The service quality provided by mobile operators was criticised by Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the State Minister for the Ministry of Post, Telecommunication, and Information Technology, citing a report from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
Palak made these remarks as the chief guest at a meeting on customer service quality at the BTRC building in Agargaon on Sunday, emphasising widespread dissatisfaction among mobile users. He highlighted frequent call drops as a major issue impacting service quality.
"We observe significant dissatisfaction among mobile customers due to frequent call drops. This adversely affects service quality, as indicated by the latest BTRC test report," Palak stated.
Expressing his commitment to enhancing Bangladesh's telecom ecosystem, Palak stressed the need for tangible improvements rather than mere assurances from operators within the next six months. He underscored the importance of aligning service standards with global benchmarks to enhance the country's reputation.
Palak announced stricter enforcement of compensation policies for call drops and emphasised regular monitoring and audits by the Ministry to ensure compliance.
Regarding recent drive test results in Dhaka highlighting call drop issues, Palak pledged comprehensive evaluations across urban and rural areas based on media feedback. He mentioned forming technical inspection teams to address declining internet speeds and gauge customer responses.
Palak assured support for operators, stating, "Our approach isn't to leave operators to fend for themselves but to empower them with the necessary skills to navigate challenges effectively."
In his address to mobile operators, Palak reiterated the goal of achieving world-class telecom standards and minimising disruptions caused by call drops that impact both customers and operators economically.
The government, under Palak's leadership, has initiated measures to standardise mobile services, ensuring affordable internet access and optimising operator resources for customer benefit. He mandated the launch of commercial 5G services in key areas by October 30, following significant investments in spectrum acquisition earlier in March 2022.
The event was attended by BTRC Chairman Engineer Mohiuddin Ahmed, along with CEOs of leading mobile operators, and AMTOB President and Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman.
