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’s telecom regulator has barred Grameenphone from selling new SIM cards due to poor service quality. The move follows complaints over call drops and substandard internet and voice performance, underscoring stricter regulatory enforcement on operators.
A government white paper has revealed 15 years of corruption, regulatory failures, and policy bottlenecks in Bangladesh’s telecom sector. The report calls for institutional reform, tax restructuring, and regulatory modernization to improve service quality, investment, and digital inclusion.
Robi Axiata has pulled out of Bangladesh’s 700 MHz spectrum auction after a strategic review, citing timing and network priorities. The move leaves Grameenphone as the only bidder, prompting the regulator to revise auction rules to limit spectrum concentration and maintain competition.
Banglalink has regained ISO 27001:2022 certification, reinforcing its commitment to international cybersecurity standards. The recertification highlights stronger security controls, effective data protection practices, and ongoing investments in advanced technologies and employee awareness to ensure service reliability and customer trust.
Bangladesh’s Telecommunication (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 proposes replacing the NTMC with a new surveillance body, but critics warn the reform lacks independence. With oversight mechanisms remaining under government control, human rights advocates argue the ordinance risks expanding state surveillance rather than delivering meaningful accountability.
EDOTCO Bangladesh and BDRCS signed an MoU to strengthen disaster preparedness by enhancing early warnings, ensuring site readiness and restoring critical communications during emergencies. The partnership includes solar-powered systems, safe-shelter support, community programmes, joint drills and volunteer training to improve national resilience across climate-vulnerable areas.
Grameenphone and BSCL have partnered to introduce Starlink’s satellite internet for enterprise customers in Bangladesh, enabling high-speed connectivity in remote and infrastructure-challenged regions. The collaboration supports mission-critical industries, strengthens national digital resilience, and enhances business continuity with low-latency, high-availability satellite services powered by Starlink’s advanced technology.
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.