Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Limited (PBTL), the operator of Citycell, has officially applied to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for the reinstatement of its mobile service license after being shut down in 2016. Citycell, which was the first mobile operator in Bangladesh, was established in 1993 and played a significant role in ushering in the mobile communications era in the country.
The closure of Citycell was surrounded by controversy, with allegations of political motivations at play. According to PBTL, the company’s operations were unjustly halted due to its ownership ties with former BNP leader Morshed Khan. The application filed by Citycell accuses the BTRC of misusing its power and acting with malicious intent against the operator. The firm also emphasizes that its outstanding dues to the BTRC have been paid, amounting to Tk 233 crore.
However, the BTRC claims that Citycell was unable to settle debts totaling Tk 477.51 crore, including various fees and taxes, leading to the license revocation. A court investigation revealed discrepancies in spectrum allocation, highlighting that Citycell was granted only 8.82 MHz instead of the intended 10 MHz, resulting in further financial complications for the operator.
In its bid for reinstatement, PBTL argues that discriminatory measures have been taken against Citycell and asserts that its formal request is for the BTRC to reevaluate the decisions that led to its closure. They seek to re-enter the market with modern technology and restore services to their existing customer base, which previously exceeded six hundred thousand subscribers.
In a significant development for Bangladesh’s telecommunications sector, Citycell, the nation’s first mobile operator, is preparing to return to the market following a years-long hiatus. Nishat Ali Khan, Head of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs at Pacific Telecom, has expressed optimism about resuming customer service shortly after regaining their license from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
Citycell’s journey began in 1989 when it was established as Bangladesh Telecom Limited (BTCL). Over the years, the company underwent several ownership changes and rebranding efforts, solidifying its position in the market until a sudden shutdown of operations left over 1,000 employees jobless and harmed hundreds of thousands of stakeholders.
The recent buzz surrounding Citycell’s return is fueled by discussions of offering call rates as low as 25 paisa. Enthusiastic netizens are reminiscing about the operator’s history, with many recalling their first mobile experiences involving Citycell’s iconic 011 code.
While Khan insists that modern technology will be employed for the revival, industry experts like Mohiuddin Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Customers Association, caution that numerous challenges lie ahead, primarily concerning infrastructure readiness.
The BTRC has refrained from making comments due to ongoing legal proceedings but acknowledged that the recovery of dues from Citycell could pave the way for a potential license reinstatement. As the telecom landscape continues to evolve with the rise of GSM, 4G, and 5G technologies, the return of Citycell could inject much-needed competition into the market.
In a recent Facebook post, Rakib Hasan reminisced about Citycell’s pivotal role in revolutionizing mobile communication in Bangladesh. Hasan highlighted the nostalgia associated with the operator, famously known for its 011 code, suggesting that the excitement surrounding its revival is palpable among older generations.
Another Facebook user, Sohrab Hossain, shared his personal connection to Citycell, recalling that his first mobile experience was with a Citycell phone that allowed him to talk for just 1 taka for four minutes. This sentiment echoes a broader longing for the operator’s return among many Bangladeshi customers who remember its pioneering days.
However, Mohiuddin Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Customers Association, cautioned that Citycell faces significant challenges in re-establishing its customer service. Ahmed noted that the company currently lacks the necessary infrastructure and has only applied for the return of its operating license. Despite these hurdles, he expressed optimism about Citycell’s potential comeback, emphasizing its unique position as a domestic private operator in the market.
However, the return of Citycell could foster competition, enhancing customer service standards across the domestic telecom sector. As anticipation builds, many await further developments regarding Citycell’s comeback and its implications for mobile communications in Bangladesh.
