Proposed Short Code Allocation Procedure

Bangladesh Numbering Plan has been prepared in 2005. As per existing Numbering Plan digit 1 has been allocated for special services. Existing short code allocations for different service require some modifications due to various new requirements. Proposed Modifications The service given using short code can be categorized as follows: a) Commercial Service. b) Non-commercial Service. The services are operated on non commercial or commercial basis. In non-commercial service, subscriber /user pays normal charges. If higher charges apply, it is considered as commercial service. The codes are also be used for Toll free service i.e called pays. However this facility has to be extended by telecom operators. For commercial use of short codes, allocation and yearly fee has to be paid. However, code given has to be used for services approved by BTRC and the allocation would be on non exclusive basis and it can be withdrawn at any time if deemed appropriate by BTRC. If the private entity conducts the information service on behalf of some entity or by itself, it must procure call center license from BTRC. Also in future, they would be required to obtain license if services given falls under any other licensing guidelines. Same code may be used for both SMS and dialing. All call charges for commercial use are required to be approved by BTRC and it should be uniform for all telecom operators. The followings are proposed for allocation of short codes for inter-network use: 1. For private entity, the code given has to be used for services approved by BTRC and the allocation would be on non exclusive basis and the code can be withdrawn at any time if deemed appropriate by BTRC. If the private entity conducts the service on behalf of some entity, it must procure call center license from BTRC. In future, they would be required to obtain license if services given falls under any new licensing guidelines. The service provider is responsible for the information provided. Applicant has to provide all papers including TIN, trade license etc. Access lines for dial up termination must be taken from PSTN operator due to fixed nature of termination and for SMS, access has to be obtained from mobile operator or PSTN operator having SMS facility.

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For non-commercial public interest service, all telecom operators are required to route the calls to the service provider. Installation charges for telephone/access lines at the help/information/service center, have to be bourn by the service provider as usual. General services provided may fall under Value added service provider, guideline for which is under preparation. So they have to take the license when the guidelines come in to force. In case of commercial use, call rates have to be approved from BTRC as usual. Codes for govt. utility services would be free of charge if used on noncommercial basis, outsourced or not. If outsourced, the service provider must also have domestic call center license from BTRC. Short codes used for commercial purposes, allocation and yearly fee for different categories are as follows: i) Category A: Short code allocation fee of Tk. 2,00,000.00 and yearly fee of Tk. 1,00,000.00 to be charged for each code.

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Type of Service: General information, Banking information, News and other similar services extended by private entities/telecom operators/govt. organizations etc. ii) Category B: Short code allocation fee of Tk. 1,00,000.00 and yearly fee of Tk. 50,000.00 to be charged for each code.

Type of Service: Utility service, information service, transport, e-Health, eEducation and similar service extended by govt. /private entities. 9. 10. 11. Separate procedure for intra-network service is in active consideration of BTRC. For non-commercial use short will be free of charge. All deed agreement in relation to the use of short code with other parties must be submitted to BTRC.