The process of terminating VoIP calls has its fair share of regulations, just like any other service, but sometimes ensuring that operators stick to those regulations is half the battle. In India, this seems to be the case, as 14 international gateway operators appear to be dragging their feet when it comes to paying their annual license fees. In fact, they have failed to pay the fees even after repeated reminders from the telecom regulator.
According to officials, the 14 operators that have neglected to pay their license fees owe around Tk 700 million (or approximately $9 million). Up until 2013, the annual license fee for international gateway (IGW) operators was Tk 70 million (or about $903,771), but beginning this year moving forward, the fee will be significantly reduced to Tk 35 million based on an amendment to the IGW guideline.
So, if fees are lowering this year, what’s the hold-up? Whatever the reason, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has set a hard deadline for these operators. Under the timeframe, they have until June 30 to pay any outstanding fees, after which point they will be subject to administrative action taken by the BTRC. Some operators asked for extensions to the deadline but have not given any indication of getting the fund together.
It’s important for the government to collect these fees, as they are key to its revenue for the sector. According to officials, these operators not only owe their annual fees, but also dues with the regulator from revenue sharing part of their income—dues that could be worth up to Tk 10 million.
The BTRC is playing hardball with these operators as a result. It has suspended or cancelled the operations of 11 of the IGW operators that have failed to pay their fees. Other operators have fled altogether to avoid the payments and have shut their doors on their own. Companies on the list include Sigma, Ratul, Telex, Vision, Mos5 Tel Limited, Cel Telecom Limited, Kay Telecommunication Ltd., Apple (News - Alert), First Communications, SM Communication, and Bestec.
Edited by Maurice Nagle