Online Desk: The telecom regulator issued guidelines on the usage of radio frequencies, apparatus and equipment by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on Tuesday.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) said the instructions were issued to streamline, restructure, and bring an order the frequency allocation process under the ISP license and make the overall process transparent.

The ISPs have been providing wireless internet services through the allocated ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band.

Various important organizations (banks, embassies, international organizations, industrial plants, etc.) require wireless connectivity as an alternative to the wired core connection used for data communication, which is provided by wireless ISPs.

The ISM radio bands are frequencies reserved internationally for the use of radio frequency (RF) energy for industrial, scientific and medical uses other than telecommunications.

BTRC said the instruction would provide a clear understanding among ISP operators about the requirement of authorization and related application processes for the use of frequencies.

Internet Service Provider Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) President Emdadul Hoque said under the new instruction, the regulators increased prices for frequencies which might raise the cost of wireless internet.

After consulting with members of ISPAB, it would officially submit the reaction to the instruction, he said.

However, he welcomed the move as the sector required discipline.

The BTRC instruction states that ISPs can get allocations of ISM Band (2.4000 -2.4835 GHz and 5.7255.875 GHz), 5 GHz Band (4.900 -5.725 GHz) and Microwave.

The directions said that ISPs should be subject to prior approval of BTRC or should import through BTRC-listed vendor organizations as per prevailing norms, if any type of wireless equipment is required to be imported.

“In cases of purchase from the local market instead of import, the concerned ISPs should comply with the guidelines, and the BTRC would notify details of the equipment as per Annexure-Kha,” it said.

All ISPs who have previously been listed in the ISM band or have received permission to use the frequencies in the ISM band should re-apply for the same in light of the issuance of this directive.