Dhaka September 02 (bdnews24.com) – Telecoms regulators have published a draft guideline for use of Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology that they believe will quicken the pace of internet penetration in Bangladesh.
BTRC published the draft on Tuesday, giving stakeholders just a week to come up with suggestions.
“BTRC would like to seek views from the industry and any interested party on the various issues discussed in these Draft Guidelines.
“The stakeholders are requested to send their comments on these Draft Guidelines for use of Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Technology in Bangladesh.
“The Commission is hereby providing guidelines for the approved commercial/non-commercial use of the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band frequencies in Bangladesh using the Wi-Fi technology in order to ensure rapid expansion of services and accelerated increase in Internet penetration.”
As per the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2005 (NFAP 2005), spectrum from the ISM band in 2.4000-2.4835 GHz and 5.725-5.875 GHz is allocated for Wi-Fi use.
“Access to the spectrum will be on shared basis. There will be no exclusive assignment to any individual or organizations, whether for private, public or commercial use,” according to the draft.
“Any Government or Private Organization/Educational Institution/Corporate Body can establish and use Wi-Fi Network on non commercial/non-profit basis.
“Household/private users are not required to take any permission from the Commission or pay any levy/charge for using Wi-Fi in the given ISM band.
“Both indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi is permitted in the given spectrum of ISM band. However, the maximum power output for the Wi-Fi equipment is limited to 1 watt.
“All commercial Wi-Fi Hotspot operators/service providers shall possess an ISP or equivalent License (e.g., BWA License). Existing operators having such License from the Commission will be eligible to establish Wi-Fi network for providing last mile solution.
“Operators/service providers will submit a detailed list of Wi-Fi outdoor Hotspots to the Commission. There will be levy/charges applicable annually for all hotspots. The levy/charge shall be charged as per the Rate List published by the Commission.
“The Commission reserves the right to cancel the permission if any complication arises anytime,” the draft said.
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