New VoIP licences coming to Bangladesh

VoIP traffic in Bangladesh could be set to rise following the announcement that more VoIP licences are to be issued in the country.

The Bangladeshi government confirmed that private operators will be given the new VoIP licences after new legislation comes into force, reports bdnews.co.uk.

It could result in more VoIP service users as more people will have access to the technology.

Raziuddin Ahmed Razu, telecommunications minister, confirmed that licenses will not be available until August.

He told the Bangladeshi parliament: "Issuance of VoIP licences is suspended now. Licence will be issued soon after the Telecommunication (amendment) Bill is passed in parliament."

The Telecommunication Bill 2010 also includes strong provisions against the use of telecoms or radio equipment for malicious purposes.

Bangladeshi residents who are found to be guilty of this offence face up to a maximum of five years in prison.