Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a feasibility study grant to CdNet Communications Ltd for the Bangladesh International Submarine Cable (Bagha-1). This project aims to boost internet capacity and quality across Bangladesh, enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity for advanced services like 5G and international data centers.
Robi Axiata and Banglalink have signed an MoU to explore network sharing, aiming to improve 4G access across Bangladesh. This collaboration seeks to enhance cost efficiency, service quality, and environmental sustainability, with support from regulatory bodies and the government’s ‘Smart Bangladesh’ vision.
In 2023, Bangladesh’s internet subscriber count rose to 131 million, including 7 million new users, with 118.49 million on mobile and 12.88 million on broadband. The total mobile subscribers also increased to 190.81 million, driven by 10.61 million new users last year, according to BTRC data.
IT industry leaders in Bangladesh have urged the government to extend the tax exemption for the IT sector by three years to maintain growth and competitiveness. Highlighted during a policy dialogue, this extension is deemed crucial for enhancing reinvestment and supporting the sector’s contribution to the national GDP.
Robi Axiata, Bangladesh’s second-largest telecom operator, reported a 154% year-on-year profit increase in Q1 FY24, driven by revenue growth and reduced forex losses. The company’s focus on expanding its 4G network and digital services has significantly contributed to this growth, aligning with its strategic vision for digital transformation.
ZTE collaborates with Banglalink to upgrade its 4G network in Bangladesh, enhancing coverage and capacity. The partnership aligns with Banglalink’s focus on customer experience and supports the government’s “Smart Bangladesh” vision. Banglalink aims to maintain its status as Ookla’s fastest data network, while ZTE commits to optimizing user experiences.
Axentec, Robi Axiata’s subsidiary, debuts Cypher, Bangladesh’s inaugural certified Tier-IV Co-Location Data Centre. With 16,500 sq ft coverage, 2N redundancy, and advanced security, Cypher ensures 99.995% uptime, pioneering digital reliability in Bangladesh’s tech landscape. CEO Md Adil Hossain Noble hails Cypher as pivotal for Bangladesh’s digital future.
Robi Axiata’s new subsidiary, Axentec PLC, has officially started its operations, offering innovative digital solutions and services. Axentec, emerging from Robi’s ICT arm Reddot Digital, is set to provide a wide range of IT solutions, including cloud services, AI, data analytics, cyber security, and IoT, focusing on the corporate and SME sectors. This strategic move positions Axentec as a key player in the digital solutions market, both in Bangladesh and globally.
Banglalink reports a 15.1% revenue growth in Q3 2023, marking its sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. The telecom company has strengthened its digital services with the success of its entertainment platform Toffee and super app MyBL, and expanded 4G connectivity across Bangladesh.
Veon subsidiary Banglalink has agreed to sell around a third of its tower portfolio in Bangladesh to Summit Towers for $100 million. This strategic move, involving the transfer of over 2,000 towers, aligns with Veon’s shift towards a digital operator model and will help Banglalink focus on digital services expansion.