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 BTRC will deactivate all unregistered phones from Dec 16 under its new NEIR system, linking each handset to a verified SIM to curb illegal imports, reduce fraud, and promote local smartphone manufacturing.
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator has proposed a new framework requiring broadband providers to share 5.5% of revenue plus 1% for a social fund. Operators warn the plan could raise internet costs and slow growth, despite BTRC’s goal to improve digital inclusion and national connectivity.
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator is preparing a 700 MHz spectrum auction to expand 4G and 5G coverage, while operators push for the full 45 MHz sale at reduced rates to lower costs and boost rural connectivity.
The BTRC’s July 2025 test revealed that Bangladesh’s major operators have failed to meet 4G rollout commitments, with coverage gaps in over half of surveyed areas. Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi, and Teletalk all fell short of service benchmarks, prompting regulatory warnings and renewed scrutiny over network quality.
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator BTRC has set a 10 Mbps minimum 4G download speed requirement nationwide under new QoS rules, extending to mobile operators, NTTNs, and ISPs. The policy also tightens standards for voice quality, fixed broadband, and customer service, with monthly compliance checks starting September 2025.
Bangladesh has introduced a new telecom licensing policy consolidating over 20 licence types into three while capping foreign ownership in network access services at 85 percent. The reform phases out intermediary operators, addresses transparency concerns, and seeks to streamline the sector, though operators warn of risks to local businesses and investment confidence.
The EU and BTRC have held talks on data protection, cybersecurity, and the digital economy. The EU reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s broadband, 5G, and connectivity goals, pledging technical expertise under its Global Gateway strategy to help build a secure and inclusive digital future.
In 2012, BTRC planned a $1.5 billion 3G spectrum auction for five operators, marking a major telecom sector milestone in Bangladesh. The move aimed to boost internet speeds and support emerging mobile technologies like 4G and LTE.
Bangladesh enforces a 10-SIM card ownership limit from August 2025 to combat fraud and misuse. Approximately 6.7 million SIMs will be deactivated, reinforcing national security and industry transparency.
BTRC convenes key stakeholders to enhance disaster resilience of Bangladesh’s telecom infrastructure, calling for national policies, emergency service designation, and cross-agency collaboration.