07 April 2022

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has introduced big changes to mobile data and other packages, in a bid to provide more relief to mobile users.

This move will cut the number of offers and enable customers to carry forward their unused data of the current deal to the next one.

The new guideline from the regulator means operators have to bring down the number of packages from a few hundred packages to 95.

“There are numerous packages in the market that are creating confusion and customers are complaining about this at the ministry, call centre of the BTRC, and during public hearings,” said Subrata Roy Maitra, vice chairman of the BTRC. “We have taken this step to simplify data packages so that customers can easily select their desired packages.”

According to the new directives, an operator can offer 95 packages across three categories: regular packages, customer-centric special packages, and research and development packages.

The number of regular packages, which are aimed at all types of subscribers, could be as high as 50, while the number of customer-centric special packages, which are for targeted groups of customers, will be a maximum of 35.

Others will come in the research and development category to allow operators to analyse the viability of packages and trends.

Every package will contain four types of duration: three, seven, 15 and 30-day.

“While the company has complied, we also believe in understanding customers’ needs and package simplification diversification accordingly for ensuring a better customer experience,” said Md Hasan, head of external communications at Grameenphone.

Ankit Sureka, head of corporate communications and sustainability of Banglalink, added that the number of products should not be limited, as people now expect customised products. “So, customers should be given the liberty of choosing the best ones that could be unique for them,” he said.

Thanks to the new directive, the unused data can be carried forward if customers purchase the same package before its expiration, regardless of duration.

From March 1, the customers can transfer the unused data and talk-time to the same package if it is bought before the existing offer expires.

Furthermore, the data can be transferred to the new package under the other three types of duration.