Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
BTRC has cancelled 16 ISP licences for failing to renew after their validity expired. The decision, made following due legal procedure, declares any continued operations illegal and subject to penalties. Operators must return licence certificates and clear dues within 30 days. Officials say the move aims to enhance regulatory compliance and strengthen oversight of Bangladesh’s telecom sector.
EDOTCO Bangladesh and Summit Communications have renewed their partnership through a Space and Power Lease Agreement, combining Summit’s nationwide fiber backbone with EDOTCO’s tower network to strengthen Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure. The five-year deal enhances network reliability, supports rural expansion, and prepares for 4G/5G growth, reinforcing national digital transformation goals.
A national BTRC inspection found major gaps between operators’ claimed 4G coverage and actual service quality, with widespread dead zones, call drops, and weak indoor connectivity across multiple districts. Regulators flagged compliance failures and urged stricter benchmarks, more towers, and improved oversight to ensure reliable mobile service for users.
Bangladesh Submarine Cables posted a 42.1% rise in Q1 FY26 profit to Tk 619.10 million as bandwidth demand and core business revenue grew. EPS, cash flow, and NAV per share all improved, reflecting strong fundamentals as the country’s sole international submarine cable operator benefits from rising internet usage nationwide significantly.
GSMA urges Bangladesh to revise draft licensing rules that could restrict foreign participation, enforce asset divestment, and blur spectrum usage boundaries, saying they may undermine TNLP 2025 goals and mobile sector investment.
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator, BTRC, will host a public hearing on November 25 to collect consumer and stakeholder feedback on telecom service quality and regulatory performance. Participants must register by November 19. Common issues include call drops, slow mobile data, poor broadband, and registration problems. The hearing aims to shape future regulatory actions and improve operator accountability.
Bangladesh has approved a SIM-lock smartphone installment policy allowing telcos to sell devices on flexible payment plans, expanding access for low-income users and accelerating digital inclusion while ensuring fair competition and consumer protection.
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator has approved a new SIM-lock framework allowing mobile operators to sell smartphones on installment, expanding digital access for low-income users. The initiative aims to bridge the rural digital divide while ensuring fair pricing, transparency, and consumer protection.
Robi Axiata PLC posted a Tk625 crore profit in the first nine months of 2025, up 55% year-on-year, driven by cost efficiency despite a slight 2.5% revenue drop. The operator added 1 lakh new users in Q3 and now covers 99% of the population with its 4G network.
Grameenphone’s net profit fell 23% year-on-year to Tk2,264 crore in January–September 2025, while revenue slipped marginally to Tk11,948 crore. The company attributed the decline to increased operational costs and slower top-line growth amid competitive market pressures.