Bangladesh’s 5G roadmap: Connectivity by 2021, nationwide expansion by 2026

Post and Telecommunication Minister Mustafa Jabbar addresses a seminar on 5G connectivity in Dhaka on Wednesday, October 16, 2019. PID. Sketched by the Pan Pacific Agency.

DHAKA, Oct 17, 2019, Dhaka Tribune. The government intends to commence fifth generation mobile network, or 5G connectivity, in Bangladesh by 2021 and spread it across the country by 2026. This was unveiled as part of a roadmap, drafted by the government, at a seminar titled “5G in Bangladesh” in Dhaka on Wednesday, reported the Dhaka Tribune.

Post and Telecommunication Minister Mustafa Jabbar attended the seminar as chief guest.

According to the roadmap, the policies regarding 5G will be finalized by the first quarter of next year, after which the government will approve it in the second quarter, mobile operators will be given spectrum during the third quarter and finally licences will be given by the fourth.

Mustafa Jabbar said 5G is not simply used to connect with other people or browse through the internet. “It is difficult to specify how it will benefit the people, industries and businesses,” he also said.

When issues regarding difficulties experienced in using existing 2G, 3G and 4G technologies at user level were raised, the minister said 5G is needed for Bangladesh to enter the fourth industrial revolution’s highway.

Jabbar said Bangladesh in the past missed three industrial revolutions, but never fail to hug the next one. “We will use technology for us for our necessity with our own style,” vowed the minister.

“Constructing the road to 5G connectivity at the earliest convenience is more important than the quality of services given by existing 2G, 3G and 4G technologies,” he added.

Jabbar pressed on tackling the challenges of 5G, which can only be done after consulting with relevant stakeholders and industry people.

Md Jahurul Haque, chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) said 5G is the connection between machines, but driven by humans.

The BTRC head said they want to provide quality mobile service through the 5G network. “Now we’re providing internet service up to the rural area. There’ll be no house in the country without internet and bandwidth within 2024.”

“5G has the capacity to transform one person into an individual industry,” he added.

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