Grameenphone
BTRC receives Tk 2.78 crore fines from three mobile operators
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission realised Tk 2.78 crore as fines from three mobile phone operators of the country over the allegations of operating illegal VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol).
A total of Tk 2,78,25,000 fine have been collected from Robi, Grameenphone and Banglalink, said BTRC in a press release on Thursday.
Also read: BTRC places indefinite suspension on GP SIM card sale
Robi paid Tk 2.10 crore, Grameenphone Tk 52.5 lakh and Banglalink Tk15.75 lakh between July 12 to 14.
On April 10, the operators were asked to pay the fines after a hearing by the commission under sub-section 5 of section 65 of Bangladesh Telecommunication Act,2001, over the use of SIM (subscriber identity module) used in illegal VoIPs .
Also read: BTRC fines 4 mobile operators Tk 7.65 crore
GP, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society distribute relief among flood-hit people
Grameenphone (GP) and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) have distributed relief among the flood-affected people.
GP has been facilitating flood-affected communities in partnership with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) to help fight the ordeal through relief and rehabilitation efforts, said a media release.
It said four medical camps have hence been deployed in Netrokona, Sylhet, and Sunamganj, providing medical consultancy and necessary medicines to the flood-affected people in the nearby impacted upazilas free of cost.
Read: BTRC places indefinite suspension on GP SIM card sale
The teams have been dedicated to working from June 29 and are expecting to offer treatment to more than 6 thousand patients throughout the 10-day initiative, finishing on July 8.
Till July 3, a total of 2,173 patients have been treated through four medical teams.
Netrokona Sadar, Barhatta, Kalmakanda, Dakshin Surma, Kanaighat, Osmaninagar, Balaganj, Bishwanath, Companiganj, Gowainghat, Bishwambarpur, and Sunamganj Sadar are the upazilas that are set to be covered under this collective effort from Grameenphone and BDRCS.
Read AIBL donates Tk10 crore to PM's relief, welfare fund
Besides the medical camps, soon, there shall also be 15 thousand food relief packs distributed among 15 thousand families as one week's essential food supply for each family.
Earlier, GP offered 10 minutes of free talk time for its users struggling in the inundated areas to help them reach out to meet survival needs.
"The sudden flash flood brought a grave crisis in the north and north-eastern belt of our nation. While our team, in collaboration with regulators, local administration, defence forces and network operating partners, fought hard to restore the emergency mobile network lifeline and connectivity to the people when they needed it the most; we have also simultaneously assessed the distressed communities' healthcare and food support needs and managed to stand by them. I am thankful to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society for helping us reach out to the people through emergency response." - said Yasir Azman, GP CEO.
Read National Bank donates Tk11 crore to PM's relief, welfare fund
Grameenphone customers in flood-hit Sylhet get 10-minute free talk-time
With the devastating flood in the country's northern and north-east still threatening millions of lives and livelihoods, Grameenphone customers, stuck in the affected areas of Sylhet can now avail of 10 minutes of free talk-time.
The telecom operator already disbursed 10-minute free talk-time with three days validity to all its customers in the flood-affected areas in Sylhet.
During these challenging times, the need for immediate connectivity is paramount but customers face difficulty recharging due to the flood and incessant downpour.
Read Hans Martin new Grameenphone chief corporate affairs officer
"It is our moral responsibility to assist those who are stranded and stand by the nation during these times of dire need. We understand our customers' urgent connectivity needs to reach out for any assistance. We are closely monitoring the situation on the field and will remain vigilant going forward to provide connectivity support," said Mohammad Sajjad Hasib, chief marketing officer of Grameenphone.
The flood condition has now been persisting for the past four to five days, with at least 40 lakh people stranded and stuck helpless.
Mobile network and internet connectivity services also had to be compromised in the region due to water logging and electricity failure.
Also read: Grameenphone observes Green Week 2022
However, in collaboration with the Posts and Telecommunications Division, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, Bangladesh Army and other stakeholders, Grameenphone is working continuously to overcome the crisis and restore mobile services in the flood-affected region in the earliest alongside exploring alternative feasible solutions to enable the nation to fight the calamity.
Mobile operators must increase spectrum by December to provide better services to customers
Grameenphone would be the greatest beneficiary if call rates of all mobile operators are set uniformly.
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Mustafa Jabbar said this in Parliament on Tuesday.
Also read: Mobile operators owe Tk 13,068 cr to government, Jabbar tells JS
“Customers would be attracted to Grameenphone if call rates of all operators are set uniformly,” Jabbar said.
Replying to a question from ruling Awami League MP Nur Uddin Chowdhury, he said based on the number of subscribers, Grameenphone has a market share of 45.95 percent. Robi has 29.45 percent, Banglalink 20.85 percent and Teletalk 3.7 percent.
The minister said as Grameenphone has a large market share, setting the same call rate for all operators will encourage the customers from other operators to shift to Grameenphone services.
“As a result, its market share is likely to increase further. In this case, the market position of small operators will be hampered,” he said.
In response to a supplementary question from Syed Abu Hossain of the Jatiya Party, Mustafa Jabbar said that the problem of call drop and network on mobile phones is a big crisis all over the country.
“There is no one in the country who has not been the victim of a call drop. Besides, the mobile network is also not available in many places,” he said.
He said the number of subscribers of phone operating companies has increased a lot. Grameenphone has more than 8 crore subscribers, and Robi has more than 5 crore subscribers.
He said that the operators did not take even one-third of the required spectrum for their customer bases.
Also read: Bangladesh's mobile network coverage reached 98.5% by 2021: Jabbar
“Under pressure of the government, they increased the amount of spectrum last March. The problem will be solved if this wave is fully expanded by next December. If the companies do not fully expand the wave within this period, there is an opportunity to take action and impose fines against them,” the minister said.
Replying to another supplementary question, he expressed hope that Teletalk's network would be expanded across the country by 2023.
The minister called upon all to become subscribers of the state-owned mobile operator.
Grameenphone observes Green Week 2022
Grameenphone employees observed "Green Week 2022" from May 16-19 to increase environmental awareness.
The focus of the week was to help employees understand how artificial activities influence the planet and its long-term impacts on the environment and to encourage them to adopt an eco-friendlier lifestyle.
Bangladesh, home to 167 million people, is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Adverse effects of climate change will have profound repercussions on the economy and development of the country.
Also Read: Hans Martin new Grameenphone chief corporate affairs officer
Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman said: "It has been estimated that by 2050, one in every seven people in Bangladesh will be displaced by climate change. We frequently overlook certain environmental and climate-damaging activities that can significantly hurt our ecosystems and global health if they remain unresolved."
"With the advent of digitalisation, we see more and more electronic devices being released, more energy being consumed, and more data being exchanged. We need to bring more efficiency to these processes and be wary of our energy consumption. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something – together, we can change the world."
"At Grameenphone, we have been coming up with green plans, partnering with some stakeholders to initiate dialogues and pick up activities to generate better environmental awareness in society. Raising awareness, innovation through low carbon technologies to create an inclusive and genuinely comprehensive mitigation scheme and unitedly increasing usage of renewable energy will contribute towards a greener tomorrow," Yasir said.
Read At 25, Grameenphone wants to become digital telco, contribute beyond connectivity
Grameenphone employees observed Green Week through different dedicated actions – using only reusable shopping bags, constantly turning off electronic equipment when not in use to save electricity, reducing meat consumption and food waste, and planting trees.
To encourage employees, a booth was placed at GPHouse, from where employees could get desired saplings throughout the week.
Meat-free day and single-use plastic-free day was also celebrated at the office on May 18 and 19.
Read Internet connectivity on the go: Grameenphone brings new 4G modems, routers.
Hans Martin new Grameenphone chief corporate affairs officer
Telecom operator Grameenphone (GP) has appointed Hans Martin Henrichsen of Norway as the company's new chief corporate affairs officer (CCAO).
He will replace Ole Bjorn Sjulstad on May 15. Hossain Sadat has been playing the role of an acting CCAO before this announcement.
Earlier, Hans served as CCAO of Telenor Myanmar and played a "critical role in running its operation during the most challenging times."
Also read: Grameenphone reports 4.4% revenue growth in Q1 2022
He comes with extensive experience in building and maintaining Telenor's international business portfolio, and business case modelling for mobile licence acquisition.
Hans has been involved in almost all of Telenor's operations in Asia over the last 20 years.
Previously he played the role of the chief country officer in Bangladesh from 2014 to 2018, which gives him a great deal of understanding of the local context and business environment.
Read: Internet connectivity on the go: Grameenphone brings new 4G modems, routers
GP CEO Yasir Azman said, "Hans Martin's deep understanding of the business environment and regulatory dynamics will help us set the right strategic direction for the best interest of our customers, shareholders and stakeholders."
Hans said, "Bangladesh and Grameenphone are very close to my heart. I am excited to be back in one of the most thrilling and dynamic telecom markets and look forward to joining the winning team again to unfold the next chapter of digitalisation in Bangladesh."
Read Grameenphone observes Green Week 2022
At 25, Grameenphone wants to become digital telco, contribute beyond connectivity
Telecom operator Grameenphone has completed 25 years and wants to become a digital telco and contribute beyond connectivity.
Grameenphone is the first Asian operation of Telenor that started its journey in Bangladesh in March 1997.
Read Hans Martin new Grameenphone chief corporate affairs officer
As part of its silver jubilee celebration programme, the telecom operator organised a media meet at a city hotel Sunday.
"We are truly humbled as a change agent to Bangladesh over the last 25 years. Our role has become imperative in the digitalisation of 51 years strong Bangladesh in the pursuit of becoming a self-sustained, digital economy," Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman said at the event.
Read Internet connectivity on the go: Grameenphone brings new 4G modems, routers
Internet connectivity on the go: Grameenphone brings new 4G modems, routers
Grameenphone (GP) recently launched a branded mobile broadband portfolio to attain customers' diversified connectivity needs on the go.
The portfolio consists of new 4G modems and routers, enabling users to enjoy fast and efficient internet connectivity.
"From students to corporate office users – our portfolio has something to offer to each segment," GP's Chief Technology Officer Rade Kovacevic said.
"I am happy to launch this mobile broadband portfolio as these affordable devices enable customers to have the best 4G experience with ease and on the go, catering to their diversified and evolving needs," GP's Chief Technology Officer Sajjad Hasib said.
Read: Grameenphone brings eSIM for the first time in Bangladesh
The new devices include GP 4G Modem ZTE MF833V, GP 4G Pocket Router ZTE MF937 and GP 4G Portable WiFi Router ZTE MF283U.
GP 4G Modem ZTE MF833V with a beautiful matte black body offers an instant plug and play feature, making exploring the internet more accessible and straightforward.
GP 4G Pocket Router ZTE MF937 provides multi-connectivity on the go with a slick design that perfectly fits in the pocket.
Prices of the 4G devices range from Tk2,650 to Tk4,499.
Grameenphone brings eSIM for the first time in Bangladesh
Grameenphone, the tech service leader and connectivity partner to Digital Bangladesh, has launched eSIM for the first time in the country which will be available from March 7 (Monday), onwards.
eSIM (embedded SIM) is one of the catalysts to the revolutionary digital transformation across the world along with environmental benefits, which facilitates advanced connectivity through manifold unique and futuristic features, said a press release of GP.
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With the spirit – “4G eSIM –The time is now for Eco-Friendly Digital SIMs” (4G eSIM – Poribesh-bandhob Digital SIM’er Ekhon’e Somoy) – Grameenphone users will be empowered to enjoy the full benefit of connectivity without a physical SIM card on an eSIM enabled device.
The company believes technological advancement and innovation must address climate concerns, and every step ahead is invaluable to protect mother nature. The global adoption of eSIM is projected to touch 3.4 billion by 2025. GP joins this journey of running operations responsibly as a forerunner at the technological front with a set ESG mission from Bangladesh.
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“We are happy and inspired to bring in this advanced and climate-friendly technology in Bangladesh. As an early adopter of this innovative technology, we welcome everyone to join this journey. There is no denying that climate change poses alarming concerns for Bangladesh, and we must act responsibly by all means to protect our present and future. eSIM is one of the many eco-friendly steps from us, marking the silver jubilee of GP to serve our valuable customers more meaningfully and digitally, and at the same time join forces with society to protect mother nature.” said Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone, highlighting the possibility of eSIMs in the Bangladeshi market.
To obtain a Grameenphone eSIM connection, customers can visit the Grameenphone Experience centres (in Dhaka and Chattrogram) or the selected Grameenphone centres with their eSIM supported devices, fulfil the biometric registration process and request for an eSIM.
READ: Grameenphone partners with itel to roll out affordable 4G smartphone
By following the process of SIM purchase, an eSIM request can also be placed on Grameenphone’s online shop. An eSIM enabled device, a working camera of the respective device to scan the QR code, and an active internet connection (mobile data or WiFi) to activate the eSIM is required, eliminating all the logistical hassle of a physical SIM card.
Multiple networks and numbers can be stored on a single eSIM depending on the handset, ensuring seamless global connectivity. Customers can access more than one phone number, making it easier and more convenient for travellers. Since the solution is embedded in the device, it no longer requires manual input. eSIM provides enhanced security as the user data is stored in digital formats. During the era of optimization, eSIMs will eventually negate the need for a physical SIM card and its tray. This space can be used to increase a phone’s battery size or add more features to a handset. There is no possibility of losing the card as it is tied to the device itself, with no SIM pin hassle.
Read OPPO partners with Thales for World’s First 5G SA-Compatible eSIM
Acknowledged by organizations like GSME, ETSI, GlobalPlatform, and SIMalliance, eSIM quite promisingly seems to be the future of connectivity, making waves the next step in the telecom industry.
Brands like Apple, Google, Huawei, and Windows are incorporating eSIMs into their ecosystems, and thousands of people worldwide are already enjoying its benefits.
For more information regarding Grameenphone eSIMs, please visit: https://www.grameenphone.com/esim
Read Grameenphone wins award of most loved telecom brand
Grameenphone partners with itel to roll out affordable 4G smartphone
Grameenphone has partnered with smartphone brand itel to launch the co-branded handset itel A23 Pro in Bangladesh to bring affordable 4G smartphones into the market.
A launching ceremony was organised in the capital where Mohammad Sajjad Hasib, chief marketing officer, Md Mahbubul Alam Bhuiyan, head of product, Sarder Showkat Ali, head of device, VAS and roaming at Grameenphone, and Rezwanul Hoque, chief executive officer of Transsion Bangladesh, and Khairul Basher, head of communication of Grameenphone, unveiled the affordable co-branded device.
Also read: Grameenphone wins award of most loved telecom brand
Itel A23 Pro is a VoLTE-enabled 4G smartphone equipped with a dual 4G SIM slot. It has a 5-inch big display, 1.4 GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, and 8GB ROM. It also has a 2MP rear camera and a VGA front camera with flash, backed by a standard 2400mAh battery.
Also, the smartphone comes with a face unlock feature and is available in Lake Blue and Sapphire Blue.
"To realise the full potential of advanced connectivity and comprehensive 4G coverage across the country, we must bring in affordable 4G devices for people from all walks of life. In this journey, our device partner itel has been playing a pivotal role in bringing affordable 4G devices for our loved and valued customers," said Sajjad.
Also read: GP Accelerator Batch 7 eyes to equip startups to secure international funds
"Grameenphone's attractive offer with this budget-friendly entry-level 4G smartphone, itel A23 Pro, is quite a timely gift for buyers. Thanks to Grameenphone for staying with itel and catering to the needs of the customers," Rezwanul said.
Grameenphone and itel's co-branded 4G smartphone itel A23 Pro is available in the market at Tk4,990.