State-owned telecom operator Teletalk will roll out fifth-generation (5G) technology for broadband cellular networks by December, with other operators following in 2022, Posts and Telecommunication Minister Mustafa Jabbar said Saturday.

"The technology of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) would be 5G. We have already tested 5G through Huawei and Robi, which has boosted our confidence," the minister said.

Read 5G: Oppo teams up with Ericson to launch updated communication lab

He was speaking at the webinar "5G Ecosystem in Bangladesh and Upcoming Technologies" organised by the Telecom Reporters' Network Bangladesh (TRNB).

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Shyam Sunder Sikder said the process of launching 5G in Dhaka city by this year is at the final stage. "Teletalk has started making preparations for the launch. Work related to the formulation of a broadband policy is also underway."

Read: Planning to launch 5G by end of this year: Joy

BTRC Commissioner AKM Shahiduzzaman said the regulator already formed a committee comprising operators, telecom sector stakeholders and law enforcement agencies on 5G. "Work is underway to create a common guideline for mobile operators, which will contribute to the mass adoption of 5G."

"Also, the BTRC is working on allocating waves at comparatively low prices, considering the standards followed by different countries. And any decision in this regard will be finalised in consultation with the operators," he added.

Read: Huawei, partners release 5G White Paper

"5G is going to be the next determinant of telecom services. However, technological, spectrum, as well as infrastructural development, will be crucial to reap the benefits of it," M Riyaaz Rasheed, acting chief executive officer of Robi, said.

Erik Aas, chairman of the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh and CEO of Banglalink, said: "5G needs to be looked at from an application point of view. To that end, the spectrum policy needs to be addressed by keeping the user experience in mind."

Tao Guangyao, COO of Huawei Technologies Bangladesh, said: "4G has changed lives, 5G will change society. 5G will deliver what 4G and earlier networks could not do. 5G is also essential for upgrading service experience and fueling the digital and intelligent transformation of industries."

Read 5G Smartphone: What are the benefits of 5G? Who needs a 5G Phone?

Abdus Salam, country manager of LM Ericsson Bangladesh said: "5G needs 1800-2100 Mhz frequency. We have a scope of dynamic spectrum sharing. We are waiting for the BTRC licence and looking forward to implementing all the networks and technologies for 5G connectivity."

Samir Kumar Dey, general secretary of the TRNB, said: "By 2025, every application will be dependent on 5G – wireless robot, car, transportation and smart manufacturing. Our whole lives would be under 5G connectivity by 2025. So, investment in the ICT sector of Bangladesh should be increased to give our users the best experience and ensure cyber safety."

Read Vivo world's second-fastest growing 5G smartphone brand: Report