The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is intensifying its focus on active infrastructure sharing to reduce costs, improve service quality, and accelerate 5G rollout, as operators face rising investment needs.
Active sharing allows multiple operators to use the same electronic network elements such as antennas, base transceiver stations, radio access networks, core systems, and transmission links, cutting capital expenditure by 30 to 40 per cent and lowering energy use.
The issue was discussed at a day-long workshop titled “Telecommunication Infrastructure Sharing” at the regulator’s Agargaon headquarters on Thursday, attended by around 130 representatives from mobile operators, tower firms, Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network operators, internet service providers, satellite and submarine cable companies, and technology experts.
Participants said full implementation would reduce duplication of telecom resources, enable cost-efficient network expansion, and improve affordability and quality of voice and data services.
BTRC Chairman Major General rtd Md Emdad Ul Bari said near-universal network coverage has been achieved, but 5G rollout and quality service delivery will require significant investment.
“Active sharing can optimise resources while ensuring security, competition and sector growth,” he said, adding that a comprehensive guideline will be developed through stakeholder consultation.
BTRC Engineering and Operations Division Commissioner Brigadier General rtd Iqbal Ahmed said the model offers opportunities but also regulatory and operational challenges, requiring policies grounded in industry feedback.
Stakeholders highlighted widespread duplication of infrastructure and called for coordinated planning with government projects, including incorporating broadcasting networks into the framework.
Experts proposed gateway-level peering among International Internet Gateway operators to keep local traffic within the country, reduce reliance on international routing, and mitigate cybersecurity risks such as DDoS attacks.
They also stressed the need for logical separation of data and continuous monitoring to ensure security in shared systems.
Mobile operators said passive sharing of towers, rooftop space, and power systems has already reduced operating costs, but effective active sharing for 5G will require coordinated policies, incentives, and industry-wide collaboration.
Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network operators noted that while sharing can lower costs and speed expansion, it remains complex under a multi-layered licensing regime and will require a balanced regulatory approach.
Tower companies and internet service providers said shared infrastructure would enable faster and cheaper network rollout, support digital inclusion, and reduce urban cable congestion.
BTRC Vice Chairman Md Abu Bakar Siddique said a balanced and forward-looking guideline will be finalised to ensure a level playing field, adding that feedback from the workshop will shape the policy.
