The introduction of 3G technology has generated huge expectations among consumers, but experts warn that the people will not be able to enjoy the benefits of this technology much if the tariffs and the prices of mobile phones continue to remain high. At present, a 3G-enabled handset is priced at a minimum of Tk. 10,000, which is too high for the benefits to be transmitted at the grassroots level, they said. Shameem Ahsan, president of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), said 3G technology is vital not only for the development of the Information Technology sector, but also for the economic growth and development of Bangladesh in a host of different sectors.
The third generation (3G) mobile technology will provide razor-sharp efficiency, high-speed internet services, provision for video calls and video conference, e-mail checking, real-time gaming and access to many other services.
Ahsen said rural people will be able to get instant medical services through telemedicine. He also said that the 3G network will also enable the students residing in rural areas to get information on higher study. The success of 3G network will mainly depend on the content development by operators, he added, stressing the “Value Added Service Guideline” in this regard.
Moreover, the tariff rates for the 3G services should be competitive and affordable to provide the benefits to the people, he observed.
To bring third generation cellular services into rural areas, Ahsan emphacised on a strong baseline of BTRC, so that operators could render the 3G services to people living in rural areas within a very short time.
The country’s four private mobile phone operators—Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink and Airtel—got licenses for the third generation (3G) cellular mobile phone services at an auction on September 8 this year.
Grameenphone got the license for 10 mhz spectrum at USD 210 milion, while the other operators bought 5 mhz each at Tk. 105 million. After getting the license to provide 3G services, the four telecom operators have already undertaken massive initiatives to modernise their networks for providing quality customer experience through 3G services.
Grameenphone on Sunday launched Bangladesh’s first mobile 3G (third generation) network, aiming to complete national coverage by next April. The dominant provider, which has 44 per cent of the market, pledged to do its best to make the service available at “affordable” prices. Grameenphone CEO Vivek Sood said 3G will start in Dhaka and Chittagong within October and all 68 districts will receive it within this year or at the start of the next year.
Grameenphone had 40 million users till July this year, according to data collected by the BTRC. The test-launch of 3G services of Banglalink was held on September 25.
Banglalink CEO Ziad Shatara said the company will initially launch its 3G services in Dhaka region in October and start the services gradually in Chittagong, Khulna and Sylhet by the end of this year. By 2013, the entire Dhaka Metropolitan area will be come under the full coverage of its 3G services of the company. The company will also offer the 3G services in other districts of the country step by step, he added.
“The company has already undertaken massive network modernisation to improve the experience for our existing customers,” he said.
Shatara said they are investing USD 300 million in their network development, especially for the 3G network upgradation. The clients do not need to buy new SIM cards to get 3G services as it will be launched automatically in their existing SIM cards, he added.
He said the growth of 3G services will mostly depend on 3G-enabled handsets as the percentage of 3G handsets is 6-8 per cent.
Robi Axiata Ltd, one of the leading telecom operators in Bangladesh, formerly launched its 3.5G network on September 28. Though the launch of 3.5G services is limited, the area will be expanded over quick phases to test 3.5G network efficacy before commercial launch of the service, said Robi chief technology officer AKM Morshed, adding that Robi’s priority is “to ensure that the customer experience with 3.5G services does not get compromised.”
Robi plans to commercially launch a limited 3.5G service initially in Dhaka, said Robi CEO Michael Kuehner, adding that the company will also render its 3.5G services gradually in other selected areas, including Chittagong, Comilla and Sylhet, by the end of the year.
Mobile operator Airtel plans to launch its 3G services in some selected areas of Dhaka and Chittagong by October with its 5 MHz spectrum.
Md Habibur Rahman, general manager (Marketing and Sales), Teletalk, Bangladesh Limited, said, Teletalk had commenced its 3G mobile services in Bangladesh on 14 October, 2012. He also said 3G services are only an enhancement of present mobile technology with Broadband data capability.
“Our present mobile networks have serious limitations in data speed (GPRS/EDGE etc.) and are not able to meet the user demand of today. On the other hand, 3G technology, with broadband data capability and having the data range up to 42 Mbps, is able to cater to most of the services in the world of internet,” he added.
He said considering the market demand and the customer requirements, they offer up to 4Mbps speed for individual customer. Obviously, this will be increased time to time as per the market demand.
“3G services are now available in Dhaka and its adjacent areas, Narayanganj and Gazipur. It would be implemented in major cities like Chittagong, Syllhet, Cox’s bazar, including on the highways soon. Later, it would be implemented throughout the country, based on the public awareness and demand,” he added.
-With The Independent input
