Grameenphone becomes first operator to deploy 700 MHz spectrum nationwide

Grameenphone has become the first mobile operator in Bangladesh to begin nationwide deployment of the 700 MHz spectrum band, a move expected to significantly improve indoor mobile coverage, strengthen connectivity in rural areas and support the country's digital transformation ambitions.

The country's largest telecom operator officially announced the rollout at an event in Dhaka yesterday (14 June), attended by Rehan Asif Asad, adviser to the prime minister on posts, telecommunications and information technology, as chief guest, and Major General (Retd) Md Emdad Ul Bari, chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), as special guest.

The deployment follows BTRC's allocation of 10 MHz spectrum in the 700 MHz band to Grameenphone earlier this year, the first such allocation in Bangladesh. The spectrum has been assigned for 13 years and is expected to contribute around Tk2,200 crore to the national exchequer over the licence period.

Industry experts consider the 700 MHz band a strategic asset because of its low-frequency characteristics, which allow signals to travel longer distances and penetrate buildings more effectively than higher-frequency bands. This enables wider coverage with fewer base stations, making network expansion faster and more cost-efficient, particularly in underserved and rural regions.

The rollout is expected to improve voice and data services, enhance indoor coverage in homes, offices and commercial buildings, and help bridge the digital divide by bringing quality connectivity to more people across the country.

Speaking at the event, Rehan Asif Asad said the deployment represented another important milestone in strengthening Bangladesh's digital infrastructure.

"Expanding high-quality connectivity across urban and rural areas alike will help accelerate digital inclusion, support economic growth, and enhance access to essential services for people across Bangladesh," he said.

BTRC Chairman Md Emdad Ul Bari said the new spectrum would play a critical role in improving service quality and expanding equitable access to digital services.

"As a low-band spectrum, it will significantly improve coverage quality, particularly in indoor environments and underserved areas. Customers will benefit from more reliable connectivity, better voice and data performance, and improved access to digital services regardless of location," he said.

Grameenphone Chief Executive Officer Yasir Azman said the deployment underscored the operator's commitment to delivering a superior network experience and preparing Bangladesh for future technologies.

"The 700 MHz spectrum will enhance 4G performance and help us prepare for future-ready technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. It will support higher data speeds, lower latency and a better customer experience while strengthening indoor and rural connectivity," he said.

He also thanked the telecom regulator and the ministry for facilitating the spectrum allocation, describing it as an important step toward building a future-ready telecommunications ecosystem.

The rollout comes at a time when demand for high-speed mobile internet continues to rise across Bangladesh, driven by growing smartphone adoption, digital financial services, e-commerce, online education and digital government services.

Telecom operators have long advocated for access to lower-frequency spectrum bands, arguing that they are essential for improving network quality and expanding coverage in hard-to-reach areas. The 700 MHz band is widely used globally for 4G and increasingly regarded as a foundational spectrum for future 5G deployments.

For Bangladesh, where millions of users still experience inconsistent mobile internet quality outside major urban centres, the deployment is expected to strengthen network resilience, improve user experience and support the government's broader vision of a digitally connected economy.

With the nationwide rollout now underway, Grameenphone is positioning itself to expand coverage more efficiently while laying the groundwork for next-generation digital services in the years ahead.