All the operators are taking part in ‘Radio Frequency Auction-2022’

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has called for a frequency auction on March 31. The regulator has termed the 'Radio Frequency Auction-2022' to embrace fifth generation mobile network services. However, after the auction was initially advertised as a 5G frequency auction, statewide participation in the auction, except for Teletalk, was in limbo. In the midst of this situation, three private mobile phone operators objected in a letter to the participation of government operator Teletalk in the auction. After receiving the news that Grameenphone and Banglalink had officially given this letter to BTRC, it was learned that all four mobile companies are taking part in it at last. Assuring participation in the auction, BTRC Vice-Chairman Subrata Roy Maitra said, "We have arranged this auction for the purpose of launching high speed internet service or 5G as per the rules." The operators have already deposited money to take part in the auction. The auction has been organized at a hotel in the capital. Not only 5G, there are also some provision for buying additional frequency to increase the quality of 4G service. https://digibanglatech.news/news/local/telecom/71035/ While talking to two top executives of mobile operator Robi and Banglalink in this regard, they passed the green signal about their participation. The floor price or base price per MHz spectrum in the auction is $6 million, which is a little more than 519 million Taka. It has given 6 months spectrum rollout obligation to launch 5G service for spectrum buyers. This time will be counted from the day of auction. A total of 18 blocks will be auctioned spectrum. Of these, there are 6 blocks at 2.3 GHz or 2300-2400 MHz and 12 blocks at 2.6 GHz or 2500-2690 MHz. Spectrum will be auctioned at 10 MHz per block at 2300-2400 MHz. Even at 2500-2690 MHz, the spectrum will rise to 10 MHz per block. Bid Ernest Money has been kept at Tk. 10 crore in the auction,  where the operators were obliged to deposit by March 23. In addition, It also included a condition that the buyer be paid 10 percent of the spectrum purchase price within 60 days from the date of the announcement of the final results of the auction. Operators have the opportunity to pay the remaining 90 percent in equal installments over 9 years. The remaining 90 percent of the money can be paid in 9 years in equal installments. Then on March 10, BTRC held a preparatory meeting with the operators about the auction. Earlier, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Information and Technology Adviser to the Prime Minister, inaugurated the 5G at a five-star hotel in the capital on December 12 last year. He inaugurated the 5G technology being connected virtually at the event. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the inauguration of 5G through video message. He said 5G would be launched commercially in the country soon. Through this the country entered the era of 5G. The 5G was brought to Bangladesh by state-owned mobile phone operator Teletalk. Huawei and Nokia are helping Teletalk to launch the 5G technology. Initially, 5G network was introduced in a limited range in six areas. State-owned mobile phone operator Teletalk is bringing 5G coverage to the Prime Minister's Office in the capital, Dhanmondi 32, Bangladesh Secretariat, Sangsad Bhaban and the National Memorial area of ​​Savar and Tungipara. In addition, some ICT and mobile fairs are arranged to run 5G.