BTCL Bets on Backbone Boost Through 5G-Readiness Project
Despite being a licensed Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) operator, Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) has long struggled to establish a strong foothold in the country’s telecom sector. Meanwhile, private NTTN operators have gained dominance by deploying DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) equipment to manage an expansive optical fiber network spanning nearly 148,000 kilometers.
According to sources, these private NTTN operators supply backbone network infrastructure to mobile and internet service providers. However, due to high costs and limited investment by these private entities, end-users often face challenges accessing affordable and reliable network services.
BTCL officials believe that the 5G Readiness Project has now opened a promising opportunity for the state-owned company. If implemented successfully, the project could position BTCL as the country’s most dependable and modern NTTN operator.
The project aims to extend 100 Gbps optical fiber connectivity to every upazila, 300 Gbps to district towns, and up to 1,000 Gbps capacity in metropolitan areas. This would significantly enhance the speed and capacity of Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure. Currently, national internet bandwidth usage stands at 35 terabytes and is projected to reach 50 terabytes within the year. Experts anticipate a four to five-fold increase in bandwidth demand over the next five years.
Through this initiative, BTCL is expected to acquire the capacity to deliver around 30 percent of the country’s total internet bandwidth—approximately 11,250 Gbps—which aligns with projected demands for the next decade. The project involves constructing a modern and high-capacity optical fiber transmission network. This would not only improve the reach and quality of BTCL’s infrastructure but also enable it to compete with private NTTN operators.
Consequently, mobile operators and other service providers would gain access to higher-quality backhaul networks, ultimately strengthening the country’s digital communication framework. Citizens would also benefit from more affordable and faster internet services.
The total approved budget for the project is BDT 1,059 crore, with approximately BDT 463 crore allocated for direct equipment procurement. In a global tender, Chinese tech giant Huawei was selected to supply the required equipment at BDT 326 crore—around BDT 137 crore less than the allocated amount. Despite this cost-effective bid, the tender process has faced prolonged delays due to various complexities.
Administrative hurdles and unforeseen bottlenecks have hampered project progress for an extended period. Although the necessary equipment has already arrived at the port, it remains unreleased. The Prime Advisor’s Special Assistant, alongside officials from the Posts and Telecommunications Division and BTCL, are reportedly working to expedite implementation. They are hopeful that once the equipment is cleared, BTCL will be well-positioned to support 5G services and contribute significantly to the nation’s digital transformation.
However, unless these bureaucratic and structural challenges are swiftly addressed, delays in the country’s digital development strategy may persist. Timely access to the benefits of 5G technology could be hampered. Experts emphasize that elevating the telecom sector to international standards requires high-level attention and coordinated efforts. Without prompt government intervention, the project’s intended outcomes may remain out of reach, potentially hindering the realization of Bangladesh’s digital economy goals.
