Grameenphone gets 700 mhz spectrum allocation

Grameenphone has received a demand note from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for the allocation of 10 MHz spectrum in the 700 MHz band, marking the first-ever allocation of this band in Bangladesh following completion of all regulatory requirements.

The spectrum has been allocated for a 13-year period. Under the allocation, Grameenphone is expected to contribute around Tk2,200 crore to the national exchequer over the licence tenure. The company said the allocation will be followed by further investments for the nationwide rollout of services using the 700 MHz band.

Grameenphone said the investment reinforces its commitment to optimising network quality, expanding digital inclusion, and enhancing the experience for its more than 83.9 million customers across the country.

The low-band characteristics of the 700 MHz spectrum enable wider coverage per base station, allowing faster and more cost-effective network expansion. The band also offers superior indoor signal penetration, improving connectivity in dense urban environments such as offices, hospitals, shopping malls, high-rise buildings, basements, and elevators. In addition, it is expected to significantly strengthen mobile coverage in rural, coastal, and hard-to-reach areas.

Commenting on the allocation, Yasir Azman, chief executive officer of Grameenphone, said, "We are making a major investment of around Tk2,200 crore for the spectrum allocation, to be followed by further significant investments for nationwide rollout. This reflects our long-term commitment to improving service quality and delivering a superior data experience for our customers."

He said low-band spectrum plays a critical role in enhancing 4G performance and will also support preparedness for future-ready technologies, including 5G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, by enabling higher data speeds, lower latency, and improved user experience.

Yasir Azman also thanked the BTRC and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology for ensuring a transparent and structured process to support the development of a future-ready telecommunications ecosystem.