The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is struggling to recover Tk33.72 crore in outstanding dues from internet protocol telephony service provider (IPTSP) operators whose licences have been cancelled or are in the process of cancellation. Two companies alone account for Tk30 crore of the amount.
Total outstanding dues from 56 licensed IPTSP operators stand at Tk34.62 crore, according to a report placed at the commission’s October meeting.
IDEA Networks and Communications Ltd is the largest defaulter, owing Tk21.21 crore, followed by Digital Connectivity Ltd with Tk8.79 crore. Both companies’ licences have been cancelled, and certificate cases have been filed to recover their dues.
Together, the two companies owe Tk30 crore, accounting for nearly 87 per cent of BTRC’s total outstanding dues from IPTSP operators.
The report identifies Tk33.72 crore as outstanding from operators whose licences have been cancelled or are undergoing cancellation. Separately, it says BTRC has filed certificate cases against seven operators to recover dues, while proceedings to file cases against five others are underway. The remaining 30 operators in the licence-cancellation category have no outstanding dues.
BTRC has issued 56 IPTSP licences under nationwide, divisional and central zone categories. The commission’s report shows that 14 licences have been cancelled, while the cancellation process for another licence is underway.
Among other major defaulters, Global Access Ltd owes Tk71.05 lakh, Pritty International (Pvt) Ltd Tk65.82 lakh, Bangladesh Internet Exchange Ltd Tk39.10 lakh, Sadiatec Ltd Tk29.07 lakh and Communication One (Pvt) Ltd Tk21.58 lakh.
Separately, 12 of the 15 operators undergoing licence renewal owe the commission Tk84 lakh. BTRC is also pursuing Tk89.67 lakh in outstanding dues from 10 of the remaining 26 operators through regular communication.
The commission has decided to impose a 50 per cent capping on four operators – ICC Communication Ltd, Idea Tech Ltd, Aamra Networks Ltd and Sarker Communication – for failing to pay their outstanding dues within the stipulated timeframe.
Following an application by Telebangla Communications Ltd for instalment-based payment, BTRC has allowed the company to clear its outstanding dues in four monthly instalments from November 2026 to February 2027, subject to a 15 per cent late fee.
The commission has also directed its licensing division to take necessary measures against five operators – Antaranga Dot Com Ltd, Business Network, Skyview Online Ltd, Dot Internet and Global Voice.com – for failing to commence operations.
Under an earlier decision taken at the commission’s 307th meeting on 20 May 2026, operators that submit complete licence renewal applications at least 180 days before expiry can pay revenue sharing, the Social Obligation Fund and annual licence fees for the subsequent licence period without late fees if their renewal applications remain under consideration by the commission or ministry.
However, operators that fail to meet compliance requirements, settle previous dues or submit renewal applications within the stipulated timeframe must pay the relevant charges along with late fees.
