Economic Reporter :
Grameenphone protested against the recent BTRC decision to withhold approvals including NOCs (No Objection Certificates), necessary for Grameenphone to run its operations, as a way to compel the payment of a disputed audit claim.
The operator termed the decision ‘an extreme measure’ and one that does not account for customer interests as the decision would affect customer experience with phone calls, Internet browsing and Digital/Social media accessibility. It also deprives citizens from the freedom of choice of using products and services that meet their lifestyle requirements.
Grameenphone CEO Michael Foley reiterated that, “The interests of consumers and the economy as well as the reputation of the country should never be used as currency in the resolution of commercial disputes. The impact on others caused by the actions of the regulator is material and deeply regrettable.”
He continued: “We have a legitimate right to dispute the claim on the basis of principle, methodology and substance. The unprecedented use of punitive techniques by the regulator makes us question the motive of the disputed audit.”
He also highlighted that stopping operational approvals would lead to a forced freeze on additional investments in network expansion that will hamper the digitalization journey of the nation. Suspension of approvals would also affect other businesses (and their employees) that are a part of the value chain such as network and infrastructure partners, digital entrepreneurs and ICT freelancers.
Hossain Sadat, Acting Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of GP, shared some (among many) of the company’s concerns with the methodology and principles of certain elements of the claim that put the audit findings in question.
Grameenphone protested against the recent BTRC decision to withhold approvals including NOCs (No Objection Certificates), necessary for Grameenphone to run its operations, as a way to compel the payment of a disputed audit claim.
The operator termed the decision ‘an extreme measure’ and one that does not account for customer interests as the decision would affect customer experience with phone calls, Internet browsing and Digital/Social media accessibility. It also deprives citizens from the freedom of choice of using products and services that meet their lifestyle requirements.
Grameenphone CEO Michael Foley reiterated that, “The interests of consumers and the economy as well as the reputation of the country should never be used as currency in the resolution of commercial disputes. The impact on others caused by the actions of the regulator is material and deeply regrettable.”
He continued: “We have a legitimate right to dispute the claim on the basis of principle, methodology and substance. The unprecedented use of punitive techniques by the regulator makes us question the motive of the disputed audit.”
He also highlighted that stopping operational approvals would lead to a forced freeze on additional investments in network expansion that will hamper the digitalization journey of the nation. Suspension of approvals would also affect other businesses (and their employees) that are a part of the value chain such as network and infrastructure partners, digital entrepreneurs and ICT freelancers.
Hossain Sadat, Acting Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of GP, shared some (among many) of the company’s concerns with the methodology and principles of certain elements of the claim that put the audit findings in question.
