IETE Technical Review
Vol 23, No 6, November-December 2006, pp 367-374

Next Generation Approach to Solve
Interconnection Problem in Bangladeshs


N H CHOUDHURY

National Project Co-ordinator (ITU-UNDP Project of BTRC, Dhaka).

S N GUPTA

ITU Consultant (Internet Exchange and IP-POI Project of Bangladesh),
Principal Advisor, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, New Delhi.
email: nhchy@gmail.com; sngupta57@yahoo.co

This paper provides a real life case study on usage of Next Generation Networks (NGN) and innovative regulatory approach leading to collaboration among competing operators to solve a complex interconnection problem in Bangladesh. It provides background into the existing interconnection regime in a fast developing telecom scenario, intricacies of the interconnection challenges as well as technological and regulatory options available for such situation. It provides details of a collaborative project taken up by mobile operators including incumbent & regulator with the consultancy support from ITU and UNDP to set up a common Point of Interconnect (POI) using NGN technology at Chittagong. The salient features of regulatory approach and innovative technology used for this project as well as action points for further utilization and improvements have also been suggested..
 

BACKGROUND

BANGLADESH Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) was formed on the 31st of January 2002 under the provision of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act 2001. Immediately after its creation, apart from establishing the institutional framework of the Commission, one of the very first
challenge confronted by it was the interconnection standoff amongst the Telecom Operators- specially between the Incumbent, (Govt owned Bangladesh T&T Board) and the fast growing Cellular Mobile Operators. Because of this customers were suffering as those belonging to Pvt Operators could not access the PSTN customers of BTTB as well as could not make / receive ILD calls. Though the Section 47 of the 2001 Act clearly and exhaustively provides for smooth interconnection amongst and between Operators much remained to be done by the Regulator for facilitating the interconnection amongst the competing operators. So far BTRC has already come out with oneInterconnection Regulation in 2004 which serves as the primary framework to solve the interconnection problem. This needed to be followed up by several steps like preparing the model for Reference Interconnect Order (RIO), declaration of significant market power (SMP) i.e. dominant operator and determination of cost based interconnect usage charge (IUC) in line with the international practices.

Paper No 8-A; Copyright © 2006 by the IETE.

 

  

1.2. Interconnection still remains as one of the most challenging responsibility of a regulator. Though, BTRC has mandated uniform, neutral & transparent interconnection between the telecom operators, if the Interconnection is not timely, efficient & sufficient then the main objective of growth of services is difficult to be met. In practice, it is observed that rules and regulations alone cannot solve the interconnection problem but usage of the appropriate technology can make the best combination for the purpose. This paper describes such an approach as an unique case.

2. REGULATORY INITIATIVES FOR THE INTERCONNECTION.

Several significant initiatives have been taken by BTRC since early 2004. First, it had attempted to establish a systematic interconnection regime for service providers through interconnection regulation, 2004 (www.btrc.org.bd). BTRC issued its interconnection regulation 2004 with an objective of ensuring uniform, neutral and transparent interconnection agreement. But main reliance of the regulation was on the mutual agreements between the operators, rather than on the fixation of Interconnect Usage Charges (IUC) charges, revenue share etc.

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