Dhaka — October 12, 2025: The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is gearing up to auction spectrum in the 700 MHz band, a key resource for improving 4G performance and accelerating nationwide 5G rollout. The auction—expected by January 2026, pending ministerial approval—marks the country’s first spectrum sale in nearly three years.
However, telecom operators are pressing for the full 45 MHz of available capacity to be auctioned together, rather than the 25 MHz currently on offer due to an ongoing legal dispute over a portion of the band. The Supreme Court is reviewing an appeal related to Always On Network Bangladesh Ltd, which was allocated 12 MHz from the 700 MHz band in 2007 before mobile designation standards were formalized.
“We have already sent a letter to the ministry to hold an auction with the available 25 MHz. The rest can be added if it becomes available before the auction takes place,” said BTRC Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Md Emdad ul Bari.
The 700 MHz band—spanning 703–803 MHz—is highly valued for its ability to deliver wide coverage and strong indoor connectivity, making it essential for bridging Bangladesh’s urban-rural digital divide.
Operators Call for Full Auction and Lower Base Price
Leading telecom groups Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink, backed by foreign investors Telenor, Axiata, and VEON, have urged the government to auction the entire 45 MHz in one go. They argue that larger, contiguous blocks are crucial for efficient 5G deployment, while fragmented sales would drive up costs, hinder coverage, and erode service quality.
“Rushing to sell fragments without resolving the remaining 20 MHz sends a negative signal to ongoing litigations and undermines investor confidence,” said Shahed Alam, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer at Robi Axiata PLC.
Operators are also demanding a price reduction. The BTRC’s proposed base price of Tk 263 crore per MHz has been widely criticized as excessive compared with other regional markets. Industry leaders have cited GSMA research showing that lower spectrum prices directly correlate with faster digital adoption and greater economic impact.
“The 700 MHz band is globally recognised as the digital dividend band and should therefore be priced significantly lower than other bands to maximise its impact on ensuring digital penetration across the country,” said Taimur Rahman, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer at Banglalink.
In May, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb recommended a 10% cut in the reserve price, though the final decision will be taken in consultation with the finance and telecom ministries.
Once approved, the auction is expected to play a defining role in Bangladesh’s digital transformation, enabling operators to expand affordable broadband and improve rural network reach—a critical step toward the government’s goal of universal digital connectivity.
