Govt to focus on ICT as foundation for future growth
Bangladesh is prioritizing telecom and ICT as core growth drivers, focusing on connectivity, investment, and AI readiness for long-term development.
Bangladesh is prioritizing telecom and ICT as core growth drivers, focusing on connectivity, investment, and AI readiness for long-term development.
Bangladesh’s move to open the full 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi could boost connectivity but risks telecom revenue loss and regional misalignment.
Bangladesh has launched a Starlink satellite internet trial on three intercity trains, allowing passengers to access free Wi-Fi during travel. The pilot project aims to test satellite broadband performance on moving trains and could lead to wider deployment across the national rail network.
Bangladesh has launched free Wi-Fi at Saidpur Airport as part of a national initiative to expand public internet access. The programme aims to introduce free connectivity at airports, railway stations, and other busy locations to improve digital access and public services.
Simpaisa has acquired Bangladeshi payment gateway aamarPay and invested nearly $1 million to expand digital payment services. The deal marks a foreign fintech investment in a licensed Payment System Operator and aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s payment infrastructure, support cross-border transactions and promote financial inclusion.
Bangladesh has launched Starlink satellite internet on moving trains for the first time on a trial basis. The service is currently available free on three trains and allows passengers to access Wi-Fi by scanning a QR code. Authorities plan to expand the service nationwide if the pilot proves successful.
Bangladesh plans to allocate 10 MHz of unsold 700 MHz spectrum to state-owned Teletalk despite the operator having more than Tk 5,500 crore in unpaid dues. The decision follows a recent auction where Grameenphone acquired 10 MHz, leaving 15 MHz unused, raising questions about regulatory compliance.
Bangladesh’s internet subscriber base fell by about 70 lakh in six months mainly due to a drop in mobile internet users after the government reduced the SIM ownership limit from 15 to 10. Economic pressures and fewer active SIM cards also contributed, while fixed broadband subscriptions continued to grow slightly.
Amber IT is deploying 500 Wi-Fi zones across Bangladesh in 2026, offering free access to its subscribers and low-cost coupons for others. Partnering with small businesses like tea stalls for hosting, the project aims to support students and freelancers while enhancing digital inclusion in both urban and rural public spaces.
PM Adviser Rehan Asad has unveiled a 30-year ICT roadmap for Bangladesh, prioritizing high-speed connectivity, digital sovereignty, and AI adoption. Key initiatives include free airport Wi-Fi by Eid, a review of 2025 telecom policies, and a crackdown on illegal devices to attract FDI. The plan aims to create 1 million tech-related jobs.