The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has dismissed Banglalink’s appeal to acquire 5MHz of spectrum in the 2,100MHz band outside the current auction process. The regulator described the proposal as “illogical,” “unwanted,” and a breach of the auction’s purpose.
Banglalink’s CEO, Erik Aas, had offered BDT 8.3 million (USD 68,000) to acquire the 5MHz block, contingent on reallocating their existing 5MHz to create a contiguous 10MHz paired spectrum in the 2100MHz band. However, this offer was significantly below market value, with previous sales in the band fetching around USD 21 million.
The BTRC criticised the offer as “unclear,” “unrealistic,” and warned that accepting it could destabilize the telecom sector and deter future participation in spectrum auctions.
