New Spectrum for Better Mobile Service: Robi and Banglalink Disagree
Bangladesh has over 190 million mobile phone users. Many of them often face poor network service, especially outside major cities. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) aims to improve this situation. They plan to sell special radio frequencies known as E-GSM spectrum.
This E-GSM spectrum can help mobile signals travel farther distances. It also allows signals to pass through walls and roofs more easily. This means people will get stronger signals inside buildings and in remote areas. Mobile companies Robi and Banglalink had asked the BTRC for this special spectrum.
However, the two companies now hold different views on when to sell it. Robi wants the BTRC to hold the auction soon. It says new spectrum is needed quickly to provide better service. Banglalink, on the other hand, has requested to postpone the auction.
Banglalink sent a letter to the BTRC on September 21. It stated that the government is currently writing a new telecommunications policy. Making big decisions about spectrum now might not match the future policy. The new policy will set long-term directions for many important telecom issues.
Taimur Rahman, a Banglalink official, said they support using E-GSM spectrum effectively. But he believes waiting for the final policy is a more logical step. This is because spectrum renewal is also due in November. The new policy might include various important topics like spectrum sharing.
Robi also wrote to the BTRC on September 24. Its letter said E-GSM spectrum must be made available fast. This will help ensure high-quality mobile services for the growing customer demand. Shahed Alam, a Robi official, stated that acquiring spectrum is an operator’s choice. Robi needs this spectrum to serve its customers better.
The BTRC has sent a request to the Posts and Telecommunications Division. It seeks approval for the base prices of the E-GSM spectrum. The BTRC proposed a base price of Tk 2.14 billion per megahertz for some spectrum. Another part was priced at Tk 1.78 billion per megahertz. These prices would apply for 15 years.
Major General (retd) Md Emdad Ul Bari, Chairman of the BTRC, said the telecommunications policy and the spectrum auction are not connected. He confirmed that the BTRC is waiting for the ministry’s approval on the prices. Once approved, the spectrum auction will be organized.
