The telecom regulator has recently directed the internet service providers to block internet protocol television (IPTV) and video on demand services in the country.

Both the services are gaining popularity for entertainment, mostly in urban areas.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission asked the ISPs in a letter to immediately suspend these services.

Otherwise, the ISPs will face legal actions, reads the letter.

IPTV is a system where television services are delivered using the internet protocol suite over a packet-switched network such as local area network or the internet, instead of being delivered through traditional terrestrial, satellite signal, and cable television formats.

Video on demand allows users to select and watch/listen to video or audio content when they choose to, rather than having to watch at a specific broadcast time. IPTV technology is often used to bring video on demand to television and personal computers.

ISPs started offering these services last year. Currently, BTRC has no official guideline for IPTV and video on demand services.

BTRC officials said, according to their licensing conditions, ISPs are not eligible to offer these services.

On the other hand, ISPs said these are modern features of the internet and if the regulator wants to block these, then the internet will lose its strength.

MA Hakim, president of Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh, said some ISPs have already started offering these modern services, while others are investing in it to launch the services.

"We find no violation of the existing policies or regulation and the regulator didn't even discuss it with us," Hakim added.

If the regulator blocks these services, a huge number of customers will miss the opportunity to enjoy modern services, Hakim said.

"If the government wants to block video on demand, then logically, they have to block Youtube. Can they do so?"

Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Ltd has already invested hundreds of crores of taka to develop a "triple play" service, which is also designed for services like IPTV and video on demand.

The state-owned company is still not aware of such a directive from the regulator.

Under the triple play service, subscribers will enjoy IPTV and video on demand, high-speed internet service and voice call as well.