Banglalink now wants ‘010’ series

After getting a new series number, now Banglalink (BL)—one of the largest mobile operators—has applied for a new series number of 010 to the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC). In a letter, Banglalink said its series number 019 is nearly full. It argued that to survive in this competitive market, it needs a new series of number to slug it out with two major operators—GrameenPhone (GP) and Robi Axiata—which have already got two series of numbers. A BTRC official disclosed that they received Banglalink’s letter yesterday. He said Banglalink would be informed about the BTRC's decision after discussions are held with commission members.
As of July this year, Bangladesh had 128.939 million subscribers of six mobile operators. Among the six, the biggest mobile operator—GrameenPhone—alone has 56.3 million and Robi-Airtel, a newly merged company, has 36.172 million. Banglalink has 31.36 million and TeleTalk has 4.437 million subscribers. The smallest operator, CityCell, is under pressure to pay dues of Tk. 477 crore to the government. If it fails to pay up, CityCell could be closed, as per the court’s decision.
Banglalink’s letter, signed by its chief corporate and regulatory affairs officer, Taimur Rahman, stated that: “We understand that two of the other operators are in the process of being in a position to offer numbers from two different number series each to the market. As the number (MSISDN) still plays a role in the process of attracting customers and especially high value corporate customers, the ability to offer a wider range of numbers gives considerable competitive advantage from a marketing perspective. Not being on a level playing field as regards this regulated right would put BL at a disadvantageous position in this market.” Banglalink launched its service in February 2005 and has more than 31 million active subscribers. It had to block nearly 5 million inactive subscribers. As per BTRC rules, all operators have to keep the inactive numbers for 18 months. Banglalink said the remaining 20 per cent of vacant numbers would be utilised within two years. BTRC recently approved the application of Grameenphone for a new series number 013 with some conditions, as Grameenphone said it has already used 90 per cent of its numbers, which include active and inactive numbers. Robi is going to take over AirTel numbers of 016. Industry insiders noted that as per the subscriber figures announced by BTRC, the market share of Grameenphone is 43.66 per cent, BL 24.32 per cent, Robi+Airtel 28.05 per cent, TeleTalk 3.44 per cent and CityCell 0.52 per cent.

Banglalink now wants 010 series

After getting a new series number, now Banglalink (BL)one of the largest mobile operatorshas applied for a new series number of 010 to the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC). In a letter, Banglalink said its series number 019 is nearly full. It argued that to survive in this competitive market, it needs a new series of number to slug it out with two major operatorsGrameenPhone (GP) and Robi Axiatawhich have already got two series of numbers. A BTRC official disclosed that they received Banglalinks letter yesterday. He said Banglalink would be informed about the BTRCs decision after discussions are held with commission members. As of July this year, Bangladesh had 128.939 million subscribers of six mobile operators. Among the six, the biggest mobile operatorGrameenPhonealone has 56.3 million and Robi-Airtel, a newly merged company, has 36.172 million. Banglalink has 31.36 million and TeleTalk has 4.437 million subscribers. The smallest operator, CityCell, is under pressure to pay dues of Tk. 477 crore to the government. If it fails to pay up, CityCell could be closed, as per the courts decision. Banglalinks letter, signed by its chief corporate and regulatory affairs officer, Taimur Rahman, stated that: We understand that two of the other operators are in the process of being in a position to offer numbers from two different number series each to the market. As the number (MSISDN) still plays a role in the process of attracting customers and especially high value corporate customers, the ability to offer a wider range of numbers gives considerable competitive advantage from a marketing perspective. Not being on a level playing field as regards this regulated right would put BL at a disadvantageous position in this market. Banglalink launched its service in February 2005 and has more than 31 million active subscribers. It had to block nearly 5 million inactive subscribers. As per BTRC rules, all operators have to keep the inactive numbers for 18 months. Banglalink said the remaining 20 per cent of vacant numbers would be utilised within two years. BTRC recently approved the application of Grameenphone for a new series number 013 with some conditions, as Grameenphone said it has already used 90 per cent of its numbers, which include active and inactive numbers. Robi is going to take over AirTel numbers of 016. Industry insiders noted that as per the subscriber figures announced by BTRC, the market share of Grameenphone is 43.66 per cent, BL 24.32 per cent, Robi+Airtel 28.05 per cent, TeleTalk 3.44 per cent and CityCell 0.52 per cent.