BTRC decision...

In the case of post-paid connections, there will obviously be no problem. However, the prepaid connections, which have proliferated into the millions, will be another matter. Although the initial prepaid subscriber was required to submit photos and other details, these connections have often changed hands; sometimes through sale and sometimes as outright gifts, and in many cases the connections have changed hands multiple times.

This situation has arisen because of a lapse on the part of both the BTRC as well as the mobile phone operators. Strict regulations should have been in place, and compliance enforced, on the transfer of connections after initial sale. The laxity of the operators was clear when I once complained to a service provider about obscene calls I was receiving, and when they learned that it was a prepaid connection they dismissed the matter saying that there was no way for them to verify who was carrying the connection. There was no interest in checking even the details of the initial subscriber.

Now that national security concerns have resulted in the monitoring of all telephone communications, it has proven impossible to identify who is making and receiving the calls being intercepted. Something obviously has to be done, but taking knee-jerk actions and snapping all unidentified connections will result in huge losses of revenue to the operators and inconvenience to the subscribers. Rather than summoning all mobile phone operators to BTRC offices and barking out orders, a well-thought-out mode of action should be developed by BTRC in consultation with the operators and any others who might have expertise in such matters, including the intelligence agencies, keeping subscribers interests in mind. A situation which has developed over the years, largely because of the indifference on the part of the regulatory body and the operators, cannot be resolved overnight.

Bangladesh Telephone Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has taken a wise as well as much needed step through banning the free talk hours of mobile phone companies. It has become almost a curse in our daily life. Youngsters chatted for long hours without any good reason. Also pranks calls and eve teasing through mobile phones were increasing at an alarming rate. We witnessed the effect of this offer when the network of phone companies started deteriorating. One could not make even his important calls. Night birds were chatting and general people suffered. Studies of teenaged students were going to dogs. Even if anyone wanted to avoid this huge network of free chatters, he/she was obviously teased by his mates and it was a sign of coolness that they could talk for a long time. Lovebirds took this chance, and used it as best as possible and also lost their valuable time.

I firmly believe if the mobile phone companies stop giving away this free hours and reduce their call rate during peak hours, it will be helpful for all kinds of people.

The step taken by BTRC should be welcomed by all and sundry.

Shoaib, Dhanmondi, Dhaka

I have recently come to know that BTRC has told all the mobile network providers to stop giving free talk time. I know many people might disagree with me, but personally I welcome what BTRC has done. It is true that the "Free Talk Time" has advantages and people appreciated it. But this is also true that many people are using those services for useless talks for hours and hours, they keep the network busy all night long. For this reason, common people like me do not get connection when it is really necessary as the network remains busy.

I hope the mobile network providers will think about it and they will use any other plan in order to get more customers instead of those free talk times at night.

Naba, Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka

Some mobile phone companies were offering free talk time at night. However, the offer did not benefit the professionals, rather it encouraged students to spend their time chatting with friends. So the government decision to stop it is based on sound logic.

Md. Noman Siddique, On e-mail

The recent queer decision of BTRC regulatory committee has puzzled all the cell phone subscribers. While the mobile phone companies are keeping their subscribers under pressure through imposing very high call rate, it was a very great opportunity for us to have a chance of conversation over the cell phone.

But their argument and the lame excuse are surprising.

Saif, University of Dhaka