The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumer Association highlighted a significant shortfall in mobile network infrastructure during a discussion titled “Necessary steps to overcome tower shortages to upgrade mobile network.” The association’s president, Mohiuddin Ahmed, pointed out that the country needs at least 100,000 towers for optimal service, but only 45,547 have been constructed according to data from the Bangladesh Telecommunication and Regulatory Commission.
This lack of towers contributes to slow network speeds, call drops, and other service disruptions. Mohiuddin noted that current towers cover only 40% of the national requirement, with the remainder urgently needing construction due to significant investment deficits among tower companies.
Further complicating matters, Mohiuddin cited a May 23 report stating that many areas, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts and parts of Cox’s Bazar, rely on substandard base transceiver stations. These areas frequently experience network outages during load shedding or even mild rain. Additionally, outdated equipment such as tower batteries and uninterruptible power supplies from the Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited exacerbate these issues, particularly in rural regions.
Mohiuddin also criticized the quality of microwaves used in BTS and highlighted the incomplete fiber connectivity as contributing factors to the network disruptions. He stressed the need for better coordination between mobile operators, tower companies, and vendor organizations to address these infrastructure challenges.
He called for the resolution of ongoing disputes between vendors and tower companies, warning that unresolved issues could lead to a future crisis in mobile network services. Mohiuddin urged for increased public awareness campaigns by the BTRC to dispel misconceptions about the health and environmental impacts of tower radiation and advocated for the promotion of tower and network sharing among telecom operators.
To tackle tower construction issues in border areas, he suggested that the foreign ministry and the telecommunications ministry collaborate more closely. The event was also attended by former Competition Commission director Khaled Abu Nasser, among other notable figures.
