Banglalink And Robi Split Over E-GSM Spectrum Auction Timeline: BTRC To Hold Auction This Year

Dhaka, September 29, 2026 — Bangladesh's two private mobile operators, Robi Axiata and Banglalink, have taken opposing positions on the auction of E-GSM spectrum — the frequency range that can travel long distances and penetrate buildings effectively. The split comes as the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has decided to hold an auction of the spectrum this year.

📜 BTRC's E-GSM Auction Plan

The regulator in April decided to auction the E-GSM band, ranging from 880 MHz to 888.4 MHz, which is important for:

• 📱 Providing coverage in dense cities
• 📱 Reaching remote areas
• 📱 Building penetration — E-GSM signals travel through walls effectively
• 📱 Network congestion relief — additional capacity for mobile internet

💬 Banglalink's Position: Defer Until New Policy

In a letter to the BTRC on September 21, Banglalink urged the regulator to “maintain the status quo on major spectrum-related decisions, including E-GSM” until the forthcoming Telecommunications Policy is completed. Key arguments:

• 📋 Spectrum assignment, renewal, pricing, tenure, and payment structures should align with the government's long-term direction
• 📋 Acting before the policy is finalised “may create inconsistencies” between immediate regulatory actions and long-term strategy
• 📋 The new policy is expected to enable active infrastructure and spectrum sharing among operators, which could alter spectrum requirements
• 📋 Allocating new spectrum beforehand risked fragmentation or inefficiency

The letter was signed by Taimur Rahman, Banglalink's Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer. Banglalink called for a comprehensive review of the spectrum-pricing framework — balancing public revenue against operators' capacity to invest.

💬 Robi's Position: Expedite Release

Robi Axiata PLC took the opposite stance. In a letter on September 24, Robi urged the BTRC to expedite the release and assignment of E-GSM spectrum — “in the greater interest of consumers and digital connectivity.” Key arguments:

• 📋 Delaying access would postpone network capacity and coverage improvements for subscribers
• 📋 Releasing the spectrum has “limited bearing on the finalisation of the Telecommunications Policy”
• 📋 It would not prejudice future frameworks on infrastructure or spectrum sharing
• 📋 Pricing concerns need to be addressed but should not delay consumer benefits

📱 Why E-GSM Spectrum Matters

E-GSM (Extended Global System for Mobile Communications) spectrum is valuable because:

• 📱 Lower frequency — 880-888.4 MHz range provides better propagation (longer range, better penetration)
• 📱 Building penetration — signals pass through walls better than higher frequencies
• 📱 Rural coverage — fewer base stations needed for the same coverage area
• 📱 Urban capacity — additional spectrum relieves network congestion in dense cities
• 📱 Cost efficiency — operators can provide better coverage with fewer cell sites

🏛 BTRC's Regulatory Context

The BTRC faces several considerations in deciding the auction timeline:

• ⚖ Telecommunications Policy — the forthcoming policy may reshape spectrum management
• ⚖ Operator competition — balancing the interests of Banglalink and Robi
• ⚖ Consumer welfare — additional spectrum benefits subscribers
• ⚖ Revenue generation — spectrum auctions generate government revenue
• ⚖ Spectrum pricing — balancing affordability for operators with public revenue

💼 Bangladesh's Telecom Sector Context

Bangladesh's mobile telecom sector comprises:

• 📱 Grameenphone — market leader (~80+ million subscribers)
• 📱 Robi Axiata — second largest (~50+ million subscribers)
• 📱 Banglalink — third largest (~40+ million subscribers)
• 📱 Teletalk — state-owned operator

The sector has been evolving rapidly with:

• 📱 Starlink Direct-to-Cell approval for Banglalink (Bangladesh first in South Asia)
• 📱 5G trials being planned
• 📱 Digital bank licences for Banglalink (Nova Digital Bank) and Robi (Boost Digital Bank)
• 📱 Grameenphone 10-year police partnership for digital connectivity

📜 Looking Ahead

The BTRC will need to decide whether to:

• 🔹 Proceed with the E-GSM auction this year as planned — favouring Robi's position
• 🔹 Defer until the Telecommunications Policy is finalised — favouring Banglalink's position
• 🔹 Proceed with modifications — incorporating spectrum sharing provisions

For Bangladesh's mobile subscribers, the outcome will affect network quality, coverage, and potentially mobile internet prices. The E-GSM spectrum auction represents a significant opportunity to improve Bangladesh's mobile network infrastructure — but the timing and pricing decisions will shape the competitive dynamics of the telecom sector for years to come.