Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Syed Aminul Haque has said the telecom companies are facing difficulties in the import of upgrading equipment for mobile networking services due to limited permission for letters of credit (LCs).
The minister expressed concern over insufficient LCs while presiding over the 44th Policy Committee meeting of the Universal Service Fund (USF), according to a press release dated January 17. The projects for the provision of broadband services in remote and underdeveloped areas face delays due to hindrances in importing the upgrading equipment, said Haque.
The minister added it is a matter of serious concern that the insufficient limit for LCs is creating disruptions in the overall performance of the IT and telecom sector.
“Telcos are facing difficulties in importing their upgraded systems and equipment,” said the IT minister. “As a result, the provision of 4G services to consumers may face delays. Complaints may also emerge of disruptions in services from several areas.”
The minister added he will speak to the Ministry of Finance in this regard and inform it of the severity of the situation.
A development fund of Rs5 billion was approved in the meeting for the second and third quarters (2022-2023) for the USF.
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