Unprecedented improvements in speed, connectivity, and digital innovation are anticipated with the introduction of 5G technology. Given the potential for economic transformation that 5G technology holds, nations are vying to build strong 5G networks. Bangladesh, a fast-developing country aspiring for digital inclusivity, has started the rollout of 5G. However, there are many obstacles in the way of obtaining extensive 5G coverage, chief among them being infrastructure constraints, customer preparedness, and delays in spectrum allocation. This article explores these challenges, assesses the consequences for the country's digital future, and contrasts Bangladesh's advancements with those of its neighbour, India.
With more than 190 million mobile users and over 127 million internet subscribers as of 2024, Bangladesh has a sizable user base. Although these numbers demonstrate the nation's digital potential, the adoption of cutting-edge technology like 5G exposes hidden difficulties. By 2025, smartphone adoption is expected to have increased to 63 per cent from 47 per cent in 2024. However, 5G-enabled handsets only make up 3.4 per cent of all mobile shipments, suggesting that consumers are not yet fully prepared for the new technology.
As of 2024, 55 per cent of mobile customers in Bangladesh are utilising 4G services, indicating a rather delayed deployment of 4G networks. Although this is an improvement above the 37 per cent in 2020, it still highlights how slowly technology is changing. Concerns regarding Bangladesh's capacity to stay competitive in the digital race are raised by the estimated 6 per cent 5G coverage by 2025, which stands in sharp contrast to the swift developments observed in nearby nations.
Spectrum allocation delays are one of the main obstacles to Bangladesh's 5G deployment. Specific frequency bands for 5G have been identified by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). However, providing guidelines and licenses has proven to be extremely difficult. Although the March 2022 spectrum auction was a significant advancement, regulatory obstacles have postponed the commercial implementation of 5G services.
There are wider ramifications for the country's digital ecosystem from these delays. Telecom providers cannot invest in the infrastructure needed for 5G deployment if they do not have timely access to the relevant spectrum. The problem is made worse by the absence of precise regulatory norms, which leaves stakeholders in the dark and impedes advancement.
Another major obstacle to the successful rollout of 5G in Bangladesh is the country's current telecommunications infrastructure. With noticeable gaps in rural areas, the network mostly supports 4G services. Service quality is still uneven even in cities, indicating the need for significant improvements to meet 5G technology's high-speed, low-latency requirements.
Connectivity in rural areas presents a special difficulty. The infrastructure required for even basic mobile services is sometimes lacking in rural areas, despite housing a significant section of the population. In addition to impeding the rollout of 5G, this digital gap also restricts the possibilities for equitable economic growth and digital transformation.
Customer preparedness is another important consideration in the deployment of 5G. Only 3-4 per cent of Bangladeshi mobile subscribers now own handsets that support 5G. This low percentage is indicative of the larger problem of accessibility and affordability. A sizable section of the population cannot afford the high prices of 5G-compatible devices and data subscriptions, rendering the technology unaffordable.
Furthermore, consumers are not well-informed about the advantages of 5G. In Bangladesh, advanced applications like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are still mostly untapped. The adoption of 5G is further slowed by this lack of demand, which leads to a situation where operators are reluctant to invest in 5G infrastructure in the absence of a sizable user base.
India is a helpful reference point for comprehending the prospects and difficulties associated with the deployment of 5G. India's digital ecosystem is significantly more developed than Bangladesh's, with over 1 billion mobile users and an estimated 84 per cent smartphone penetration rate by 2025. Since late 2021, 5G services have been rapidly deployed in India, highlighting the significance of aggressive legislation and strong infrastructure.
India's success in implementing 5G is a result of several things. Telecom providers now operate in a favourable environment thanks to the government's prompt spectrum allotment and clear regulations. India has a ready market for 5G services because of its greater smartphone penetration rate. Finally, the growth of digital infrastructure, especially in rural regions, has been made possible by solid public-private partnerships.
India has excellent teachings that Bangladesh can learn from. Overcoming the obstacles of 5G deployment requires putting a high priority on regulatory changes, encouraging cooperation between the public and private sectors, and funding consumer education.
The digital economy of Bangladesh will be significantly impacted by the successful rollout of 5G technology. 5G has the potential to revolutionise a number of industries, from improving telemedicine and e-commerce to facilitating smart cities and sophisticated manufacturing. However, overcoming the aforementioned obstacles is necessary to achieve these advantages.
Bangladesh must give the development of digital infrastructure in rural areas top priority in order to guarantee inclusive growth. In order to close the digital divide and give rural populations access to 5G technologies, public-private collaborations can be extremely important.
Accelerated 5G implementation requires clear regulatory standards and timely spectrum allocation. To remove obstacles and foster an atmosphere that encourages investment in 5G networks, policymakers must interact with stakeholders.
Adoption can only be accelerated by informing customers about the advantages of 5G and lowering the cost of equipment. Together with focused awareness campaigns, subsidies for 5G-compatible devices and data plans can aid in removing these obstacles.
Lastly, maximising the potential of 5G requires promoting cooperation between the public sector, private sector, and academic institutions. Adoption of 5G can be accelerated and economic revolution can be fueled by creative solutions catered to Bangladesh's particular demands.
On its path to digital transformation, Bangladesh is at a turning point. Even though infrastructural constraints, customer preparedness, and spectrum allotment present formidable obstacles, they are not insurmountable. Bangladesh can unleash the enormous potential of this game-changing technology by learning from regional achievements and implementing 5G holistically.
Although there may be challenges along the way to 5G, the benefits will make the effort worthwhile. Bangladesh can establish itself as a leader in digital innovation and clear the path for a better, more connected future with careful planning, cooperation, and investment.
The writer is a seasoned Public Relations professional. yemadfayed@gmail.com