4G spectrum auction begins

The auctioning of 4G spectrum for mobile phone operators has begun.

Sources at Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) say, hopes are on that the auction will generate Tk 5,289 crore today.

Today, the players out for bidding, being held at Dhaka Club, are Grameenphone and Banglalink.

The telecom regulator will finally hand over the much-awaited 4G licence to Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink, and Teletalk on February 20.

The licence fee for the fourth generation network technology, which promises the fastest data speed from mobile devices, is Tk 10 crore.

All the operators are technically ready to roll out the service, so once they officially get the licences they can offer it to their subscribers.

The top three operators have completed their preparations for 4G roll-out and have already launched campaigns to drum up excitement for the forthcoming technology.

A good number of customers of Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink have converted their SIM cards to 4G-compatible ones, according to market sources.

Robi, the country's second largest operator, and state-owned Teletalk will sit out the auction. Both the operators deem their existing spectrum to be sufficient for 4G.

echnology neutrality allows operators to offer either of 2G, 3G or 4G services from any band they see fit, a facility that helps in reducing the operational costs and improving the service quality.

Source: thedailystar