Robi Axiata PLC has become the first operator in Bangladesh to commercially launch 5G services, marking a new milestone in the country’s telecommunications sector.
The service was inaugurated on Monday at Robi’s corporate office by Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology.
Speaking as the chief guest, Taiyeb acknowledged that Bangladesh’s telecom network still faces significant shortcomings, particularly in the quality of 4G services. “This is not the failure of any single operator, but a collective weakness. The inability to deliver quality 4G has slowed business growth and digital services,” he said. At the same time, he noted that 5G would serve as a “critical milestone” for Bangladesh, opening opportunities in economic growth, employment, education, healthcare, and smart city development.
He further emphasised the need for rapid release of low-band frequencies, including 700, 800 and 900 MHz, to ensure effective 5G rollout across the country. “Lower bands can carry signals farther. If limited to high bands, more towers will be needed to cover both urban and rural areas. Resolving the spectrum puzzle is urgent,” Taiyeb added.
Robi’s Acting CEO M Riaz Rashid, said the company was able to introduce 5G within a short time due to “government vision and policy support.” The inauguration was attended by ICT Division Secretary Shish Haydar Chowdhury; BTRC Chairman Major General (retd.) Md Emdadul Bari; senior officials from BTRC; and top executives of Robi.
