In Bangladesh, operating a Cyber Cafe requires adherence to legal regulations outlined in the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act of 2001 (Act No. XVIII of 2001). This legislation serves as the legal basis for obtaining a license to operate such establishments. Compliance with the provisions of this act is essential for Cyber Café owners to ensure lawful operation and to protect the interests of both proprietors and patrons. Understanding the intricacies of this legal framework is paramount for those seeking to establish and maintain Cyber Cafes in Bangladesh.
Issuing Authority:
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC)
IEB Bhaban (5,6 &7floor) Ramna, Dhaka-1000
Email: btrc@btrc.gov.bd
Web : www.btrc.gov.bd
Required list of Documents:
- Application in a Letterhead
- Filled-in prescribed Form
- Copy of valid trade license
- Agreement with the bandwidth provider
- House-Rent Agreement/Ownership deed.
- Latest Income Tax Clearance Certificate [if applicable]
- Certificate of bank solvency
- Undertaking about not as a Bank Defaulter
- Proposed Tariff Chart
- Undertaking on non-judicial stamp of Tk. 1507- sworn before the notary public of Bangladesh about not to take any activity over VOIP / WiMAX business
- Relevant Fees in the Form of Pay Order/Bank Draft [In favor of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission]
- Certificate of Incorporation [if applicable]
- Memorandum & Articles of Association [if applicable]
Step by step all process:
Step 1 Preparing for Application: Begin by acquiring a trade license from the local authority. Simultaneously, collect the prescribed application form from the BTRC office or website. Prepare a technical profile outlining the Cyber Cafe’s infrastructure and services.
Step 2 Choosing License Category and Arranging Services: Decide on the appropriate license category (A, B, or C) based on the Cyber Cafe’s size and offerings. Additionally, secure an agreement with a reputable bandwidth provider to ensure reliable and high-speed internet connectivity for the establishment.
Step 3 Application Submission and Fee Payment: Complete the application form and gather all required documents, including the technical profile. Pay the prescribed fees associated with the license application process. Submit the filled-in form, proof of fee payment, and necessary documents to the BTRC office for processing and evaluation.
Step 4 License Acquisition: Upon approval, the BTRC issues the license, granting legal permission to operate the Cyber Cafe in compliance with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act of 2001.
Fee schedule:
The updated Fees/Charges are given in circular which is given on the website of BTRC (www.btrc.gov.bd) Current Fees are as follows:
| Category A | Acquisition Fee |
Annual Fee |
|
|---|---|---|---|
For the first P/S of Dhaka Metropolitan Area For each additional P/S of Dhaka Metropolitan Area |
10,000/- 5,0001- |
5,000/- 2,500/- |
|
| Category B | Acquisition Fee |
Annual Fee |
|
For first P/S of Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet & Barisal Metropolitan Area For each additional P/S of Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet and Barisal Metropolitan Area |
5,000/- 2,0001- |
2,500/- 1,000/- |
|
| Category C | Acquisition Fee |
Annual Fee |
|
For the first P/S of other than Metropolitan Area For each additional P/S of other than Metropolitan Area |
1,000/- 5001- |
500/- 100/- |
Official timeline:
Not mentioned
Actual timeline:
Renewal process
Required list of documents:
- Application in a Letterhead
- Filled-in prescribed Form
- Copy of valid Trade License (Updated)
- Statement of payment to the bandwidth provider
- Expanded Network Diagram in details
- Latest Income Tax Clearance Certificate
- Certificate of bank solvency
- Tariff Chart (Approved by the commission)
- Undertaking on non-judicial stamp of Tk. 150/- sworn before the notary public of Bangladesh about not to take any activity over VOIP / WiMAX business
- Relevant Fees in the Form of Pay Order/Bank Draft
Step by Step all process:
Step 1 Gather Form & Necessary Documents: Begin the renewal process by collecting the prescribed renewal form from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) office or their official website. Concurrently, prepare detailed service and technical profiles of your Cyber Café, including information about the services offered, the equipment used, and relevant technical specifications. Ensure your Trade License is current and update it if necessary, as this document verifies the legal status of your business. Additionally, obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate from the appropriate tax authority to confirm that your business has no outstanding tax liabilities and is in good standing.
Step 2 Payment of Fees: Pay the necessary renewal fees as stipulated by the BTRC. Retain proof of payment, as this will be required when submitting your renewal application.
Step 3 Submission of the Filled-in Form and Necessary Documents: Submit the completed renewal form along with all required documents, including the service and technical profiles, updated Trade License, Tax Clearance Certificate, and proof of fee payment, to the BTRC office.
Step 4 Obtain the Renewed License from BTRC: Once your application has been reviewed and approved, collect your renewed license from the BTRC office. This license will authorize you to continue operating your Cyber Café legally.
Fee Schedule:
The updated Fees/Charges are given in circular which is given on the website of BTRC (www.btrc.gov.bd) Current Fees are as follows:
| Category A | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
For the first P/S of Dhaka Metropolitan Area For each additional P/S of Dhaka Metropolitan Area |
5,000/- 2500/- |
| Category B | Annual Fee |
| For first P/S of Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet & Barisal Metropolitan Area For each additional P/S of Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet and Barisal Metropolitan Area | 5,000/- 1000/- |
| Category C | Annual Fee |
For the first P/S of other than Metropolitan Area For each additional P/S of other than Metropolitan Area |
500/- 100/- |
Official time:
Not mentioned
Actual time:
**