Dhaka: Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) would enter the country’s mobile phone market by launching Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) services for the first time in the country, accompanied by triple-play and quad-play packages designed to expand access to devices, voice data, and entertainment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant on Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, hinted at this development through a post on his Facebook, stating, “The new Telecom Policy has removed all barriers to launching MVNO operations in Bangladesh.” He further elaborated that BTCL is set to introduce triple-play and quad-play services in the country for the first time.
Taiyeb mentioned that through channels like ‘BTCL MVNO, mobile SIM; BTCL Alap IP Phone app-based voice calling’, unlimited voice calls will be available under certain conditions. The new telecom network licensing policy has indeed opened the door for BTCL’s entry into the mobile market by removing all barriers to launching MVNO operations in Bangladesh.
A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is a service provider that offers voice, data, and messaging services without owning its own wireless network infrastructure. Instead, an MVNO leases network capacity from an existing Mobile Network Operator (MNO) and resells it to customers under its own brand. MVNOs can offer flexible service packages, competitive pricing, and innovative plans, often targeting specific market segments such as students, low-income users, or niche communities.
Globally, MVNOs operate in over 80 countries. Their popularity has grown as they expand competition in telecom markets, provide more consumer choices, and increase network utilization efficiency. Taiyeb also noted that unlimited data would be provided through BTCL’s GPON and ISP connections, ensuring unlimited data access while entertainment services would be delivered via optional over-the-top (OTT) platforms such as Bongo, Chorki, and Hoichoi. The inclusion of services like Netflix or Amazon Prime may follow, addressing piracy challenges faced by OTT platforms in Bangladesh.
To enhance access to 5G services, BTCL plans to introduce smartphones on installment plans. “Smartphones would be available on a Tk 500 monthly installment with a one-year package and a small initial deposit,” Taiyeb said, aiming to tackle the access-to-device problem for lower-income citizens. The burden of one-time payments often prevents lower-income and lower-middle-income citizens from affording smartphones.
Taiyeb emphasized the effort to make device accessibility easier, revealing that several companies are set to begin selling phones on installments. Local manufacturers have assured the provision of reasonably good smartphones at a Tk 500 monthly installment. In October, further details regarding this initiative will be shared by BTCL authorities through a media briefing.
BTCL, as the country’s largest state-owned telecom company, aims to enhance people’s lives by ensuring access to devices, voice, data, and entertainment, thus bringing new momentum to the communication system. The initiative seeks to eliminate barriers of limited voice, data, content, and device restrictions in communication and entertainment.
The new telecom policy in Bangladesh has recognized MVNOs, allowing companies to offer mobile services without owning physical networks. This move is expected to intensify market competition, attract new investments, and introduce tailored and innovative offerings for varied consumer segments, including students, rural communities, and expatriates.
Following the government’s gazette notification on September 22, the newly adopted Telecommunications Network and Licensing Policy 2025 has empowered the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to formulate fresh guidelines for MVNO licensing and operations. The policy outlines a proportionate regulatory framework, allowing both full-scale and light-touch licensing depending on the operator’s market scope and service model. With MVNOs now formally recognized, stakeholders anticipate a new wave of competition that could reshape the mobile services landscape in Bangladesh.
Globally, MVNOs have proven successful in bringing competition and consumer-focused services. For example, Tesco Mobile in the United Kingdom and Aldi Talk in Germany use established networks to provide affordable, flexible packages, while Lycamobile operates across more than 20-25 countries, targeting expatriates with low-cost international calls and data. Consumer Cellular in the United States focuses on seniors, offering simple, affordable, and customer-friendly plans. These models demonstrate the potential for MVNOs to serve niche markets and expand consumer choice without heavy infrastructure investment.