Banglalink intends to merge with Teletalk, form partnership with BTCL

Banglalink, Bangladesh's third-largest telecom operator in terms of subscriber base, has expressed interest in merging with Teletalk, the only state-owned mobile network operator in Bangladesh. 

The telecom operator, which is a subsidiary of the global digital operator VEON, is also interested in a partnership with the Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL), the largest state-owned telecommunications company in Bangladesh operating under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology.

Johan Hendrik Martinus Buse, managing director and CEO of Banglalink, sent a letter to Rehan Asif Asad, the prime minister's adviser for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, expressing the company's interest in these matters.

He also requested a meeting to discuss the issues in the letter sent on 28 March.

Proposal on merger/partnership between Banglalink and Teletalk

The letter said, "A potential partnership or merger between Banglalink and Teletalk could significantly reshape Bangladesh's telecom landscape. By combining Banglalink's operational efficiency and market experience with Teletalk's advantages as a government entity and its spectrum assets, such a collaboration could enhance network coverage, particularly in underserved rural areas, and optimise infrastructure investments through the shared use of towers, spectrum and technology.

"This initiative may also strengthen Teletalk's competitive position while accelerating digital inclusion nationwide. Notably, a pilot initiative involving active network sharing and national roaming between the two operators was undertaken in early 2024, signalling initial progress toward deeper collaboration."

Probable partnership between Banglalink and BTCL

A collaboration between Banglalink and Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) could enable the rollout of bundled telecom services such as triple-play (voice, data and IPTV) and quadruple-play offerings that incorporate mobile services.

By leveraging BTCL's extensive fixed-line and fibre infrastructure alongside Banglalink's mobile network capabilities and digital platforms such as Toffee—one of the country's leading OTT services—this collaboration could facilitate the delivery of integrated digital solutions for both households and enterprise customers.

Such a strategic alignment would enhance customer experience, diversify revenue streams, and position both entities to compete more effectively within an increasingly converged digital ecosystem, according to the letter.

Proposal to launch Direct-to-Call service through Starlink

The launch of direct-to-cell satellite connectivity through Starlink presents a transformative opportunity to extend mobile coverage to remote and hard-to-reach areas.

This technology enables standard mobile devices to connect directly to satellites without specialised equipment, thereby enhancing network resilience and rural connectivity.

Notably, VEON has already launched this service through its subsidiaries in Ukraine and Kazakhstan. However, its implementation would require updates to existing regulatory frameworks, including spectrum policies and licensing provisions, to accommodate satellite-based mobile services in Bangladesh, according to the letter.

Banglalink needs low-band spectrum

Low-band spectrum (such as 700 MHz or 800 MHz) is crucial for Banglalink to enhance its network coverage and indoor penetration, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. These frequencies travel longer distances and penetrate buildings more effectively than higher bands, making them essential for delivering consistent voice and data services.

Recently, Grameenphone was awarded spectrum in the 700 MHz band by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) through an auction, despite there being only a single participant, highlighting both the strategic importance and limited competition for the band.

In parallel, Banglalink has also expressed interest in acquiring spectrum in the EGSM band. Although this band is considered partially polluted due to cross-border interference issues, certain portions could still be effectively utilised with proper planning and refarming.

Securing access to these spectrum resources would allow Banglalink to improve service quality, expand 4G and future 5G coverage, and remain competitive in Bangladesh's evolving telecom market, reads the letter.