Bangladesh has officially stepped into the 5G era, as Robi Axiata and Grameenphone launched limited services yesterday in select areas. Robi introduced 5G in seven locations across Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet, while Grameenphone announced coverage in all divisional cities, though users reported patchy access in some areas. Both operators said the rollout will expand gradually.
Unlike previous generations, 5G offers ultra-fast internet, low latency, and support for smart services, IoT, and digital innovation. Robi aims to connect 200 towers by November 2025. Bangladesh’s telecom sector has advanced from 2G in the 1990s to 4G in 2018, but 5G deployment was delayed by spectrum costs, weak infrastructure, and ecosystem readiness issues.
At the launch, BTRC officials stressed that 5G must solve real-life problems in areas like health, education, and smart farming, while avoiding a digital divide. Industry leaders hailed the milestone as a step toward building a digital economy and fostering innovation, though challenges remain with coverage, affordability, and quality of service.
