The a2i and Robi Axiata Ltd today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at introducing Direct Operator Billing (DOB) payment systems for the citizens, especially the marginal communities.
a2i Project Director Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir and Chief Strategy Officer of Robi Ruhul Amin signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations at ICT Tower in the city's Agargoan area, said a press release.
Under the MoU, the a2i of the Cabinet Division, ICT Division of Bangladesh and supported by UNDP, will develop product-based payment services initially with the help of mobile operator Robi.
After successful implementation of some pilot phases, a2i will expand these services with all the telecom operators' mobile wallets and expand them horizontally.
The a2i and Robi will also explore different opportunities to materialize DOB that significantly benefits the marginalized communities.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir said, "As representing the government, a2i will facilitate Direct Operator Billing (DOB) payment services by partnering with telecom operators in Bangladesh. This is the beginning".
Both a2i and Robi will work together to drive necessary policy, regulatory changes and modification as per the requirement of exploration and launching DOB collection services, he added.
Using mobile airtime, DOB, as a convenient payment method used globally, allows mobile subscribers to pay for digital services like electronically consumable services and utility bills.
After getting integrated with all the government services, DOB will help to overcome the payment channel access barrier and enable the mass people, especially the marginal community of the country, to avail digital services from home.
At the MoU signing function, a2i Programme Implementation Specialist Md Mazedul Islam, Team Leader (Deputy Secretary) of Digital Service Khandakar Manowar Morshed and National Consultant Mohammad Moshiur Rahman, Robi Executive Vice President of VAS and New Business of Robi Ahmed Arman Siddiqui and Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability of Robi Sharif Shah Jamal Raz, and other high officials from both organizations were also present.
