Prioritise 5G Coverage, Adopt AI Networks

Bangladesh’s next-generation digital infrastructure strategy should focus not simply on adopting new technologies, but on matching them to the country’s network capacity, operating costs, user needs and level of readiness. A panel at Bangladesh TechConnect 2026 highlighted three priorities: expanding 5G coverage, using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve existing network operations, and taking a measured approach to emerging technologies such as network sensing.

The technology roadmap centres on three ideas. First, Bangladesh should expand 5G coverage, improve device affordability and develop practical industrial and agricultural applications before moving to 5G-Advanced. Second, AI-based radio access network (RAN) optimisation, predictive maintenance and energy-saving algorithms can improve network operations using existing infrastructure. Third, commercial deployment of network sensing should wait for more mature standards, regulatory frameworks, privacy safeguards and practical use cases.

Bangladesh made its first 5G call in December 2021. Although services have since been introduced in selected areas, coverage remains limited, while most mobile users continue to rely on 4G. Rather than rushing towards 5G-Advanced, the proposed approach prioritises broader 5G coverage, more affordable devices and practical applications such as industrial Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for the ready-made garment sector and smart technologies for agriculture.

Telecom operators also face constraints from scarce spectrum, high energy costs, infrastructure stress during the monsoon and rapidly growing user demand. AI-driven RAN optimisation, predictive maintenance and energy-saving systems offer opportunities to improve the performance of existing networks. Reducing base-station energy consumption could help lower operators’ operating costs while easing pressure on the electricity system.

Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), meanwhile, could allow a base station to do more than transmit data. Potential applications include drone detection, vehicle tracking and weather monitoring. However, technical standards, privacy boundaries, regulatory provisions and spectrum arrangements are still developing. Instead of immediate commercial deployment, a cautious approach would involve monitoring standards development, participating in relevant discussions and considering pilots in controlled environments.

Coordinated action for next-generation connectivity

The panel discussion, titled “Future Technologies and Connectivity – Harnessing Opportunities for Bangladesh’s Next-Generation Digital Infrastructure,” was moderated by Brig Gen (Retd.) Iqbal Ahmed, Commissioner (E&O Division) of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

The panellists were Nurul Mabud Chowdhury, Managing Director of Teletalk Bangladesh Limited; Dr. Muhammad Imadur Rahman, Managing Director of Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL); Dr. Niranjan Srinivasan, Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Grameenphone Ltd.; Mohammed Shahedul Alam, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer (CCRO) of Robi Axiata PLC; and Wu Ji (Jason), President of Huawei South Asia.

Wu Ji (Jason) said supportive government policies, technological capabilities and a skilled workforce would be important to developing next-generation digital infrastructure. He referred to Huawei’s work with local partners on base-station battery production and AI training initiatives with leading universities. The broader message of the discussion was that technology adoption should be guided by Bangladesh’s practical needs and readiness. 

Call for Mandatory Infrastructure Sharing

Mohammad Shahedul Alam, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer of Robi Axiata PLC, stated during a panel discussion that despite infrastructure sharing guidelines and policies existing for the past 15 years, the expected benefits have not been realized due to a lack of clear mandates and effective implementation.

He urged the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to make both active and passive network infrastructure sharing mandatory. He believes this would prevent any operator from unreasonably rejecting another operator's sharing proposal.

Shahedul Alam also emphasized strict enforcement of competition laws to prevent anti-competitive behavior in the market and protect consumer interests. In this regard, he called for the effective involvement of the Competition Commission.

Coordination of Terrestrial and Satellite Networks in Remote Areas

Dr. Muhammad Imdadur Rahman, Managing Director of Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL), stated that coordination and sharing between terrestrial and satellite-based (non-terrestrial) networks are crucial in remote and inaccessible areas where alternative networks have not reached.

He predicted that a more integrated connection between these two types of networks would emerge in the near future. To address the complexities of future 6G technology, he stressed the need for BTRC, mobile operators, and satellite operators to jointly begin enhancing their capabilities in network management, interference control, and regulatory frameworks now.

Emphasis on Integrated Policy

The speakers in the discussion agreed that simply having technology and infrastructure is not enough to ensure the full benefits of digital connectivity. They concluded that connectivity must be transformed into an effective tool for creating economic and social value through integrated policies, effective institutional frameworks, infrastructure sharing, and increased local technological capabilities.

//DBTech/IH/SME/MVNO//