Banglalink, a telecom operator under VEON's ownership in Bangladesh, is officially the first mobile service provider in the nation to cease its 3G services, as part of its strategy to enhance 4G performance throughout the country through reallocation of network resources.
Banglalink's decision to phase out 3G services comes after significant investment in advanced 4G networks, aimed at delivering high-quality connectivity nationwide and driving the adoption of digital services.
Spectrum is a limited resource, and reallocating 3G spectrum to 4G allows operators to make more efficient use of available frequencies. This optimization enables better utilization of the spectrum, leading to improved network capacity and performance for 4G users.
By reallocating network resources from 3G to 4G, operators can significantly improve the performance and quality of their 4G services. This allows for faster data speeds, better coverage, and a more seamless user experience, meeting the increasing demands of customers for high-speed internet connectivity.
The transition from 3G to 4G represents a significant technological advancement, offering not only faster data speeds but also enabling new applications and services such as high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity.
Expanding 4G Coverage
The company has experienced a significant increase in its 4G subscriber base, which has grown from 8.0 million at the end of 2020 to 21.5 million in the first quarter of 2024. Alongside this surge, the coverage of its 4G network has expanded from 60% to 88% during the same period, indicating a substantial improvement in accessibility and reach for its services.
“As Bangladesh’s Digital Operator, our goal is to deliver seamless connectivity and innovative services to our customers,” said Erik Aas, CEO of Banglalink. “By reallocating more resources to 4G, we will take the customer experience to new heights and enhance our customers' 4G experiences. We are also helping to accelerate the nation’s journey towards the 'Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041,' supported by new fast infrastructure and state-of-the-art digital services.”
Banglalink's intensified focus on 4G will significantly enhance the user experience for customers utilizing the operator's digital services, particularly for Banglalink's "multiplay" subscribers who leverage both 4G connectivity and the company's flagship digital platforms, Toffee and MyBL. Toffee, the nation's premier entertainment platform boasting 8.4 million monthly active users, is poised to exclusively stream six International Cricket Council events throughout 2024 and 2025, commencing in June 2024.
By focusing on enhancing 4G performance and preparing Bangladesh’s infrastructure for 5G, operators demonstrate their commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation and meeting the evolving needs of consumers. This proactive approach not only enhances their competitiveness in the market but also ensures that they are well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by 5G, such as enabling new use cases and applications across various industries.
