DHAKA: Grameenphone termed the telecom regulator’s decision of blocking internet bandwidth for its users over the pending issue of payment as illegal and illogical.

This will increase the risk for customers, local businessmen, investors and international internet gateways (IIGs) operators, the mobile phone operator added.

Protesting the decision of Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the country's largest mobile operator held a press conference in a capital city on Sunday (July 7).

Grameenphone Chief Executive Officer Michael Foley, Head of Operations Sajjad Hassib and senior officials were present in the press conference.

At a press conference, Grameenphone said in the conference that the directive was not given directly to Grameenphone, but the BTRC directly states that bandwidth will be limited until the payment of audit demand is realized.

Referring that Grameenphone always abide by the law, the chief executive of the company Michael Foley urged the BTRC to withdraw the directives and cooperate in resolving the “disputed” audit demand issue through a constructive arbitration process under the Arbitration Act 2001.

Earlier, on behalf of Grameenphone, an arbitration notice has been sent to the BTRC for constructive settlement of pending audit claims. 

Grameenphone CEO said the BTRC did not respond to the notice so far.

The mobile phone operator also threatened to go to court as they think the decision taken by BTRC is totally illegal as well as illogical.

Earlier on July 4, BTRC reduced Grameenphone's internet bandwidth by 30 percent and Robi's internet bandwidth by 15 percent, showing the reasons for due payment. 

BDST: 1933 HRS, JULY 7, 2019
RS/SMS