Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- The state-run Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Ltd (BTCL) has decided to introduce a BDT 0.30 per minute nationwide flat call rate for its 0.87 million (8.7 lakh) customer base, effective from July 1.

The move was approved by BTCL on Thursday to put up a fight in the mobile phone dominated market.

Currently, the company’s is charging the call rate ranges from BDT 0.10 to BDT 1.50 in different time slots.

Minister for Post and Telecommunication Rajiuddin Ahmed Raju announced BTCL’s new tariff on Saturday at a program organized by the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Business Association in Dhaka, to mark the World Telecommunications Day-2009.

“BTCL has fixed its call rate at BDT 0.30 per minute for its customers countrywide,” the minister said.

The 12 landline operators have 1.388 million (13.88 lakh) customers, as of March 2009, while BTCL dominates the scene with 8.7 lakh customers. Private landline operators have bagged the remaining number of customers.

BNN/SS/ANS/AD-24May09-3:26 am (BST)