from Joypurhat said Army personnel forced the closure of a GPCF without considering papers shown by executives. A sales executive of Chapainawabganj was arrested by the local police while distributing services in the market, though he tried to convince the law enforcers that telecommunication falls under emergency services. The area distributor somehow freed the sales executive, but the police are yet to return his motorbike, said a source. Another source at Sylhet said Beanibazar police station asked a franchisee to shut down his GPCF until further orders. Although the franchisee showed all required documents, the officer-in-charge refused to accept those and ordered closure of the GPCF. The franchisee said it would impact customers on a large scale. A source from a mobile network operator said they provided adequate papers to their retailers to show that telecommunication was an emergency service. So, retailers opened their shops. Law enforcers fined each of them Tk 5,000, though they had the required documents. This has forced retailers to lose faith in mobile operators. Meanwhile, (AMTOB), in a press statement said the telecom sector is experiencing challenges similar to those faced by all other sectors of the economy due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are already observing trends in usage patterns that may leave some dent on their overall revenue. Due to the current scenario, MNOs have reduced data pack tariffs by up to 50 per cent in some cases, it said. The move has caused around 15 to 20 percent data usage growth, but data monetization still remains low for MNOs. Voice calls have drastically dropped by up to 20 percent over the last couple of days, the statement read.