The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has decided not to allocate any spectrum to Grameenphone in the 850 MHz band following objections from its competitors. The opposing operators raised concerns about potential signal interference and the negative impact on service quality.
Mobile operators were verbally informed of the BTRC’s decision earlier this week during a meeting, according to sources familiar with the matter. The telecom regulator announced plans to auction new spectrum in the 700 MHz band by mid-2025, as stated by BTRC Chairman Major General (Rtd) Md Emdad Ul Bari on January 21.
Robi Axiata’s Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer, Mohammed Shahedul Alam, welcomed the BTRC’s fair decision, noting that the 850 MHz band could cause interference with other operators’ existing 900 MHz band spectrum. He explained that this would lead to service quality deterioration and additional costs for operators, including the installation of filters on thousands of towers to eliminate interference.
The 850 MHz band, valued at $200 million for approximately 10 MHz, would have cost other operators an estimated $100 million to mitigate signal interference, according to Alam. These filters would also have reduced the coverage area for operators, further complicating the situation.
Robi and Banglalink have been vocal in requesting the BTRC not to allocate the 850 MHz spectrum, given that they have already invested in the 900 MHz band as a low-band alternative. Currently, Robi holds the largest share of 9 MHz in the 900 MHz band, followed by Grameenphone with 7.4 MHz, Banglalink with 5 MHz, and Teletalk with 5.2 MHz.
Grameenphone, which has a large user base but limited low-band spectrum, strongly supports the allocation of the 850 MHz band. The company argues that the low-band spectrum at 850 MHz would enhance network coverage and improve service quality, particularly in densely populated areas like southern Dhaka and rural regions.
Grameenphone’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Tanveer Mohammad, dismissed the concerns raised by Robi, asserting that the costs of implementing filters would be minimal compared to what has been claimed. He also pointed out that in over 50 countries, both the 850 MHz and 900 MHz bands are used simultaneously, a practice that could be adopted in Bangladesh as well.
Tanveer also noted that over 95% of 4G handsets in Bangladesh are compatible with the 850 MHz band, compared to less than 45% for the 700 MHz band, further justifying the need for the 850 MHz spectrum.
Despite Grameenphone’s advocacy, the other operators have urged the BTRC to delay the allocation of the 850 MHz band until all operators can access it simultaneously and in a coordinated manner.
