United News of Bangladesh

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have identified significant interference challenges in parts of the Enhanced GSM (EGSM) spectrum, particularly in areas close to Bangladesh’s international borders, during a technical assessment conducted under the supervision of the telecom regulator. Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is considering allocating spectrum in the EGSM band to strengthen mobile network capacity and improve weak network coverage and internet service quality across the country. As part of the process, the regulator approved a Proof of Concept (PoC) test to evaluate interference levels in the 850 MHz and EGSM (900 MHz) bands, according to official documents. The four-week assessment was carried out from April 12 to May 8, 2026, using 8.4 MHz of spectrum in the 880-888.4 MHz and 925-933.4 MHz ranges allocated exclusively for testing purposes. All four mobile operators participated in the exercise, deploying the spectrum across different divisions and using 2G technology to assess performance and interference impacts. According to the findings, the EGSM band appears to be the more practical short-term option for Bangladesh, as nearly all mobile handsets in the country already support the band for voice calls, SMS and low-speed data services. A committee formed to compare the 850 MHz and EGSM bands, recommend spectrum pricing and identify technical challenges found that low-band spectrum could significantly improve indoor coverage in densely populated urban areas while helping operators extend services to remote regions. However, the assessment identified frequency pollution originating from India as the principal source of interference affecting parts of the EGSM spectrum. To determine the extent of the issue, operators monitored interference levels in Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Cumilla, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal and Cox’s Bazar, alongside several locations in Dhaka. Except for Dhaka, most testing sites were situated between approximately five and 50 kilometres from international borders. For analysis purposes, the committee divided the 8.4 MHz spectrum block into two segments. The first segment, Block A, consists of 5 MHz of spectrum in the 880-885 MHz and 925-930 MHz ranges. The report noted that this portion is particularly valuable because of its superior propagation characteristics, allowing signals to travel longer distances and penetrate buildings more effectively. Interference levels in Block A were found to be minimal in Rajshahi and Khulna. However, substantial interference was detected in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Cumilla and Chattogram, especially in border-adjacent areas. The committee estimated that interference in this block could affect around 40 to 50 percent of the country’s geographical area. The second segment, Block B, comprises 3.4 MHz of spectrum in the 885-888.4 MHz and 930-933.4 MHz ranges. The report found comparatively lower interference levels in this block, with significant disruption observed only in Rangpur. Most other regions remained largely free from interference. According to the committee, interference in Block B would likely affect only around 5 to 10 percent of the country, making it a more commercially viable option for operators. The report also said no interference was detected in Dhaka’s Kachukhet and Cantonment areas or anywhere in Barishal division, indicating that these locations could be considered for initial deployment. It further recommended direct inspections and practical assessments by BTRC to address the issue of cross-border frequency pollution. Commenting on the PoC results, Banglalink said it deployed the entire 8.4 MHz spectrum block between 880 MHz and 888.4 MHz using 2G technology during the assessment. According to the operator, the lower portion of the spectrum, between 880 MHz and 885 MHz, experienced heavy interference across much of the country including Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh and Rangpur divisions, as well as parts of Dhaka, Rajshahi and Khulna. The upper portion, between 885 MHz and 888.4 MHz, was affected mainly in Rangpur division and some eastern and northern border areas. Robi, in its observations submitted following the PoC, said Block I (880-885 MHz) was usable in Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi and Barishal, while Block II (885-890 MHz) was found suitable for deployment nationwide except in Rangpur. The assessment came as operators continue to seek additional low-band spectrum to improve network quality and expand coverage. Earlier, Grameenphone obtained 10 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz band through an auction, while Robi and Banglalink did not participate in acquiring spectrum in that band. Subsequently, state-owned Teletalk was allocated another 10 MHz in the same frequency range. The 700 MHz band is widely regarded as a strategic spectrum resource because of its ability to provide wider coverage and stronger indoor connectivity, particularly in rural, remote and underserved areas, while requiring fewer network installations than higher-frequency bands.

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