5G network services launched in divisional cities

Customers will get the 5G-speed internet for the same price as a 4G package, mobile operators say

The two leading mobile network operators, Grameenphone and Robi, have announced the launch of the fifth-generation mobile internet network, or 5G services, in the divisional cities.

Both companies announced customers can enjoy 5G high-speed internet at the cost of 4G packages, provided they use a 5G-supported handset.

Grameenphone has announced the launch of 5G service in eight divisional cities, while Robi is offering 5G service in three divisional cities from Monday.

At Robi’s launch event, the Chief Advisor's Special Assistant on ICT Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb said: “We must ensure that this service is not just for the urban elite. It must be taken to remote areas promptly to ensure they can also take advantage of this high-speed technology.”

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Emdad Ul Bari said, “5G requires a robust shared infrastructure. We have brought up those issues in the proposed telecom policy.

“To deliver 5G services across the country, we need over 500,000km of fibre optic network, but we have less than 200,000km.”

At the event, Robi’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Shahedul Alam said they have initially rolled out 5G services in locations across Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions.

Depending on the number of 5G-supported handsets, the company plans to expand the service to 200 sites by November. Areas where 15 to 20 percent of users have 5G-enabled handsets will be prioritised for the rollout, he added.