The Bangladesh Telecommu-nication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued sections of directions to operate Internet Service Provider (ISP) legally and to stop illegal internet connections.

In the meantime, as soon as the directions are met some four thousand illegal internet connection providers would no longer be in operation, sources said.

Meantime, about 5 crore internet users are taking services; 4.20 crore are from mobile phone operators while the rest are taking service from ISP.  

Currently, so far 600 ISP have been in operation having license across the country. But, a huge number of internet providers were reported to be running illegal operation by manipulating the licensed ISP.  

Besides, the licensed ISPs give illegal opportunity to the illegal internet providers allowing those to name as their PoP (point of presence) or Reseller.

Considering the anomalies, and to bring security and accountability in the sector, the BTRC issued directions in a press release. Besides, the direction would help the true ISP business in the country having utmost security of the country, read the BTRC.

The BTRC directions includes from now on, BTRC approval will be compulsory to install new PoP, to install PoP or to continue the old PoP’s operation the registered ISP/category ISP have to renew the license.

Besides, ISP has there own website which would contain commission approved information such as— detailed address of PoP, name of PoP operator and phone number would have to be there.       

Abdul Halim, general secretary of Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), welcoming the directions said it will initiate a healthy environment in the sector.

Due to the illegal internet provider’s operation, the registered ISPs have long been facing difficulties in running the business, he alleged.

Sources said that local ruling party people were controlling the ISP business; as a result, the government could not bring security, accountability and proper order in the sector.