Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi Axiata, and Teletalk have all been granted a unified license by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to streamline their operations and 5G evolution paths.
Banglalink, which is owned by Veon, revealed that it officially received its unified license from the BTRC. Furthermore, Telenor-owned Grameenphone announced that it received two unified licenses—the Cellular Mobile Services Operator License’ and the Radio Communications Apparatus License for Cellular Mobile Services. Likewise, Robi Axiata and Teletalk also received their licenses.
Facilitating 5G and Operations
The unified licenses combine existing authorizations to use 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies, making them technology-agnostic across those generations and include provisions for the rollout of future technologies such as 5G and 6G. The new licenses also make it easier for operators to actively share infrastructure resources, provide clearer data retention guidelines, clarify the audit period, and rationalize various fees and charges. They also hold the procedural advantage of simplifying and streamlining license renewal into a single step.
Grameenphone emphasizes that unified licenses promote competition and innovation, benefiting customers by offering improved quality and experience. These licenses also ensure strong safeguards against cyber threats and compliance with international standards, serving as a timely and strategic move to safeguard Bangladesh's expanding digital landscape.
Creating a ‘Smart Bangladesh’
Grameenphone and Banglalink also underscored that the unified license scheme facilitates the integration of smart technologies and falls in line with Bangladesh's vision of a ‘Smart Bangladesh,’ where 5G technology holds a pivotal role.
“We look forward to ensuring superior customer experience, fostering digital inclusion and cocreating a smarter, sustainable Bangladesh,” said Grameenphone CEO, Yasir Azman. “Looking at a future dominated by smart devices, AI and connected technologies, we will be able to cocreate an ecosystem which will serve to make our customers’ lives safer, healthier, and happier.”
Banglalink CEO, Erik Aas, said the new license will “liberate crucial resources for us to focus on providing a superior customer experience. These changes will positively impact Banglalink’s adoption of advanced technologies and help us support the Smart Bangladesh vision.”
