Bangladesh: Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Major General Md Emdad Ul Bari (Retd) today emphasized the importance of quality internet, affordable data access, and appropriate devices to bridge the country’s digital divide. Speaking at the “Powering the Future: Robi Completes Dhaka Modernisation” event, he congratulated mobile operator Robi for modernizing 5,000 sites in three months.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bari highlighted that while the telecom journey in Bangladesh began with the aim of fostering inclusiveness through connectivity, the focus must now shift to addressing the technology and digital divide. He stressed that mere connectivity is insufficient without quality service, which requires the development of network infrastructure and increased network density.
Bari addressed concerns over radiation from towers, underscoring the need for public understanding and awareness in network expansion. He pointed out that the responsibility of explaining telecom complexities, such as data validity and pricing, should not rest solely with regulators.
He noted that about half of Bangladesh’s population still relies on feature phones, which restricts access to data services. The government is working to improve handset penetration by negotiating with financial agencies and supporting EMI-based handset purchases.
Bari urged industry stakeholders to align with government initiatives to enhance handset availability and, consequently, data service access. He concluded by stating the necessity for modernized telecom regulations, especially as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integral to both consumer and business operations.