Telecom operators seek priority fuel supply to avoid disruptions
Mobile telecom operators have urged the government to ensure priority fuel supply and stable electricity for telecom infrastructure, warning that prolonged shortages could disrupt nationwide connectivity and affect the digital economy.
The Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) made the call in a press release on Thursday, April 2, citing growing operational challenges amid the emerging global fuel crisis and “power disruptions.”
According to the operators, escalating geopolitical tensions have triggered concerns over fuel availability, posing risks to uninterrupted telecom services.
Although the government has responded positively and instructed relevant authorities to extend support, the situation on the ground has yet to fully reflect those directives, they said.
The mobile network operators (MNOs) alerted the government regarding foreseeable disruptions to seamless telecom operations.
At the same time, recent storms have led to a noticeable increase in power outages in areas under the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board, with restoration times in many areas becoming prolonged, they said, adding that a similar trend is expected during the rainy season, further increasing operational vulnerability for telecom networks.
In this context, the industry has sought, on a urgent basis, a comprehensive support framework that includes priority and uninterrupted fuel supply for core network locations, assured fuel availability for Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites operated by the four mobile operators and four tower companies, dedicated fuel allocation for maintenance transport, reduced load shedding at critical telecom facilities and the fastest possible restoration of power following storms and weather-related disruptions.
Bangladesh’s telecom network infrastructure comprises approximately 45,000 towers, multiple operators-owned data centres, Network Operations Centres (NOCs) and many other critical network components covering nearly 100% of the country’s geographical area and providing essential telecommunication services to 185 million people.
All the MNO network elements, including radio access sites, switching nodes, core network platforms, data centres, and NOCs, require a stable, reliable, and uninterrupted electricity supply on a 24/7 basis to maintain service continuity, network quality, and national connectivity.
Despite its scale and critical importance, the network remains heavily dependent on diesel and petrol-powered generators, particularly during power outages, load shedding, and natural disasters. In addition to the ongoing global energy crisis, Bangladesh is also prone to major cyclones and floods, which lead to fuel and energy shortages. Therefore, any disruption to fuel availability poses a serious risk to uninterrupted nationwide connectivity.
The MNOs urgently call on the government to take necessary measures to ensure adequate fuel and electricity supply to maintain uninterrupted telecom operations, safeguard nationwide network availability, and provide stable, continuous communication services for the people of Bangladesh.
Source: UNB