GP\\\'s 3G internet coverage reaches 64 district HQs

FE Report | Published: March 31, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

Grameenphone announced that its 3G internet coverage has reached 64 district headquarters within six months of regulatory approval, making up 40 per cent of total subscriber base. The network coverage has also gone to the some 197 thana headquarters also.
The announcement came from a press conference held in the city on Sunday regarding 3G (third generation) rollout milestone of the company.
Out of five 3G service providers, Grameenphone (GP) has spread its 3G network coverage to all districts of the country in the quickest time, which is 30 months before the timeline set by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
The company informed the media that around 0.4 million people are using the GP's 3G mobile phone service through mobile handset or modem and consuming nearly 2.25 GBPS (Gigabyte Per Second) bandwidth. However, 85 per cent smartphone users under GP network can avail the service.
The telecom operator is experiencing around 10,000 new customers activating 3G service under their network.
The GP, which is dealing with 48 million customer based across the country, said it is maintaining its promise given earlier to the customers regarding 3G rollout with quality service. The company hopes the service will go to other potential thanas gradually.
Grameenphone Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vivek Sood and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Tanveer Mohammad showed practical 3G experience of four districts placing video calls the press conference.
"This is the fastest 3G-rollout in the history of Telenor Group, and a critical part of our ambition to provide Internet for all. We are proud of the progress so far, but also humble to the fact that both coverage and awareness must increase in order to bring more people to experience 3G," Vivek Sood said.
The top official also said his company is closely working with the vendors to bring down the price of the 3G compatible handset to US$40. Because, handset is the prior requirement for availing the 3G service.
GP CTO Tanveer Mohammad and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Mahmud Hossain responded the different queries from the media.
The GP was awarded a 3G-licence along with 10 MHz spectrum in 2100 MHz band in September 2013 through a competitive bidding. The company launched commercial 3G service on October 8, 2013.
By December 31, 2013, all seven divisional towns and some densely populated cities were brought under GP's 3G coverage.