3G in bangladesh

AFTER years of waiting, third generation (3G) mobile technology finally comes to Bangladesh in full swing with the auctioning of spectrum to four operators.

The technology will not only drastically increase internet speed, but with it the number of internet users in the country, which is currently at only eight million, most of whom use narrowband mobile internet. The service in particular and digitisation of the nation in general will, it is hoped, contribute significantly to socio-economic development, not to mention the opening up of a wider, brighter world of infotainment for users.

Accompanying our excitement, however, are some practical concerns. The existing infrastructure is less than reliable and must be improved if it is to keep up with the service. Internet access is still limited, especially in rural areas, and must be made to reach the widest network of users. The costs, which are already on the high end, should not be allowed to soar with this new service. Considering the bidding price, the stakes are high, and so are expectations of users, operators and the government alike.

We hope that efficient and affordable 3G services will be launched not only ‘in the fastest time possible’ as promised by mobile operators, but that it will also reach divisional cities within the given timeframe as is a condition of the licence, so as to benefit the greatest number of people with high-quality service in today’s increasingly digital world.