The Bangladeshi telecoms regulator has postponed the country’s planned spectrum auction by about a month until 20 May.
Applications to take part in the auction of 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz spectrum, originally set to take place on 30 April, are now due…
The Bangladeshi telecoms regulator has postponed the country’s planned spectrum auction by about a month until 20 May.
Applications to take part in the auction of 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz spectrum, originally set to take place on 30 April, are now due by 16 April, according to a new timetable issued by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
A list of qualifying applicants is set to be published on 21 April and a consultation on the auction procedure to take place on26 April. A mock auction will be held on 19 May ahead of the main event on 20 May. The winners will be notified that same day.
According to local media reports, mobile operators Grameenphone, Robi, Bangalink and Airtel requested the postponement. Bangladesh News 24 Hours reported that they sent a letter to the finance minister early this month saying they will not take part in the auction unless their demands are met. These include withdrawing VAT on sold spectrum, other tax issues and revising telecoms laws and the spectrum tariff structure.
The operators were not immediately available for comment.
