Grameenphone Launches 700 MHz ‘Golden Spectrum’ to Expand Coverage and Enhance Network Performance
Private mobile operator Grameenphone has officially launched its newly acquired 700 MHz “Golden Spectrum,” a low-band frequency widely regarded for its superior coverage capabilities. The formal launch was announced on Sunday evening through a ceremonial handover of commemorative plaques to senior officials of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
The operator secured 10 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz band on January 21 for approximately Tk 2,370 crore through a direct allocation process without competitive bidding.
The announcement came a day after the company faced widespread criticism on social media over technical disruptions experienced by users during live streaming of FIFA World Cup matches. Grameenphone claims that the new spectrum will significantly improve indoor network performance, expand coverage in rural areas, and make digital connectivity more reliable across the country.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Grameenphone Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Yasir Azman. The event was attended by Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad as the chief guest and BTRC Chairman Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdad Ul Bari as the special guest.
According to Grameenphone, the 700 MHz band is classified as a low-band spectrum, enabling each base station to provide coverage over a significantly larger geographical area compared to higher-frequency bands. This creates opportunities for faster and more cost-effective network expansion, particularly in improving indoor connectivity and extending network access to remote and underserved regions.
Speaking at the event, Rehan Asif Asad said that the deployment of the 700 MHz spectrum would further strengthen Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure. He noted that expanding high-quality connectivity in both urban and rural areas would enhance digital inclusion while facilitating economic growth and access to essential services.
BTRC Chairman Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdad Ul Bari stated that the spectrum would reinforce the country’s telecommunications ecosystem and help ensure equitable access to digital services for all citizens. He highlighted its expected impact on improving indoor coverage as well as overall voice and data performance.
Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman said the new spectrum would enhance the capacity of the operator’s 4G network while also supporting faster data speeds and lower latency. He added that the investment would help prepare the network for future technologies, including 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).
//DBTech/SH/MI/OR//
