The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers' Association (BMPCA) has urged the government and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to revise policies to reduce the floor price for voice calls, aiming to make communication more affordable.
The BMPCA has called for the complete elimination of call drops, emphasising the importance of ensuring uninterrupted and reliable mobile phone services.
The association raised concerns over the current floor price of voice calls, which was increased from Tk 0.25 to Tk 0.45, stating it has adversely affected consumers.
According to the association, this policy has stifled competition among operators, leading to increased costs for users without a corresponding improvement in service quality.
Besides, the ceiling price for calls currently stands at Tk 2, with some operators adding VAT and other charges, further burdening customers.
The BMPCA points out that while voice calls are free in many developed countries, Bangladeshi consumers face disproportionately high charges.
The association demands a more competitive and affordable pricing structure, even suggesting the possibility of free voice calls to match global trends.
The BMPCA has outlined several recommendations to reform call pricing:
1. Affordable Call Rates: Reduce or eliminate the floor price to make call rates more accessible to all users.
2. Special Packages for Rural and Low-Income Groups: Introduce customised call packages for those in rural areas who heavily rely on mobile communication.
3. Per-Second Billing: Expand per-second billing systems to ensure fairer charges based on actual usage.
Citing a 2018 High Court ruling, the BMPCA has called on the BTRC to enforce its directive to eliminate call drops and compensate affected consumers.
While current guidelines allow a 2% call drop rate, the BMPCA believes stricter measures are necessary.
They argue that call drops not only inconvenience users but also amount to financial loss. —UNB
