BTTB plans E-1 system to ease network pressure Microwave facility, coaxial connections to help ISPs

With a view to reducing pressure on its fixed lines and facilitating operations for the Internet Service Providers (ISPs), the Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB) is likely to introduce the European Standard-1 (E1) system within a few months.

"Introduction of E1 system would release nearly 6,000 fixed BTTB telephones, now used as access

lines for the ISPs," a highly placed source in the board said.

Once the system is put in place, he said, the BTTB would distribute these free lines to prospective telephone subscribers.

The board has plans to provide microwave facilities and coaxial cable connections to the individual ISP in the absence of a fibre-optics network, he added.

The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and the BTTB

have earlier approved installation of the E-1 system and work is underway, he said. "In fact, installation work is at its final stage."

The BTTB would also offer a lower charge for ISPs willing to get connection through E1 cable. "We are planning a new rate for the ISPs so that they feel encouraged to get E1 connections," another source said.

Presently ISPs have to pay Taka54,000 per year for 30 leased lines in addition to the one-time demand note charge of Tk 549,000. The E1 connection would cost about Tk 75,000 per year for the same package.

Also, the European standard line would ensure better speed 56 kilobyte per second (kbps) instead of the existing 16.8kbps, the source said.

The new rate has been proposed to the ministry following a request made by the IT Task force for further concession, he said.

He said The E1 would also help ease pressure on the BTTB network at night when most Internet users hook up to make most of off-peak hours.