At the end of a customer's data package, unused data will be added to the next package if the customer buys the same data package (with different validity) before the package expires.
This new feature has been released for all operators as part of the Mobile Data Package Guide which will be effective from March 1, 2022. According to the guidelines, any operator can run a maximum of 85 packages at a time.
Besides, even if there is no internet balance in the mobile, from now on the customer will be able to use Facebook and Messenger app only through text. Free internet browsing has been introduced in Facebook's Discovery browser. Through the browser, users will be able to connect to various e-services within the free data range, including text-based information such as the Ministry of Education's Facebook page, SSC and HSC exam preparation instructions, and other education and health information.
The inauguration of these services was held at the main conference room of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) on Tuesday (November 9). BTRC Chairman Shyam Sundar Sikder presided over the function. Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Mustafa Jabbar was present as the chief guest and Secretary of the Division of Posts and Telecommunications Md. Khalilur Rahman. At the beginning the Director General of Systems and Services of BTRC Brigadier General Md Nasim Parvez presented a detailed report on data use directives and free Facebook and messenger use.
At present, there are 5.2 crore Facebook users in Bangladesh and Bangladesh ranks 10th as the country with the highest number of Facebook users. The number of unique mobile users is approximately 100 million, which means that for every two mobile subscribers, one subscriber uses Facebook. The total number of Messenger users in the country is 3 crore 75 lakh 27 thousand (according to the data of 2020).
It was informed on the occasion that all the mobile operators of the country will have three types of packages in it- 1. Regular package 2. Customer-centric special (CCSP) package 3. Research and Development (R&D) Package. The maximum number of regular and customer-centric special packages of an operator will be 85. However, the number of regular or customer-centric special packages alone cannot exceed 50. Mobile phone operators will be able to use a maximum of 10 packages for research and development work. The minimum difference between the two packages will be 100 MB of data or 10 minutes of talk time or both. All packages have to be valid for 03/07/15/30 days.
Regular and CCSP packages approved by the Commission Customers will be able to pay bonus (telecom service data, talk time, SMS) on the package if customers purchase using specific apps / digital platforms / operators approved by the mobile operator. However, the value of the package with the bonus cannot be deducted from the cost of making the package.
For the convenience of the customer, the list of all the regular packages (package ID and price) provided by the mobile operator should be published on the website of the respective mobile operator. Each customer has to provide monthly recharge and expenditure details by the operator via SMS (Bangla) and billing portal to the mobile operators. However, in the field, especially in the context of the customer's need to pay via email. The operator will be able to provide data for free or at floor price (when specified) if desired and the operator will not be able to provide promotional SMS regarding more than 3 packages per customer per day.
After launching any regular package, the minimum duration of such package in the market will be one month. The minimum duration of the package will be seven days after the launch of any customer-centric special package. In this case, the mobile operators will be able to launch new customer-centric special packages 15 days after the cancellation of the customer-centric special packages. After launching any research and development package from a mobile operator, the minimum duration of that package will be seven days. However, there will be an opportunity to launch such packages twice a month, i.e. after 15 days.
Noting that mobile connectivity is of utmost importance to the people, Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar said that one-country-one-rate broadband internet has been introduced across the country and 4G network has been launched in remote areas to enhance people's connectivity. He also said that the operators have to send all kinds of messages to the customers in Bengali by March. The Minister said that Facebook is currently cooperating with Bangladesh, adding that BTRC is working with Facebook to control communal and religious provocative images, videos and posts.
Secretary of the Division of Posts and Telecommunications Khalilur Rahman said that with the launch of Free Facebook Messenger, people disconnected from the Internet will also have the opportunity to stay connected to the network. As a result of the spread of technology, government offices are now able to serve the people easily and quickly.
Grameenphone CEO Ajman, Robi Acting CEO Riaz Rashid, Banglalink Acting CEO Taimur Rahman, Teletalk Managing Director Md Sahab Uddin, Tom C Verges, head of Facebook's Asia-Pacific connectivity and access policy also spoke on the occasion.
In his concluding remarks, BTRC Chairman Shyam Sundar Sikder highlighted the various activities of BTRC in the last 10 months. During this time he was involved in resolving complexities related to VAT collection of operators and deduction of customer money through Tivas, auction of 4G waves, introduction of one country one rate service for broadband across the country, implementation of NEIR in mobile handset registration, registration of Facebook and YouTube in National Board of Revenue and social media monitoring. He mentioned various activities including the formation of a security cell.