BTRC Moves for 2G Phase-Out Plan; Promotes EMI, SIM-lock Technology

Bangladesh is considering phasing out its 2G mobile network by 2029 as part of broader efforts to modernize the country's telecommunications infrastructure, according to Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Major General (Retd.) Emdadul Bari.

Speaking as the special guest at an event organized by Grameenphone at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka on Thursday, July 30, the BTRC chairman outlined several initiatives aimed at expanding digital inclusion and improving the quality of telecommunications services across the country.

Focus on Connectivity and Service Quality

Emdadul Bari said that while 98.9 percent of households in Bangladesh have access to mobile connectivity, around 35 percent of people living outside network coverage areas still face a significant "connectivity gap."

He also noted that only 44 to 47 percent of the country's population uses the internet regularly. At present, nearly 90 percent of internet users rely on mobile broadband, which he described as a major structural limitation in the long term. He added that the digital divide between urban and rural areas remains substantial.

The BTRC chairman said the regulator and mobile network operators have reached a common standard for measuring network quality. Beginning next quarter, BTRC will publicly release nationwide mobile network quality-of-service data on a regular basis.

He also noted that the auction of the 700 MHz spectrum has already been completed to strengthen 4G services across the country.

Smartphone Affordability and 2G Sunset

To make smartphones more affordable and increase their availability, the government is expanding support for equated monthly installment (EMI) payment facilities, approving SIM-lock technology, and facilitating smartphone purchases through mobile wallet services.

However, Emdadul Bari cautioned that the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies could increase the manufacturing costs of AI-powered smartphones due to rising prices of processors and high-speed memory components.

He also revealed that a feasibility study is underway to assess the gradual shutdown of 2G networks by 2029 as part of efforts to reduce operational costs.

Strengthening Digital Literacy

Expressing concern over the country's digital skills gap, the BTRC chairman said that 85 percent of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 lack basic digital literacy.

To address the issue, he called for ensuring that every household has at least one digitally skilled individual. He also emphasized transforming Union Digital Centers into online-based "Digital Lighthouses" and creating a network of paid "Digital Ambassadors" to help improve digital literacy nationwide.

//DBTech/IH/MI/OR//