Dhaka: Chief Adviser's Special Assistant on Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, today congratulated Robi Axiata Limited and Grameenphone Limited for the launch of commercial 5G services in Bangladesh. In a statement on his verified Facebook account, Taiyeb declared the launch as a "historic step towards a digital future for Bangladesh."
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Taiyeb emphasized the significance of this limited 5G rollout, describing it as a crucial learning phase for both operators and regulators. He highlighted that this phase is essential to tackle technical challenges and to gain insights into customer experiences. Taiyeb also underscored the importance of expanding 5G coverage nationwide, particularly in rural areas, and advocated for the development of a comprehensive 5G ecosystem that includes affordable devices, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Taiyeb noted the necessity of facilitating optical fiber to successfully complete the 5G network rollout. He mentioned that since assuming his role, efforts have been made to allow mobile operators to rent Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) facilities and dark fiber. Currently, only 20-22% of mobile towers are fiberized, and the new telecom policy aims to increase this rate to 80%. He added that initiatives are underway to establish a National Fiber Bank using unused optical fiber cores.
"A policy of active and passive sharing is coming," Taiyeb said, indicating that enhanced fiberization could accelerate the expansion of quality 4G and 5G services across the country. Additionally, steps have been initiated to allocate the necessary frequencies for providing quality services. Taiyeb concluded by assuring continued regulatory support to build a modern and future-ready Bangladesh.