ISPs may be allowed to offer streaming packages

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is considering a common regulatory framework that would allow internet service providers (ISPs) to offer OTT streaming and other digital services alongside their broadband internet packages.

The move comes after two nationwide ISPs -- Race Online Limited and ICC Communication Limited -- sought regulatory approval to bundle digital platforms with their approved internet tariffs.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Instead of considering the applications individually, the BTRC has opted to address the issue as a broader policy matter applicable to all licensed ISPs.

Confirming the development, BTRC Chairman Major General (retd) Md Emdad Ul Bari said the regulator’s basic principle is to grant consumers access when technology enables new services.

“So, we have to identify what the hurdles are and remove those hurdles,” he said. “OTT is a blend of information and telecommunications, and we are trying to facilitate these services for consumers without violating or undermining the existing regulatory framework.”

The BTRC has formed an inter-departmental committee comprising its Systems and Services, Engineering and Operations, and Legal and Licensing divisions to review the proposals. The panel will examine applicants’ business models, technical operations, and revenue-sharing arrangements before presenting recommendations.

If approved, the decision could allow ISPs to compete more effectively in the digital services market by bundling connectivity with local and foreign content.

Race Online initially approached the regulator in June, later submitting details for an “Orbit Internet Package” that combines internet connectivity with talk time, e-health services, and local OTT platforms such as Bongo and Chorki. Proposed speeds range from 20 Mbps at Tk 500 up to 650 Mbps for higher-tier bundles.

The BTRC noted that mobile operators already provide OTT content through direct billing and bundled offers. Extending similar permissions to ISPs under specified conditions would establish regulatory parity, create a level playing field, and foster the domestic digital ecosystem.

However, the regulator has proposed a distinction between domestic OTT services, foreign OTT platforms and other digital services such as e-health, e-education and e-agriculture.

The proposed framework would allow ISPs to bundle domestic OTT streaming services within the ceiling price of their BTRC-approved internet tariffs, subject to approval of the relevant tariff package.

For foreign OTT services and other foreign digital platforms, ISPs would need to obtain separate prior approval from the commission for each platform. The BTRC would consider issues including the platform’s legal and regulatory status in Bangladesh, tax and revenue obligations, foreign currency payments, revenue-sharing arrangements, data protection and commercial agreements.

Similarly, e-health, e-education, e-agriculture and other social-service digital platforms would require separate prior approval. The regulator would examine the nature of the service, required regulatory clearances, data privacy, quality of service, accountability and the financial and commercial arrangements between the ISP and service provider.

The BTRC also proposed that ISPs would not be allowed to market or provide any OTT streaming service or other digital platform as part of an internet package without prior approval.

For domestic OTT services, the ISP would have to clearly specify the name and nature of the service, details of the bundle, and applicable customer terms and conditions in its tariff application.

The proposed conditions would also place responsibility for content, intellectual property rights, copyright, licensing and compliance with applicable laws on the respective OTT service provider.