Banglalink preparing to launch 4G network

Banglalink plans to spend at least $500 million over three years to upgrade telecom network to ready the infrastructure for 4G services. 

News Deskbdnews24.com
Published : 22 August 2017, 03:37 PM
Updated : 22 August 2017, 03:37 PM

Veon has plans to invest $ 1 billion over the next three years to expand Banglalink’s networks, its CEO Jean- Yves Charlier said at recent press conference.

More than half of the fund is meant for upgrading network, he said.

Banglalink is fully owned by Telecom Ventures, a subsidiary of Global Telecom Holding, 51.9 percent of which is owned by Netherlands-headquartered Veon, according to Banglalink’s website.

Bangladesh has one of the fastest internet growth rates in the world. Smartphone penetration is nearly 30 percent, a figure that has been increasing at a favourable rate.

Banglalink's launch of 4G network means to complement to the government’s vision of Digital Bangladesh, according to a press release by the mobile operator.

“There had been successful testing of our network for 4G a year back by one of our partners, and innovative approaches to network modernisation had also been taken and recently we started converting SIM to 4G,” the statement said.

Pierre Boutros Obeid, Banglalink's chief technology officer, said, “We believe that offering digital services is the path to the future and 4G technology is the key to enable us to offer these services.

“We are committed to offer the best in 4G to ensure digital inclusion of everyone and a digital life for all. "We look forward to launch 4G as we continue to transform our networks to make it affordable for our customer and help reducing digital divide."

Banglalink has been operating in Bangladesh for past 12 years.