[🇧🇩] Telecommunication Industry in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Govt proposes conditional concessions over 700MHz spectrum auction

The government has formally responded to concerns raised by major foreign telecom investors regarding the upcoming 700MHz spectrum auction, proposing conditional pricing concessions to ease industry apprehensions.

www.thedailystar.net

Govt proposes conditional concessions over 700MHz spectrum auction
Move designed to alleviate investor concerns

The government has formally responded to concerns raised by major foreign telecom investors regarding the upcoming 700MHz spectrum auction, proposing conditional pricing concessions to ease industry apprehensions.

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser with executive authority over the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and ICT, suggested a potential 5-10 percent reduction in spectrum prices.

However, this discount would be contingent upon mobile network operators committing to infrastructure upgrades, lowering consumer prices and enhancing service quality.

The move comes after foreign investors expressed reservations about the auction, citing high costs and uncertain returns.

In a letter dated March 25, Taiyeb acknowledged investor apprehensions about spectrum costs, limited bandwidth availability and device compatibility, but underscored the state's focus on aligning pricing with global standards and addressing systemic sectoral inefficiencies.

Earlier on March 17, major international telecom investors expressed concerns about the proposed parameters for the upcoming auction, citing technical, commercial and economic challenges.

In a joint letter addressed to Taiyeb, the parent companies of Bangladesh's leading mobile network operators urged the government to reconsider the auction's timing and pricing structure.

Signed by senior executives of Axiata, Telenor, and Veon, the letter highlighted three key issues with the current plan: the limited amount of spectrum being released, the disproportionately high pricing and limited device compatibility with the 700MHz band.

Citing a 40 percent devaluation of the Bangladeshi Taka against the US dollar since 2022, Taiyeb defended its dollar-denominated spectrum valuation as a safeguard against currency risks for foreign-dominated telecom operators, which repatriate profits in USD.

Responding to concerns over partial release of spectrum in the 700 MHz band -- 2x25MHz out of a total 2x45MHz -- Taiyeb said efforts were underway to resolve technical and commercial barriers for releasing the remainder, emphasising the band's role in expanding 4G/5G coverage and IoT services.

While noting 50 percent of existing 4G devices already support 700MHz, the government revealed plans to mandate local manufacturers and importers to halt non-compliant device sales -- a policy expected to boost penetration "significantly" within months.

The letter sharply criticised mobile network operators for underutilising higher-frequency spectrum bands (7–18 percent usage) intended for urban capacity, blaming inadequate deployment of critical infrastructure like Baseband Units (BBU) and Radio Resource Units (RRU) for fragmented networks, slow speeds and frequent call drops.

It accused operators of maintaining "artificially" high internet prices and restrictive data validity periods, perpetuating a "vicious cycle" that limits digital adoption despite low utilisation rates.

"Mobile network operators have not shown proper willingness to adjust consumer pricing accordingly. Moreover, the very short data validity period of national internet packages is being criticised in society," Taiyeb said.

"This seems to be a coordinated vicious cycle that mobile network operators have artificially engineered, holding back the growth of internet services," he added.

The telecom regulator aims to auction spectrum in the 700 MHz band this year to support the expansion of 4G and rollout 5G networks in the country.

It set the price at Tk 263 crore per MHz, but mobile operators are unhappy with that decision so further negotiations are anticipated in this regard.

The latest spectrum auction took place in March 2022, when the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission fetched around $1.23 billion as operators acquired a total of 190MHz spectrum.​

 

[Saif]

Internet user base shows signs of recovery in Feb

After months of decline, Bangladesh's internet user base showed signs of stabilisation in February 2025, according to data from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). The number of mobile internet users saw a slight increase from 116.02 million in January to 116.03 mill

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Internet user base shows signs of recovery in Feb
FE REPORT
Published :
Mar 30, 2025 00:29
Updated :
Mar 30, 2025 00:29

After months of decline, Bangladesh's internet user base showed signs of stabilisation in February 2025, according to data from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

The number of mobile internet users saw a slight increase from 116.02 million in January to 116.03 million in February, while broadband users remained unchanged at 14.04 million.

In June 2024, the country had approximately 129.17 million mobile internet users. However, by January 2025, this figure had fallen to 116.02 million, reflecting a loss of over 13 million users.

Similarly, the total number of internet subscribers, including both mobile and broadband users, declined from 142.17 million in June 2024 to 130.06 million in January 2025.

Industry experts attributed this decline to factors such as rising living costs, increased taxation, and political instability.

A telecom expert noted that growing expenses have deterred consumers from acquiring new connections, making it difficult to keep marginalised populations connected.

Additionally, higher usage costs have discouraged many from maintaining alternative connections, he said.

Despite these challenges, the slight uptick in mobile internet users in February 2025 offers a glimmer of hope for the sector, suggesting a possible easing of the factors that contributed to the decline registered earlier.

However, the broadband segment has remained flat, indicating that further efforts may be needed to stimulate growth in this area.

Meanwhile, the overall number of mobile subscribers continued to decline during the same period.​

 

[Saif]

Draft telecom policy keeps door open for monopoly

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s (BTRC) draft policy to reform its complex licensing regime arrives with bold promises — streamlining processes, encouraging competition, and attracting foreign investment.

www.thedailystar.net

Draft telecom policy keeps door open for monopoly

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission's (BTRC) draft policy to reform its complex licensing regime arrives with bold promises — streamlining processes, encouraging competition, and attracting foreign investment.

Yet, beneath the surface, certain clauses lack clarity and may safeguard existing market inequalities, empower dominant players, sideline local entrepreneurs, and, in some cases, discourage foreign ownership, said experts.

At the core of the proposed reforms is the consolidation of the licensing structure in the telecommunications sector — where there are over 20 types of licences — into three broad categories: National Infrastructure & Connectivity Service Provider (NICSP), International Connectivity Service Provider (ICSP), and Access Network Service Provider (ANSP).

However, despite its aim to "promote local entrepreneurship by fostering fair competition," the draft guidelines place no limitations on foreign partners acquiring ownership stakes in any other BTRC licensees, which may end up opening the door to cross-ownership and foreign control across all segments — without offering similar leverage to local entities.

Experts warn that this imbalance could lead to anti-competitive consolidation, policy loopholes, and further erosion of domestic participation in a sector vital to national digital sovereignty.

For instance, Axiata Group, which owns Robi Axiata; Telenor, which holds a majority stake in Grameenphone; and Veon, owner of Banglalink, will be eligible to simultaneously hold a stake in licensees from all three categories.

BTRC Chairman Md Emdad ul Bari said the policy had been designed this way to attract traceable foreign investment.

As an example, he cited Axiata Group's investment in edotco Bangladesh despite its existing stake in Robi Axiata.

However, experts have warned that this move could lead to discrimination, discourage local entrepreneurship, and potentially result in monopolistic practices.

Notably, this provision contradicts a clause in the draft itself, which prohibits ANSPs from holding ICSP licences.

Abu Nazam M Tanveer Hossain, a telecom policy expert, said, "In the absence of strict cross-ownership restrictions, dominant players may exploit their market power in one segment to suppress competition in others. A clear separation between service layers is essential to prevent anti-competitive practices. Allowing foreign ownership across multiple layers of licensing undermines this principle."

He also argued that the policy's allowance of up to 49 percent foreign ownership in the ICSP category, 70 percent in NICSP, and 100 percent in ANSP could ultimately stifle foreign investment.

Such inconsistency risks enabling regulatory arbitrage and discouraging financially and technically capable international firms from entering the market.

"To create a level playing field and attract long-term, sustainable foreign investment, the policy should consider removing ownership caps entirely and ensure that equity stakes genuinely reflect foreign capital — not local loans disguised as equity infusions," Hossain said.

Interestingly, the 70 percent foreign investment cap under the NICSP category aligns with the current foreign ownership structure of Summit Communications, the country's largest national transmission service provider, which holds most of the key licences in the telecommunications sector.

Last year, Summit Communications sold 70 percent of its shares to UAE-based Global Energies and Mauritius-based Sequoia Infra Tech for Tk 170.5 crore.

Axiata Group's stake in edotco also matches the ownership ratio proposed for this category of licence.

BTRC officials, however, claimed this was a mere coincidence.

One commendable proposal in the draft policy is the phasing out of outdated intermediaries such as operators of Internet Gateways (IIG), Interconnection Exchanges (ICX), National Internet Exchanges (NIX), and International Gateways (IGW).

The proposed ANSP licence will consolidate mobile and fixed-line services into two sub-categories: Cellular Mobile Service for operators using technologies like GSM, 5G, and future evolutions; and Fixed Telecom Service for wired or wireless broadband providers.

These licensees will manage last-mile connectivity, offer bundled voice, data, and digital services, and share passive infrastructure such as towers and fibre, though spectrum sharing will require BTRC approval.

Existing mobile operators, ISPs, and Public Switched Telephone Network providers will migrate to these categories, with fixed-line operators barred from holding mobile licences to prevent market dominance.

However, the policy's suggestion to phase out these intermediaries only upon licence expiry could create delays and regulatory loopholes, allowing dominant players to retain multiple licences across categories.

For instance, Summit Communications and Fiber@Home both hold NTTN licences, valid until 2039, alongside International Terrestrial Cable (ITC) licences. This overlap creates confusion as to whether they will continue operating across both categories.

Another contentious issue arises from a provision allowing mobile operators to combine radio and wired access technologies to offer enterprise solutions.

This may mean that mobile operators will be allowed to deploy fibre from their towers directly to routers placed within business premises — capturing a significant share of the most lucrative segment of the broadband market, traditionally served by fixed-line providers.

Md Emdadul Hoque, president of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh, warned that if the new policy permits mobile network operators (MNOs) to offer last-mile connectivity using radio or cable under the guise of "enterprise solutions," it could directly conflict with the existing fixed broadband licensing framework.

"Therefore, we propose the following clarification," he added. "If BTRC authorises MNOs to deploy last-mile infrastructure, this should be explicitly stated in a separate clause, making it clear that such deployment is limited strictly to MNOs' internal infrastructure needs, such as base transceiver station interconnections."

However, Shahed Alam, chief corporate and regulatory officer at Robi Axiata, dismissed those objections as "baseless and misconceived."

He argued that MNOs already provide connectivity solutions under the scope of their existing licences. The draft policy, he noted, merely clarifies an existing practice.

BTRC Chairman Bari reaffirmed the regulator's foundational principle: wired services will be provided by broadband operators, while wireless services will fall under mobile operators.

He said the local entrepreneurship-driven broadband service sector would be kept highly protected, with no foreign investment allowed.

"There will be a clarification on this matter in the final policy," he said.

However, he acknowledged that as technology evolves, the boundaries between wired and wireless segments will inevitably blur.

He added that BTRC is currently reviewing the feedback received on the draft policy and will incorporate necessary revisions before submitting it to the ministry for final approval.​

 

[Saif]

Mobile operators welcome govt's proposed reforms to telecom sector

The Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) has voiced support for the government's proposed Telecommunications Network and Licensing Reform Policy 2025, terming it a "bold and necessary step" towards overhauling the country's outdated telecom regulatory framework. In a state

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Mobile operators welcome govt's proposed reforms to telecom sector

UNB
Published :
Jun 03, 2025 21:35
Updated :
Jun 03, 2025 21:35

The Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) has voiced support for the government's proposed Telecommunications Network and Licensing Reform Policy 2025, terming it a "bold and necessary step" towards overhauling the country's outdated telecom regulatory framework.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the industry body acknowledged recent media discussions surrounding the draft policy and called for a clearer, fact-based understanding of the reforms.

"While we appreciate the concerns raised by stakeholders, we believe it is critical to present a clearer, fact-based perspective regarding the proposed reform," said AMTOB.

Refuting claims that the draft favours foreign companies or mobile operators, AMTOB said that the proposed policy does not offer any undue advantage to either group.

In fact, it continues to curtail the operational scope of mobile operators, who are at the frontline of delivering telecom and digital services to consumers across the country, it said.

Citing legacy issues stemming from the 2007 International Long Distance Telecommunication Services (ILDTS) Policy, AMTOB criticised the sector's fragmentation, which introduced multiple intermediary entities such as IGWs, IIGs, ICXs, and NTTNs. These entities, according to AMTOB, add minimal value to service delivery while inflating costs and creating inefficiencies.

Despite these limitations, the association welcomed the government's intent, describing the new policy structure, which proposes dividing the licensing regime into International Connectivity Services, National Infrastructure Connectivity Services, and Access Network Services, as a marked improvement over the current model.

The association argued that, in most countries, mobile operators are granted the autonomy to manage end-to-end infrastructure, resulting in more affordable and higher-quality services for consumers. In contrast, Bangladesh's heavily segmented licensing regime continues to stifle sectoral growth and compromise user experience.

"Reform in the telecom sector is not just an industry imperative - it is a national interest," AMTOB stressed, adding that a modern, competitive telecom ecosystem is vital to achieving a digitally advanced economy and supporting national socio-economic goals.

"While the current reform proposal is not the final solution, it sets the right tone," the statement said.​

 

[Saif]

NovoTel Limited: Powering Bangladesh’s digital future with global telecom leadership

In the digital age, NovoTel Limited has positioned itself as a key player in Bangladesh's telecom industry. As the first privately owned International Gateway operator in the country, NovoTel has demonstrated impressive vision and engineering expertise in developing an integrated, resilient, and fu

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

NovoTel Limited: Powering Bangladesh’s digital future with global telecom leadership

FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Jun 22, 2025 20:37
Updated :
Jun 22, 2025 20:37

In the digital age, NovoTel Limited has positioned itself as a key player in Bangladesh's telecom industry. As the first privately owned International Gateway operator in the country, NovoTel has demonstrated impressive vision and engineering expertise in developing an integrated, resilient, and future-ready telecom network. Established in 2008 with a licence from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, the company has consistently set new standards for quality, scalability, and global interoperability. NovoTel's contributions extend beyond basic connectivity, with the company actively involved in fostering innovation and driving digital inclusion across Bangladesh.

NovoTel's core infrastructure is built upon a robust foundation of cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships. Its network architecture incorporates advanced routing and switching equipment, along with redundant fibre optic links to ensure high availability and low latency. The company's global partnerships with leading technology vendors and service providers further enhance its capabilities, allowing it to offer a comprehensive suite of services, including voice, data, and value-added solutions. These services are vital to supporting the growing demand for digital connectivity in Bangladesh, which is essential for economic development and social progress.

NovoTel's commitment to quality is evident in its rigorous testing and monitoring processes. The company operates a state-of-the-art network operations centre that provides 24/7 monitoring and support, ensuring optimal performance and rapid response to any potential issues. NovoTel is dedicated to complying with all regulatory requirements and industry standards, demonstrating its commitment to responsible and ethical business practices. NovoTel’s engineering prowess is reflected in its ability to design and deploy complex network solutions tailored to the specific needs of its customers. NovoTel's proactive approach to network management and security helps to maintain its strong market position and foster trust among its stakeholders.

At its core, NovoTel specialises in IP Networking, Transmission Infrastructure, and Core Voice Switching, effectively handling over 400 million minutes of international voice traffic every month. Its strategic Points of Presence in Equinix IBX, Singapore, and Epsilon Global Hubs, London, serve as crucial interconnection nodes, facilitating seamless data and voice transmission with leading global carriers. Connectivity is established via STM-1 TDM circuits and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine and terrestrial cables, ensuring low latency, robust redundancy, and geographic diversity for network resilience. This infrastructure is supported by robust network management and security protocols, which are essential for maintaining the integrity and reliability of its services.

NovoTel is a proud telecommunications venture of the Tusuka Group, a renowned Bangladeshi industrial conglomerate known for high-quality denim and sustainable apparel. Led by the visionary Arshad Jamal Dipu, who serves as both NovoTel's Chairman and Tusuka Group's Founder, the company has expanded beyond traditional voice services into enterprise connectivity, data transmission, and aviation. This diversification strategy enables NovoTel to address a broader range of market needs and capitalise on emerging opportunities in the digital economy.

The strategic foresight of NovoTel's leadership has materialised through the development of synergistic subsidiaries. NovoCom Limited, licensed as an International Terrestrial Cable and International Internet Gateway operator, provides IPLC, Global MPLS, IP Transit, and data co-location services. With points of presence in Singapore and London, NovoCom plays a vital role in Bangladesh's international internet routing and enterprise-grade data services. InterCloud Limited operates as a nationwide ISP and IP Telephony Service Provider, delivering business internet, cloud collaboration tools, SIP trunking, and a proprietary app called "brilliant CONNECT" that enables secure and scalable enterprise communications. Bangla ICX, one of the largest Interconnection Exchange operators, handles domestic and international call routing through high-capacity STM-1 circuits. Bangla ICX provides real-time traffic monitoring, codec conversion, and ensures interoperability among major telecom operators in Bangladesh. NOVOAIR, the aviation wing of the group, exemplifies operational excellence in domestic and regional passenger air travel, offering superior safety, punctuality, and service, while extending NovoTel's brand into aviation and travel-tech solutions. NovoTel's multi-faceted approach ensures a comprehensive suite of services that address different layers of connectivity and communication needs in Bangladesh.

NovoTel’s integrated ecosystem promotes digital access, international trade, and employment. With secure, scalable, and standards-aligned infrastructure, the company plays a vital role in Bangladesh’s digital transformation and 5G readiness. As Bangladesh advances technologically, NovoTel Limited is a national leader driving the country's digital economy. NovoTel's leadership team, with expertise in engineering, innovation, and business strategy, is not just participating in the global telecom industry, but shaping its future.​