The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has published draft 4G mobile licencing guidelines for industry comment, including a proposal that 4G licencees be required to float shares on the local stock market, with the percentage of shares to be floated not yet specified. The regulator had previously proposed a similar local listing requirement in the 2G licence renewal process, but the guideline was scrapped in the final version. GrameenPhone, the largest player by subscriber market share, is currently the only cellco listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange, via an initial public offering (IPO) of 10% equity in 2009. The 4G licencees would be subject to roll out obligations covering all divisional headquarters (capitals) within the first nine months of licencing, and all district headquarters within 18 months, with nationwide services expected within three years. Licencees would have to share 5.5% of revenues from 4G services with the BTRC and pay 1% of revenues to the social obligation fund. The draft also contains scope for the entry of a new player acquiring 4G spectrum. The number of active operators was reduced recently due to closure of CityCell for non-payment of overdue fees, whilst two players, Airtel and Robi Axiata, merged under the Robi banner last year. The government aims to see 4G LTE services introduced this year, and network operators have indicated their technical readiness.
 
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