4G network by March, all operators ready: BTRC

Telecom regulators are optimistic that the 4G services will be available by March this year, now that there is no legal complication curbing the process for spectrum auctioning.

“We have information all the top operators are technically prepared,” Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Shahjahan Mahmood said.

“After getting the licence and paying the spectrum fees, according to the guideline, mobile operators can offer 4G service,” Mahmood said in a programme held in Dhaka today.

BTRC has received five applications for 4G license including those from state-run mobile operator Teletalk and now out-of-service Citycell. However, Teletalk will not be buying the spectrum.

Teletalk will not sit in auction for spectrum sale as they have not applied for it, the BTRC chief said.

Meanwhile, he also added that 4G mobile service will be available to all corners of Bangladesh by March.

Already BTRC has formed two separate committees to evaluate the applications of licencing and spectrum auction and qualified applications name will be published on January 25.

Qualified applications names for licencing will move forward to government’s approval and BTRC will complete the other formalities for arrange the spectrum auction.

A mock auction will be organized on February 12.

A High Court ruling that had placed a curb on the holding of spectrum auctions was also overruled by the Supreme Court today, paving way for the auction to take place in schedule.