Tk 45 billion financing for Teletalk to expand network, Minister Tarana says

State-owned mobile-phone operator Teletalk plans to reach the rural population by the next two years.

State Minister for Telecommunications Tarana Halim says Tk 45 billion is being pumped into the network expansion project.

“The goal is to expand its network and manpower so that it can compete with other operators," she said on Thursday while launching customer service centre at Dhaka's Gulshan.

The minister said widening its network expansion is the most important factor. "It's obvious that subscribers will switch if there's no network in rural areas."

The government has cleared a Tk 6.1 billion project and another Tk 30 billion project is awaiting a green light, according to the minister.

"Teletalk is already implementing a Tk 7 billion project financed by its own fund."

According to her, once these projects are implemented Teletalk will be ready to compete with other operators.

There are now six mobile phone service providers operating Bangladesh.