ICX operators warn against voice simplification plan

ICX operators warn against voice simplification plan

The Association of ICX Operators of Bangladesh (AIOB) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing debate surrounding the future of the Interconnection Exchange (ICX) system in the country telecommunications sector. At a press conference held on Wednesday at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity, AIOB leaders underscored that for more than 15 years, the ICX system has played a vital role as the central interconnection hub for voice traffic. They noted that it has contributed to building a transparent, secure, and stable telecom infrastructure, while also fostering domestic investment and creating employment opportunities. Speakers at the event warned that recent proposals to implement "voice-level simplification" are impractical and potentially harmful. According to AIOB, such measures could compromise national security, reduce tax revenue, jeopardize the future of local entrepreneurs, and deteriorate service quality for consumers. They argued that ongoing issues such as illegal VoIP, high call rates, and frequent call drops are not caused by the ICX system but rather by the internal network design and market dominance of mobile operators. The press conference was presided over by Brigadier General (Retd.) Mostafizur Rahman, President of the Telecom Infrastructure Operators of Bangladesh (TIOB) and Director of AIOB. Other key figures present included Lt. Colonel (Retd.) Aminur Rahman, General Secretary of AIOB; Brigadier General (Retd.) Md. Khurshid Alam, Treasurer of AIOB and Group CEO of Jibondhara Solution Ltd.; and technology expert Ahmed Ur Rahman (Romel), along with several other stakeholders from the telecom sector. AIOB representatives highlighted that, following directives from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) in 2024, over BDT 1.3 billion has been invested in advanced IP technology and SMS interconnection infrastructure. They stated that this infrastructure is sufficient to meet national needs for the next decade and has already created over 500 jobs. They cautioned that dismantling the ICX system would significantly affect employment and derail the sector positive investment trend. Calling on the BTRC and policymakers to consider real-world conditions and consult stakeholders, AIOB advocated for the modernization—rather than elimination—of the ICX system. “Any reform should be aimed at strengthening and organizing the existing ICX-based framework, not dismantling it, which would throw the sector into disarray,” the organization asserted. AIOB further noted that Bangladesh currently has over 50 licensed voice service providers. Allowing bilateral interconnection, they warned, could lead to monopolization by larger players, marginalizing smaller operators. This, in turn, would reduce government revenue, compromise international call security, and likely revive illegal VoIP operations. Experts at the event echoed the sentiment that any reforms in the telecom sector must be data-driven and focused on sustainability, technological advancement, and employment protection. They emphasized that the ICX system remains crucial to building an inclusive, cost-effective, and orderly telecom infrastructure in Bangladesh.