Country's lone CDMA operator-Citycell-has applied again recently to the telecom regulator for allowing the operator to run both CDMA and GSM technologies simultaneously.
In the same time, the operator sought solution of their allocated spectrum, sources said.
The shift is mainly due to continuous bad performances of the operator because of the limitation of the current technology.
Mehboob Chowdhury, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Citycell, said the shifting from CDMA to GSM is urgently needed for their survival. Technological barrier has blighted the company's edge over the competitors.
CDMA (code division multiple access) is a US technology that does not let the subscribers choose handsets or devices, while European technology GSM (global system for mobile communications) allows various options for devices.
The top Citycell executive wants to solution of the disputes over spectrum allocation. Then he will pay dues to the regulator.
In 2012, the operator applied first to the regulator for launching the service, but it did not get approval for having dues with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
At present, all operators except Citycell are giving mobile phone service by using GSM technology.
Among the five multinational companies, only Citycell are surviving with lowest market share as its clientele bring downed at 1.34 million. Total mobile subscribers of the six telecom operator reached 116 million till February 2014.
Mehboob Chowdhury earlier told the FE that the customers of his operator will have open option for choosing both RIM or SIM card.
Sources said it has to cost around Tk 16 billion for transferring technology. At present the operators has 860 BTS out of more than 3000 BTS across the country.
The oldest operator has10 MHz spectrum in the 800 MHz CDMA band, while other GSM based operators are using spectrum of 900, 1800 and 2100 band.
Citycell is the first mobile operator in Bangladesh and launched operations with the name of Bangladesh Telecom Ltd. It got licence in July 1989.
Citycell is currently owned by Singtel of Singapore with a 45 percent stake, local Pacific Group with 45 percent, and Far East Telecom, a Hong Kong-based Japanese company, with the rest 10 percent stake.
