Bangladesh’s CityCell has spectrum reinstated
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Cash-strapped Bangladeshi operator CityCell has resumed operations after having its spectrum temporarily reinstated by a Supreme Court ruling.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) revoked CityCell’s spectrum last month for failing to pay its spectrum renewal, license and associated fees.
But the court has asked the government to restore CityCell’s spectrum and allow it to continue operations for the time being.
If CityCell fails to pay 1 billion taka ($12.7 million) to BTRC by November 19, the regulator will have the authority to revoke the spectrum again, the court order states.
CityCell has been operating since 1993 but has a low market share and revenue base. The company earned just 1.39 billion taka in revenue during the 2014-15 financial year. The BTRC has calculated that CityCell owes 4.77 billion taka in unpaid fees.
The operator is 44.5% owned by Singtel, 37.9% owned by Pacific Motors and 17.5% owned by Far East Telecom.
Questions & Answers
Q.Why did the BTRC initially revoke CityCell's spectrum?
Why did the BTRC initially revoke CityCell's spectrum?
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission revoked CityCell's spectrum last month because the operator failed to pay its spectrum renewal, licence, and other associated fees.
Q.What is the immediate condition for CityCell to keep its spectrum?
What is the immediate condition for CityCell to keep its spectrum?
CityCell must pay 1 billion taka ($12.7 million) to the BTRC by November 19. If this payment is not made, the regulator will be able to revoke the spectrum again.
Q.How much does CityCell owe the BTRC in total?
How much does CityCell owe the BTRC in total?
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has calculated that CityCell owes a total of 4.77 billion taka in unpaid fees.
Q.Who are the main owners of CityCell?
Who are the main owners of CityCell?
CityCell is primarily owned by Singtel, which holds a 44.5% stake. Pacific Motors owns 37.9%, and Far East Telecom holds 17.5% of the company.
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