Pacific
Bangladesh Telecom Limited (PBTL), the operator of Citycell, has
officially applied to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory
Commission (BTRC) for the reinstatement of its mobile service license
after being shut down in 2016. Citycell, which was the first mobile
operator in Bangladesh, was established in 1993 and played a significant
role in ushering in the mobile communications era in the country.
The
closure of Citycell was surrounded by controversy, with allegations of
political motivations at play. According to PBTL, the company’s
operations were unjustly halted due to its ownership ties with former
BNP leader Morshed Khan. The application filed by Citycell accuses the
BTRC of misusing its power and acting with malicious intent against the
operator. The firm also emphasizes that its outstanding dues to the BTRC
have been paid, amounting to Tk 233 crore.
However,
the BTRC claims that Citycell was unable to settle debts totaling Tk
477.51 crore, including various fees and taxes, leading to the license
revocation. A court investigation revealed discrepancies in spectrum
allocation, highlighting that Citycell was granted only 8.82 MHz instead
of the intended 10 MHz, resulting in further financial complications
for the operator.
In
its bid for reinstatement, PBTL argues that discriminatory measures
have been taken against Citycell and asserts that its formal request is
for the BTRC to reevaluate the decisions that led to its closure. They
seek to re-enter the market with modern technology and restore services
to their existing customer base, which previously exceeded six hundred
thousand subscribers.
In
a significant development for Bangladesh’s telecommunications sector,
Citycell, the nation’s first mobile operator, is preparing to return to
the market following a years-long hiatus. Nishat Ali Khan, Head of
Regulatory and Corporate Affairs at Pacific Telecom, has expressed
optimism about resuming customer service shortly after regaining their
license from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
(BTRC).
Citycell’s
journey began in 1989 when it was established as Bangladesh Telecom
Limited (BTCL). Over the years, the company underwent several ownership
changes and rebranding efforts, solidifying its position in the market
until a sudden shutdown of operations left over 1,000 employees jobless
and harmed hundreds of thousands of stakeholders.
The
recent buzz surrounding Citycell’s return is fueled by discussions of
offering call rates as low as 25 paisa. Enthusiastic netizens are
reminiscing about the operator’s history, with many recalling their
first mobile experiences involving Citycell’s iconic 011 code.
While
Khan insists that modern technology will be employed for the revival,
industry experts like Mohiuddin Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh
Mobile Phone Customers Association, caution that numerous challenges lie
ahead, primarily concerning infrastructure readiness.
The
BTRC has refrained from making comments due to ongoing legal
proceedings but acknowledged that the recovery of dues from Citycell
could pave the way for a potential license reinstatement. As the telecom
landscape continues to evolve with the rise of GSM, 4G, and 5G
technologies, the return of Citycell could inject much-needed
competition into the market.
In
a recent Facebook post, Rakib Hasan reminisced about Citycell’s pivotal
role in revolutionizing mobile communication in Bangladesh. Hasan
highlighted the nostalgia associated with the operator, famously known
for its 011 code, suggesting that the excitement surrounding its revival
is palpable among older generations.
Another
Facebook user, Sohrab Hossain, shared his personal connection to
Citycell, recalling that his first mobile experience was with a Citycell
phone that allowed him to talk for just 1 taka for four minutes. This
sentiment echoes a broader longing for the operator’s return among many
Bangladeshi customers who remember its pioneering days.
However,
Mohiuddin Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Customers
Association, cautioned that Citycell faces significant challenges in
re-establishing its customer service. Ahmed noted that the company
currently lacks the necessary infrastructure and has only applied for
the return of its operating license. Despite these hurdles, he expressed
optimism about Citycell’s potential comeback, emphasizing its unique
position as a domestic private operator in the market.
However,
the return of Citycell could foster competition, enhancing customer
service standards across the domestic telecom sector. As anticipation
builds, many await further developments regarding Citycell’s comeback
and its implications for mobile communications in Bangladesh.
