Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) started raising the Social Obligatory Fund (SOF) in December 2012 by tapping 1 percent of mobile-phone operators’ income to expand telecommunications. Minister Palak said the work to give internet connection through fibre-optic cables to 813 union councils in two projects was under way. Asked whether a division's money can be utilised for another division, Palak said, "The government's money can be used in any development (project)." A top official of the ICT Division said the estimated cost of the project is Tk 6.52 billion. Asked about approving the ICT Division proposal to use the money, she said, "We've said: 'The Internet for all'.

Source: bd News24 March 05, 2017 19:41 UTC