The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) released a comprehensive update to its 'Guidelines for Data and Data Packages of Mobile Phone Operators-2024', on January 13, 2025. This update introduces several new measures, with the highlight being the ability for users to carry forward unused mobile data. 

According to the guidelines, data package means different volumes of data or packages combined of voice/data/SMS. Mobile users can retain unused data from their existing packages by renewing or repurchasing the same package before its expiration. Both primary and bonus data balances are eligible for this carry-forward feature, states the guidelines.

If a customer purchases the same package or auto-renews before the expiry of a package, the unused data of the previous package shall be carried forward, as per the guidelines. A day prior to the expiry of any package, the operator shall send the data expiry notification through SMS. The SMS will also contain an instruction to re-purchase the current package or a compatible package prescribed by the operator before the expiry of the unused data. 

According to the guidelines, when users receive a bonus package, data usage will be deducted from the bonus package first, followed by the main package. If a customer subscribes to multiple packages, data from the package with the earliest expiration date will be utilised first.

In addition to the carry-forward provision, the updated guidelines introduce significant reforms in the structuring and offering of data packages. Operators are now required to offer a maximum of three types of data packages based on validity: regular (valid for minimum 15 days or more), customer centric special package-CCSP (minimum 3 days), and research and development-R&D package (minimum 7 days).

Hourly internet packages will have a maximum data volumes of 200 MB, 1-day internet packages will have a maximum data volumes of 3 GB, 2-days internet packages will have a maximum data volumes of 5 GB, 3-days Hourly internet packages will have a maximum data volumes of 8 GB, as per the updated guidelines.

Packages valid only during late-night hours, specifically between 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM, have been prohibited.

According to the guidelines, the operators shall design a package as 'Flexible Plan' to facilitate the customer to choose the package according to their choice of talk time, data volume, SMS etc. Operators should also offer unlimited packages considering the convenience and capacity of all types of customers. In the case of an unlimited volume package, the time limit has to be fixed.

To ensure transparency, mobile operators are required to publish detailed information about their packages, including data volumes, prices, and validity periods, in a clear and accessible format, states the guidelines. 

BTRC also encouraged the operators to introduce innovative offers, such as monthly 200 MB free data allowances, to foster digital inclusion among users.

Operators are required to send each subscriber a Bangla SMS detailing their monthly recharge and cost statement by the 15th of the following month. Additionally, this information can be provided through alternative channels such as digital apps, websites, emails, USSD codes, or other available methods.

To enhance customer satisfaction, operators may send a maximum of three promotional SMS messages per day to a customer, covering all promotional content, including package offers. Furthermore, operators must actively promote the "Do Not Disturb" (DND) service through extensive campaigns and send opt-in SMS messages to customers at least twice a month. The DND service database should also be shared among all operators to ensure its effective implementation, according to BTRC.