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Carnival Internet has launched Bangladesh's first ecosystem marketplace app, introducing a new dimension to the country's broadband sector.
The app, which goes beyond internet payments, brings together a wide range of services including digital healthcare, customised micro-insurance, online learning and e-commerce, offering users a single platform for essential services, the company said in an event on Thursday at its city office.
The company, which started its operations in 2015 with a nationwide ISP licence from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), has expanded its broadband network to 403 upazilas in less than a decade.
It has connected more than 31,000 villages and nearly 400,000 rural households, reaching over 4 million users across rural and urban areas, the company said.
This extensive coverage and customer base have made Carnival Internet the 'number one' broadband service provider in Bangladesh, as recognised by the Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), it claimed.
As a concern of Dotlines Group, Carnival has invested heavily in innovation and infrastructure, setting itself apart from other providers.
The company has developed proprietary technology platforms such as Katana for operations and business support and Audra for network security, establishing a model of growth that is considered exemplary in the industry.
The newly launched app is designed to integrate multiple services under one ecosystem.
In its initial beta version, it will facilitate bill payments and internet-related services, but Carnival has made clear its ambition to expand it into a more comprehensive platform, according to the company.
The app will eventually include features that aim to build skills in Bangla for the gig economy, provide accessible healthcare through partnerships with international organisations, expand health and life insurance coverage through micro-insurance solutions, and enable income generation through a zero-investment reselling platform.
The launch comes at a time when Bangladesh is grappling with significant challenges. Nearly 47 per cent of educated young people remain unemployed, while around 80 per cent of the population lacks market-ready skills. Healthcare access is also limited, with only seven doctors available for every 10,000 patients, and in cases of emergency, families often spend up to 70 per cent of their savings on treatment. Insurance penetration is alarmingly low, at just 0.5 per cent of GDP.
Carnival believes that by combining broadband connectivity with essential services, it can help address these gaps.
Through the app, users will not only gain access to reliable internet but also to opportunities for skill development, healthcare, financial protection and income generation.
The company emphasises that broadband internet today is no longer just about connectivity; it is a tool that can transform lives across both rural and urban Bangladesh.
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