Industry leaders at the TowerCo Build Forward Forum 2025 have called for immediate policy reforms, enhanced infrastructure resilience, and stronger cross-sector collaboration to unlock Bangladesh’s digital potential.
Held under the theme “Unifying TowerCo for a Smarter Bangladesh,” the forum highlighted the critical role TowerCos play in providing over 90% of the country’s mobile network coverage, laying the foundation for nationwide connectivity and digital inclusion.
The event featured key industry players, alongside Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Major General (retired) Md Emdad Ul Bari, who emphasized the importance of collaboration to drive the digital economy forward.
Participants at the forum welcomed BTRC’s new licensing schemes and the proposed National Infrastructure and Connectivity Services Provider (NICSP) framework, recognizing them as significant steps toward creating growth opportunities for TowerCos and strengthening the telecom infrastructure ecosystem.
However, industry leaders stressed the critical need for policy clarity and swift execution.
“There are still gaps, particularly in solutions for DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems) and IBS (In-Building Solutions),” said a TowerCo executive. “These systems are crucial for ensuring reliable indoor coverage, which handles over 80% of mobile data traffic.” The neutral host model, which offers efficiency, faces operational challenges such as battery theft and delays in site acquisition, all of which need to be addressed for long-term sustainability.
BTRC Chairman Md Emdad Ul Bari stressed the need for a unified, cross-sector approach, stating, “The telecom industry is at the heart of the digital economy. We need collaboration to unlock its full potential.” He also highlighted the importance of creating a transparent and predictable business environment through the new Telecommunications Network and Licensing Reform Policy 2025.
Sunil Issac, Country Managing Director of EDOTCO Bangladesh, added, “With the right conditions, TowerCos can attract strategic capital, expand coverage, and reduce digital access costs.”
The event also marked the launch of the Bangladesh TowerCo Association, a new platform designed to unite the four licensed TowerCos to advocate for policy reforms, industry standards, and infrastructure readiness for 5G, IoT, and Smart City initiatives.
Md Noor-A-Alam Siddiqi, Chief Technology Officer at Summit Towers Ltd, emphasized that eliminating operational inefficiencies and regulatory friction is key to driving digital growth.
Industry experts Abdus Salam from Ericsson Bangladesh and Gayan Koralage from EDOTCO Group discussed the immense potential of mobile technologies, particularly 5G and AI, to accelerate Bangladesh’s economic growth. They noted that the country holds significant untapped potential compared to its regional neighbors in sectors like manufacturing and data centers.
The forum concluded with a unified commitment to creating an investor-friendly, innovation-driven tower ecosystem, setting the stage for a future-ready Bangladesh.