"SIM companies haven't introduced unlimited packages for self-gain"

In Bangladesh, one of the leading figures in the digital transformation and development of digital technology is Mustafa Jabbar, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications. Through the Bijoy Keyboard and software, as well as the Bijoy Digital Education software, he has worked extensively to promote the use of the Bengali language and digital transformation in education on digital devices, making him widely known among Bengali speakers. However, despite all these recognitions, he is not limited to them. Mustafa Jabbar is a freedom fighter. Although he began writing in 1969, he has been involved in journalism since 1972. He is still very active as a journalist, contributing to various media outlets as a reporter, editor, presenter, critic, and columnist. Most recently, he has spoken with Bangla Insider about various issues, including the extension of the deadline for TeleTalk's data packages, the expansion of TeleTalk's network, and the construction and launch of the Bangabandhu Satellite-2, among others. The interview was conducted by Bangla Insider's Staff correspondent, Md. Oliul Islam.

Bangla Insider: Even though TeleTalk has extended the deadline for internet data packages, other operators have not followed suit. Won't this put TeleTalk at a disadvantage commercially? 

Mustafa Jabbar: TeleTalk is the first in the world to abolish the deadline for mobile data. In other words, there is no expiration date for data within a certain number of days. You can use it as long as you have a balance. I will use my data for as long as I have a balance. This is what the customers demand. We are implementing that demand.

Bangla Insider: Why aren't other operators implementing this system?

Mustafa Jabbar: I cannot say why other operators are not implementing this system. We do not control their packages, pricing, and so on. They will be the ones to decide whether it is good for them.

Bangla Insider: Are there any regulations in place for other operators?

Mustafa Jabbar: The regulation here is that we have requested them to provide packages without an expiration date. However, they have not introduced unlimited packages for their own commercial benefit. We have requested this from the state-owned mobile operator TeleTalk. TeleTalk has accepted our request and has removed the expiration date on internet data packages. However, others have not complied with our request.

Bangla Insider: You are the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications in the government. Are other operators outside of government control?

Mustafa Jabbar: The government cannot exert undue pressure. The extent of government control is what the government is doing. If any operator creates packages similar to their own, then I can only control as much as I have the authority to. I am controlling that to the best of my ability. However, their statement is that such a package with no expiration date does not work anywhere in the world. Since such a system is not working elsewhere, we have taken the first step ourselves. I hope they will also come on this path.

Bangla Insider: When will there be visible improvements in TeleTalk's network expansion?

Mustafa Jabbar: To improve TeleTalk's network, investments are required. I haven't brought billions of dollars from abroad like Grameenphone. I have made investments here. We will have to invest in the government as well. I have been trying for the past 18 years. Please be patient. We have a new project for TeleTalk. I hope it will be completed in 2023. At that time, there will be significant changes in the situation of TeleTalk.

Bangla Insider: Many people think that the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war may affect the construction and launch of the Bangabandhu Satellite-2. How true is this?

Mustafa Jabbar: We are monitoring the situation. The matter of the launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-2 has not been confirmed yet. A memorandum of understanding has only been signed with Russia. We will make decisions based on the situation.

Bangla Insider: Thank you for your time.

Mustafa Jabbar: Thank you as well.