Bangladesh enters 4G era with 3 operators launching service

A new chapter of "digital Bangladesh" began through the introduction of fourth-generation (4G) mobile Internet in the country on Monday.

Mobile phone operators started offering the fasted internet services immediately after receiving the 4G/LTE licence on Monday evening from the telecom regulator at a ceremony.

Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Mustafa Jabbar handed over the licences to state-owned Teletalk, Banglalink, Grameenphone and Robi, reports BSS.

Private operators -- Grameenphone, Robi and Banglalink -- started offering the mobile broadband to their customers in the capital with some other major cities immediately. However, Teletalk may take a few time to launch the 4G service.

Prime Minister's ICT Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy greeted the mobile phone operators on the auspicious occasion by sending a message.

Soon after getting the licence, Grameenphone's Chief Executive Officer Michael Foley announced the launch of 4G service through Facebook Live in selected areas of Dhaka city and Chittagong, marking the beginning of its nationwide rollout of 4G services.

"Indeed, this is a proud moment for us all in Bangladesh and a big milestone to the realisation of Digital Bangladesh," said Foley after the launch.

Robi and Banglalink also launched 4G services in some parts of the country as well from the event. Managing Director and CEO of Robi Mahtab Uddin Ahmed said they have covered 179 sites in different cities with the fasted internet service. "4G will be available in the shortest possible time although eco-system is not ready for it set," he added.

"This is a great day for us as we step into a new era of digital connectivity," said Erik Aas, CEO of Banglalink, after the launch of the service. The third largest operator announced the launch of 4G service in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, and Sylhet covering over 200 sites.

After launching 4G service, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Dr Shahjahan Mahmood said they will enact a directive on quality of service guideline where minimum speed for this service will be declared as 7 Mbps and it will go for tough on ensuring quality.

In his speech, Mustafa Jabbar said mobile phone will be centre of providing government's service which was adopted during the formulation of digital Bangladesh campaign, and the move gets momentum through the launching of 4G.