1. PREFACE :

The telecommunications¹ sector in Bangladesh has been characterized by a very low level of penetration, limited capability to meet the growing demand, low level of investment and old outdated systems and technologies necessitating reactive remedial measures. In order to develop a national sound telecommunication infrastructure to support the economy and welfare of the country by providing telecommunication facilities on demand, assuring satisfactory quality of service and ensuring value to the customers , a sound National Telecommunication Policy is essential. This is also imperative to ensure the cost based pricing² of the present as well as the future services to satisfy the need of specialized groups in particular and the public in general . With this in view, this new policy will ensure the orderly development of the telecommunications sector through the provision of services in all the areas of the country, to satisfy the unserviced demand ³ for telecommunications and to provide equitable opportunity and competition amongst the service providers.