BTRC show-caused for allowing GP to sell SIM cards

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has been show-caused for allowing Grameenphone (GP) to sell unused pre-approved old SIM cards.

The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has sent the notice, signed on October 19 by Deputy Secretary Syed Shariful Islam, to the BTRC.

It asked the telecom regulator to explain why it gave Grameenphone permission to sell SIM cards despite the ministry’s ban.

On September 15, the BTRC partially lifted the ban on selling pre-approved SIM cards that were not in use for over 15 months, keeping the ban on new SIM card sales in force. The number of such SIM cards is around 13 lakh.

Post and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar said it is a very simple matter.

“The ministry issued a ban in black and white. The BTRC then asked Grameenphone to stop selling all SIM cards as per the ban,” he said.

He also said the ministry is the higher authority.

“We instructed the lower authorities, and no institution can disobey the order. The BTRC has not received any approval from the ministry. That is why the ministry has sought an explanation from them.”

Jabbar said the next course of action would be decided based on the BTRC’s reply.

On June 28, the ministry directed Grameenphone to stop selling new SIM cards, saying the company was not being able to ensure the quality of service.

The next day, the BTRC informed Grameenphone of the directive.