5G Goes Live: Robi Rolls Out Revolutionary Network

Although Teletalk first launched 5G in Bangladesh on 12 December 2021 on an experimental basis, full-scale implementation has yet to take place. Under the guidelines published in February 2024, licensed operators are required to activate services within one year of the guideline’s release and ensure 5G coverage in airports, seaports, industrial zones, and commercial areas by 30 October 2025, as instructed by the regulatory authority.

In compliance with these regulations, mobile operator Robi Axiata is set to commercially launch experimental fifth-generation mobile services (5G) in select areas of Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet. According to sources, starting Monday afternoon, 1 September, users with 5G-enabled smartphones in these areas will be able to access the new service.

Sources indicate that the service will be inaugurated at Shahbagh, Fakirapool, and Robi’s own office premises in Dhaka. The launch ceremony at the operator’s corporate office will be presided over by Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor.

Previously, on 25 July 2018, a 5G exhibition was jointly organized by Robi and Huawei at the Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, marking the country’s first demonstration of the technology. On 12 December the same year, state-run Teletalk conducted experimental 5G test drives at six locations. In 2022, Grameenphone conducted trials in eight divisional cities, including Dhaka. However, infrastructural constraints had delayed the commercial rollout until now.

As part of preparations for commercial service, Robi’s partner company Excentech was contracted in August to conduct a study on the use of 5G technology in port operations at Chattogram.