More than seven years after Bangladesh launched 4G services, large parts of the country still lack adequate coverage, according to a recent drive test by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). The regulator found that mobile operators have failed to fulfill their rollout obligations under license terms issued in 2018.
The BTRC’s latest field test, conducted in July 2025 across 574 kilometers in Tangail, Bogra, and Gaibandha districts, revealed significant coverage gaps. Grameenphone—the nation’s largest operator—was unable to provide 4G service in 58% of tested areas.
Unmet License Commitments
When 4G licenses were granted in February 2018, operators were required to ensure nationwide coverage across all upazilas, highways, and railways within five years, by February 2023. None of the four major operators—Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi, and Teletalk—have met these conditions in full, leaving millions still reliant on slower 3G or even 2G networks.
Test Results Reveal Poor Quality
The BTRC’s findings show all operators underperforming against quality benchmarks:
- Grameenphone: 58% of tested areas lacked 4G; call setup success rate 95.14% (below 98% target); throughput 20.99 Mbps.
- Banglalink: 49% of areas without 4G; throughput 29 Mbps; call setup success 96.22%.
- Robi: 41% of areas uncovered; lowest call setup success rate at 77.37%; throughput 21.6 Mbps.
- Teletalk: Worst performer, with 77% of areas lacking 4G; call setup time 10.25 seconds (above 8-second limit); throughput 10.35 Mbps.
Regulatory Action and Expert Criticism
The BTRC has warned operators to strengthen their networks and may mandate rapid installation of new Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to address signal weaknesses. Officials also indicated that explanations may be sought under Section 64 of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act, 2001, for non-compliance with rollout terms.
Telecommunication experts have criticized operators for failing to meet license conditions, noting that many regions still lack reliable 4G even as companies push forward with 5G trials. “Promoting 5G without completing 4G expansion is premature and misleading,” one analyst commented.
Despite growing mobile internet subscriptions nationwide, consistent and high-quality 4G access remains elusive for millions of Bangladeshis. With mounting regulatory pressure, calls for stronger enforcement and consumer accountability are intensifying.
