Published: 12:48 AM, 16 August 2026
Operators seek rational spectrum pricing to spur investment
Mobile phone operators are pressing for a more rational approach to spectrum pricing, arguing that high costs are squeezing investment in networks and limiting improvements in service quality as the country seeks to expand its digital economy.
Chief executives and senior industry officials said spectrum should be assessed not only for the revenue it generates for the government but also for its impact on network capacity, consumer prices, investment and the wider economy.
They said the industry's economics have changed significantly as mobile connectivity has become an essential input for financial services, e-commerce, education, manufacturing and other sectors.
They made the comments at a roundtable titled "Spectrum for a connected Bangladesh: Enabling Internet for ALL", organised by the Telecom and Technology Reporters' Network (TRNB) at a city hotel, BSS reports.
TRNB President SM Masuduzzaman Robin chaired the event, while its General Secretary Faruque Hosain delivered the welcome address.
Prime Minister's Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad attended as chief guest and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Major Gen Md Emdad Ul Bari (retd) as special guest.
Independent Telecom Strategy, Spectrum and Regulatory Adviser Md Munir Hasan presented keynote on the subject.
Grameenphone Chief Executive officer (CEO) Yasir Azman said spectrum, taxes and revenue sharing should not be considered in isolation when assessing the industry's economics.
