WiMAX service providers to expand network across country
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Md Jamal Uddin
WiMAX broadband service providers have planned fresh investment in the telecom sector in a bid to expand their core network across the country by this year.
Two players- Banglalion Communications Limited (BCL) and Qubee that invested Tk 14 billion so far have been providing fourth generation (4G) WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) service in the country since 2009.
Now, both the operators-Qubee, a foreign company and BCL, a local enterprise, will invest at least Tk 5 billion for expansion of their respective networks across the country, but the companies sought investment -friendly environment from the government.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) chairman told the media that the commission is working for maintaining a level- playing field and the operators will enjoy convenient atmosphere for investment in the telecom sector.
Chairman of BCL Major (retired) Abdul Mannan said his target is making Banglalion as the fastest growing broadband service provider company in a few years.
As per the plan, the company is trying to collect fund from different local and international sources, he added.
"We have already arranged a road show in five cities of different countries-- London, Luton, Birmingham, Manchester and Dubai for raising Tk 2.8 billion funds from NRBs by bond," he said.
He said BCL has targeted to set up 700 more base transceiver stations (BTS) this year, which need almost Tk 4 billion while Qubee`s plans to set up more than 300 BTS, at a cost of Tk 1.5 billion.
According to the industry insiders, the cost of each BTS stands at Tk 5 million to 6 million. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Faisal Hyder of Qubee told the FE that his company`s plan is to double its network by this year. Now it has 340 BTS.
Qubee already invested Tk 6 billion for roll out WiMAX broad service while BCL invested Tk 8 billion, according to the respective officials of the companies.
Mr Hyder said the regulator should protect the interest of the business firms from any uneven competition and should maintain investment- friendly environment.
WiMAX broadband service providers have planned fresh investment in the telecom sector in a bid to expand their core network across the country by this year.
Two players- Banglalion Communications Limited (BCL) and Qubee that invested Tk 14 billion so far have been providing fourth generation (4G) WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) service in the country since 2009.
Now, both the operators-Qubee, a foreign company and BCL, a local enterprise, will invest at least Tk 5 billion for expansion of their respective networks across the country, but the companies sought investment -friendly environment from the government.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) chairman told the media that the commission is working for maintaining a level- playing field and the operators will enjoy convenient atmosphere for investment in the telecom sector.
Chairman of BCL Major (retired) Abdul Mannan said his target is making Banglalion as the fastest growing broadband service provider company in a few years.
As per the plan, the company is trying to collect fund from different local and international sources, he added.
"We have already arranged a road show in five cities of different countries-- London, Luton, Birmingham, Manchester and Dubai for raising Tk 2.8 billion funds from NRBs by bond," he said.
He said BCL has targeted to set up 700 more base transceiver stations (BTS) this year, which need almost Tk 4 billion while Qubee`s plans to set up more than 300 BTS, at a cost of Tk 1.5 billion.
According to the industry insiders, the cost of each BTS stands at Tk 5 million to 6 million. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Faisal Hyder of Qubee told the FE that his company`s plan is to double its network by this year. Now it has 340 BTS.
Qubee already invested Tk 6 billion for roll out WiMAX broad service while BCL invested Tk 8 billion, according to the respective officials of the companies.
Mr Hyder said the regulator should protect the interest of the business firms from any uneven competition and should maintain investment- friendly environment.