BTRC bars GP from selling any SIM card

In addition to the existing suspension of new SIM card sale, Grameenphone now also cannot sell its old SIM cards.

The decision was announced by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Shyam Sunder Sikder.

The telecom regulator took the decision on Sunday at a meeting and sent the directive in a letter to the Grameenphone authorities.

“A BTRC letter on Sunday asked Grameenphone to refrain from selling pre-approved recycled SIM cards too. It means, Grameenphone neither can sell old SIM card nor new ones,” Kahirul Basher, Head of Corporate Communications of Grameenphone told the Business Post.

On 15 September, BTRC partially withdrew the ban on the sale of Grameenphone (GP) SIM cards allowing GP to sell pre-approved SIM cards that had not been in use for over 15 months. But the ban on new SIM card sales will remain in force.

Following the partial withdrawal of ban Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission was show-caused for allowing Grameenphone (GP) to sell unused pre-approved old SIM cards on October 19.

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

Post and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar said 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.

The BTRC has not received any approval from the ministry. That is why the ministry has sought an explanation from them.

On 28 June, 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.