Country's first-ever WiMax technology "Augere" launched; Muhith criticizes BTRC for failure to play facilitator's role (Source: TMCnet)

Dhaka, Jul 21, 2009 (Asia Pulse Data Source via COMTEX) --
Finance Minister AMA Muhith Tuesday criticized the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for its failure to play the role of facilitator in providing the required services to the entrepreneurs of the telecommunications sector.
"BTRC should play its role as a regulatory body, not as a controller. It should provide the latest services to the entrepreneurs of the telecommunications sector", he said. Muhit was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the country?s first-ever wireless broadband technology 'Augere' at a city hotel in the evening.
Post and Tele Communications Minister Raziuddin Ahmed Raju and Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad were also present at the function organized by Augere Wireless Broadband Bangladesh Limited with Augere Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sanjiv Ahuja in the chair.Speaking on the occasion, Muhith urged the entrepreneurs of the telecommunications sector to reach the digital communications system to the doorsteps of the rural people.The Finance Minister hoped that the Wimax technology will be available at every divisional headquarters within a year. Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad said Augere Bangladesh is poised to fulfill the demand for Internet connections using WiMAX technology. "Its understanding of the market and technology will help it play a positive supporting part in realizing the vision of Digital Bangladesh." Raziuddin Ahmed Raju said the government is trying to make the Internet technology available in every upazila.Sanjiv Ahuja said, "It has been only a few months since Augere successfully bid for a WiMAX license in this vibrant and dynamic country, and I'm delighted to say that today our pilot network is operational in some selected areas of Dhaka."
WiMAX is a technology which provides wireless transmission of data using a variety of transmission modes, from point-to-multipoint links, up to portable and fully mobile internet access. The technology supports peak download rates of up to 46Mbps and peak uplink rates of up to 14 Mbps. Augere, set up in September 2007, currently has access to spectrum in Pakistan and Uganda. Augere's modems will hit the market in November next.

[Source: TMCNews; Link: http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2009/07/21/4284614.htm]