Yunus urges Axiata to roll out 5G services in Bangladesh

Expanding Bangladesh’s fibre-optic network is vital for full deployment, says Axiata CEO

Axiata team meets with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus at his hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: CA GOB Facebook

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has called on Malaysian telecom giant Axiata Group Berhad to launch 5G services in Bangladesh, and invest in the country’s data centres.

On the second day of his trip to Malaysia, he highlighted Bangladesh requires high-speed internet connectivity to drive its economy, as well as attract global investment in its digital economy, state-run news agency BSS has reported.

“The interim government is streamlining licencing regimes to create a more business-friendly environment for top telecommunications operators,” he was quoted as saying.

Axiata CEO Vivek Sood said the company had run a 5G trial in Bangladesh, adding that expanding the country’s fibre-optic network is crucial for full deployment.

Mobile phone operator Robi, owned by Axiata, has recently invested about $200 million annually in Bangladesh, and is open to investing in 5G services, he said.

However, he also mentioned high spectrum costs and a fragmented licencing system as factors deterring foreign investment. Axiata is also seeking joint venture partners for data centres in Bangladesh.

Yunus urged stronger collaboration between the private sector and regulators, saying: “The most important thing is to come closer and understand each other”