Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bangladesh risks falling short of its trillion-dollar digital economy target due to one of the world’s highest spectrum and tax burdens, a GSMA report warns. High costs are slowing 5G rollout and internet speeds, while reforms in spectrum pricing and taxation could unlock up to $45 billion in economic growth by 2035.
Bangladesh has approved its Telecom Networking Licence Policy 2025, aiming to streamline licensing, enhance competition, and improve nationwide service quality. While Grameenphone and Banglalink welcomed reforms, Robi Axiata voiced disappointment over unaddressed industry inputs. Analysts say the policy’s success hinges on clear implementation guidelines and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
Bangladesh has revised its telecom Quality of Service framework, raising 4G minimum download speeds to 10 Mbps, enforcing strict rules on call quality, and extending obligations to ISPs and NTTN operators. The framework, effective September 1, mandates monthly reporting and tighter customer service standards to enhance accountability and coverage nationwide.
Bangladesh plans to expand its fibre optic network to 500,000 km, shifting from overhead to underground systems to boost resilience. With Bakshi as a key manufacturer, the government aims to modernise infrastructure, unify networks, and position fibre optics as a growth sector for digital transformation.
Engineer Md Mamunur Rashid, a veteran telecom professional, has been appointed as BTCL’s Managing Director. With decades of service and international exposure, he brings deep technical expertise and leadership experience to the role.
edotco Group and Tiger New Energy partner to deploy solar hybrid systems at telecom towers in Bangladesh, reducing reliance on diesel and the grid. The initiative supports sustainability goals by lowering carbon emissions and operational costs, with pilot projects set to expand across multiple sites.
EDOTCO Bangladesh and Tiger New Energy have joined forces to pilot renewable energy solutions for telecom infrastructure, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy access. Their collaboration introduces battery backup and charging technologies to support sustainable connectivity and advance Bangladesh’s green energy goals.
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator requires ISPs to issue detailed payment receipts and maintain standardized billing records to improve transparency and accountability. The move addresses consumer complaints and includes periodic inspections to enforce compliance across the sector.
AMTOB supports Bangladesh’s proposed 2025 Telecom Licensing Reform Policy, calling it a vital modernization effort. The association refutes concerns of bias, highlights inefficiencies in the current fragmented system, and welcomes the new licensing structure. AMTOB stresses that reform is essential for sector growth, better service quality, and national digital progress.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has granted Starlink a 90-day waiver to supply bandwidth from outside the country, as the company works to establish a local gateway. This move ensures Starlink can meet the government’s target for launching commercial satellite internet services in Bangladesh.