RailTel Expanding Business Operations into Bangladesh

Several Bangladeshi firms have partnered with Starlink to facilitate the setup of ground earth stations in the country, signing contracts with the US-based telecommunications provider. The collaboration involves space allocation, construction support, and infrastructure maintenance. Some firms are offering their own properties, while others are considering Hi-Tech Park locations.

Bangladesh's mobile subscriber base declined by 12 lakhs to 18.75 crore in December 2024, marking six consecutive months of contraction, according to BTRC data. Between July and December, operators lost a total of 75 lakh customers. Industry leaders

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has shifted to an open tender process for the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system maintenance, reversing its earlier direct purchase decision after stakeholder objections. The NEIR system aims to block unauthorized and stolen mobile devices using IMEI tracking, tackling the growing grey market.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) plans to auction 25 MHz of the 700 MHz spectrum in 2025 to expand 4G and roll out 5G networks. The total allocable spectrum is 45 MHz, but 20 MHz remains tied up in a legal dispute.

Twenty-nine international internet gateway (IIG) operators in Bangladesh owe the BTRC Tk 205 crore, with top five defaulters accounting for 77% of the outstanding sum. BTCL has the highest dues at Tk 51.58 crore, followed by Earth Telecom (Tk 32.02 crore) and Aamra Technologies (Tk 25.48 crore).

Grameen Telecom’s Samadhan Services received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Bangladesh Bank in September 2024, enabling it to obtain a payment service provider (PSP) license. The company applied for the license in 2021 but faced delays due to alleged political factors.