Demand for special energy allocation by bringing telecommunication sector under emergency services

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Bangladesh Towerco Association (BTA), an organization of telecom tower companies, has demanded special energy allocation by bringing the telecommunication sector under emergency services. The organization also expressed apprehension that the overall economy of the country could be negatively affected if quick steps are not taken to ensure uninterrupted services and avoid major disasters at the national level.

BTA said these words in a press release on Tuesday.

According to the circular, BTA brought up the issue recently in a discussion with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. To ensure seamless telecommunication services, the organization has demanded to take necessary steps by seriously reviewing the current situation besides allocating special energy.

According to BTA, the main driving force of the country’s digital economy is the telecommunication infrastructure, with telecom towers at its core. There are more than 45,000 telecom towers across the country, which depend on the power grid and energy-based backup systems (generators) to function. As a result, the ongoing energy crisis is now directly affecting this sector. Energy shortages can cause major disruptions in connectivity, disrupting uninterrupted services. Millions of customers may suffer as a result.

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Interim President of BTA and Country Managing Director of EDTCO Bangladesh, Sunil Isaac said, “Bangladesh’s telecommunication services are now under serious threat. To ensure uninterrupted service, this sector needs to be kept operational at any cost. And therefore it is necessary to take necessary steps to bring this important infrastructure under emergency services.

Interim president of BTA also said, ‘Starting from small and large businesses to banks, IT and other service institutions are highly dependent on digital connectivity. Every sector will suffer if there is a disconnection. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure practical solutions to the ongoing crisis to avoid risks.