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The country's second-largest telecom and digital service provider Robi has reached a milestone of 50-million subscriber base.
Robi's subscriber base swelled up quickly as the corona situation has eased out in recent times proving the customers' overwhelming preference for the company's dual brands-Robi and Airtel.
Robi managing director and CEO Mahtab Uddin Ahmed made the announcement during a virtual press conference on Thursday.
Robi has emerged as the most-preferred telecoms brand when MNP (mobile number portability) was launched. Five out of seven customers chose to come to Robi through MNP.
To celebrate the achievement with the subscribers, Mr Ahmed has declared to provide 50-million free megabytes (MB) for different data packages.
Apart from this, said the Robi CEO, it is announced to provide special meal to orphans in 50 districts.
Posts and telecommunications minister Mustafa Jabbar said telecoms will provide the highway for the country to enter into the era of fourth industrial revolution. "On that highway, I've always found Robi to be the most eager partner in the industry. I believe Robi is now standing on a strong foundation to contribute to national digital transformation journey."
Replying to a query, Mr Jabbar said he is against the removal of overhead cables now. Internet and cable TV both are lifelines for locked-down people, he said, adding that two city corporations can remove the cables later.
The minister said he had requested the mayors to stop the drive to remove overhead wires to keep internet service active in the city.
Replying to another query, he said an amendment to the telecoms regulatory act will not limit the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission's autonomy as has been alleged in some newspapers.
"The drafting of the amendment is in its early stage. Nothing has been decided. But I assure you there won't be any attempt to limit the autonomy…," Mr Jabbar cited.
While making the announcement, the Robi CEO declared that Robi and Airtel customers will receive 50-million MB data bonus daily as part of the celebration. Free data can be availed through purchasing any of the popular data packs, he mentioned.
"We're moving towards a new economy-digital economy-where people will realise their aspirations through the digital route," Mr Ahmed stated.
"We're determined to be their partner in this journey by helping them reimagine life with the touch of technology."
Congratulating Robi, BTRC chairman Jahurul Haque said Robi must ensure quality service to customers.
Highlighting this achievement, Robi chief commercial officer Shihab Ahmed noted that Robi was the first to launch 3.5G service in Bangladesh.
It is the only operator to launch 4.5G service in all 64 districts from day one, the first to launch VoLTE service and the first to test 5G service, he added.
The executive said Robi has invested significantly behind network expansion, thus creating the widest 4.5G video strong network in the country.
Robi chief corporate and regulatory officer Shahed Alam moderated the programme.