Ericsson Trials 3G Network in Bangladesh

Published on: 11th August 2008

According to reports in various local media, Ericsson has set up a demonstration 3G network in Bangladesh. Under the project styled 'Alokito Bangladesh', the company will demonstrate 3G services, including mobile health and mobile learning, in Dhaka until October.

The regulator's Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Brig Gen (retd) MA Malek said "Inauguration of the 3G pilot project is a milestone in mobile technology of the country and I hope that the alleviation of poverty will be facilitated through this modern technology,". He was speaking as chief guest at the launching ceremony of the pilot project at a city hotel on Sunday.

Ericsson Bangladesh managing director Arun Bansal said that the project would show off the potential for 3G services in the country.

Ericsson is conducting the 3G trial by using the site and transmission networks of three telecom operators-Warid Telecom, Grameenphone and Aktel.

The regulator plans to auction off 3G licenses by the end of the year, but warned that the price would be significant.

"You have got the frequencies earlier at almost free of cost, this must not happen this time as the frequency is a national asset," BTRC chairman Maj Gen (retd.) Manzurul Alam said after the trial launch. He put a valuation of around US$200 million on the necessary radio spectrum.

The country currently has six operators - and according to figures from the Mobile World, ended the first half of this year with just under 43.7 million mobile subscribers - which is still a population penetration level of 28.5%. Also worth noting is that while the country has six operators, only four of them are of any significant scale, Grameenphone (20.3m), Banglalink (9.5m) and Aktel (7.8m) and finally, Warid Telecom (3.3m). The two remaining long term incumbents, Citycell and Teletalk add up to 2.7 million customers between them.

 

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