'5G mobile network service to be available by 2023'

FT ONLINE

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Md Jahurul Haque has said the fifth-generation (5G) mobile network service will be available in the country by 2021 to 2023.

Jahurul Haque gave the information on Wednesday while addressing an event titled ‘Seminar on 5G in Bangladesh’ at Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in the city.

The BTRC head said they want to provide quality mobile service through the 5G network.

“Now we’re providing internet service up to the rural area. There’ll be no house in the country without internet and bandwidth within 2024,” he said.  

Posts and Telecommunication Minister Mustafa Jabbar, who was also present at the seminar, said there are various allegations about the coverage of 2G, 3G and 4G networks across the country as mobile phone operators are unable to provide adequate internet services.

The 5G network is necessary for the next industrial transformation in the country, the minister said adding that it will help the country accelerate its progress in education, business, agriculture and industrial sector.

“We’ll formulate a guideline through discussions with people and stakeholders so that no one faces inconvenience while using the 5G network, Mustafa Jabbar added.

Posts and Telecommunications Secretary Ashok Kumar Biswas, among others, spoke on the occasion.