Bangladesh
Mobile networks and carriers in Bangladesh use 2 GSM bands, 2 UMTS bands, and 3 LTE bands. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Bangladesh. See the tables below for details.
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Check device compatibilityBangladesh's mobile network has undergone significant development over the years, transforming the country's telecommunications sector. Here is a brief history and overview of the current state:
History of Mobile Network Development
- 1996: The government awarded three GSM licenses to companies, marking the beginning of mobile services in Bangladesh. Operations started the following year.
- 2002: The number of mobile subscribers reached 1 million, indicating rapid growth.
- 2009: The number of mobile phone subscribers surpassed 45 million, with mobile penetration reaching 40% of the population.
- 2015: The number of mobile phone subscribers exceeded 124 million, and by 2022, this figure had risen to 181.43 million.
Current State
- Mobile Penetration: Despite being a low-income country, Bangladesh has high mobile penetration, with over 50% of the population subscribing to mobile services. This is one of the highest rates in the world.
- Network Coverage: Mobile network coverage is widespread, with many areas not connected via landlines. The introduction of mobile phones has significantly improved connectivity, especially in rural areas.
- Technology: The country is predominantly a prepaid and 2G market, with 3G services only recently being deployed. However, mobile internet penetration is over 20%, mostly through 2G feature phones.
- Revenue Streams: With low ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) levels due to prepaid nature and low incomes, mobile operators are focusing on developing new revenue streams through mobile data and Value Added Services (VAS) that have both commercial and social impacts.
- Social Impact: Mobile services have driven socio-economic improvement, particularly in areas like microfinance, education, healthcare, and agriculture. Initiatives like the Grameenphone Village Phone program have empowered rural women through mobile services.
Overall, Bangladesh's mobile network has played a transformative role in the country's economic and social development, despite the challenges posed by low incomes and limited technological advancements.
Carriers
Name | # of frequency bands in use |
---|---|
Airtel | 5 |
Banglalink | 6 |
Grameenphone | 7 |
Robi | 6 |
Teletalk | 5 |
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Frequencies in use
GSM
Name | Interface |
---|---|
900 MHz (E-GSM) | GSM |
1800 MHz (DCS) | GSM |
UMTS
Name | Interface |
---|---|
B1 (2100 MHz) | UMTS |
B8 (900 MHz GSM) | UMTS |
LTE
Name | Interface |
---|---|
B1 (2100 MHz) | LTE |
B3 (1800 MHz +) | LTE |
B8 (900 MHz) | LTE |
Latest updates
- 2024/08/09 - Carrier Teletalk updated.
- 2024/08/09 - Carrier Robi updated.
- 2024/08/09 - Carrier Grameenphone updated.
- 2024/08/09 - Carrier Banglalink updated.
- 2024/08/09 - Carrier Airtel updated.
- 2024/08/05 - Carrier Teletalk updated.
- 2024/08/05 - Carrier Airtel updated.