Report

The Bangladesh Telecom Market size is estimated at USD 5.08 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 6.27 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.31% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Bangladesh is rapidly advancing toward its Vision 2041. The nation aims to transition to an upper-middle-income status by 2031 and ultimately achieve high-income status by 2041, with a strategic focus on digital and internet technologies. Central to this transformation is the imperative of digital inclusion, underscored by the need for affordable and reliable connectivity to realize Vision 2041 objectives.

Bangladesh is witnessing a steady rise in the adoption of fifth-generation (5G) telecommunications. 5G technology promises low latency, faster downloads, enhanced virtual and augmented reality, connectivity for a multitude of devices, and the integration of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. These advancements have the potential to revolutionize lifestyles nationwide, paving the way for innovations in healthcare, logistics, and mining.

Key players like Robi Axiata, Grameenphone, and Banglalink dominate Bangladesh's telecom landscape. The industry experienced robust growth, driven by increased mobile penetration, a surging internet user base, and increased 4G coverage. Collaborations within the industry and proactive regulatory measures are further propelling advancements, fostering a climate of continuous growth.

Driven by the demands of remote work, digitalization, the popularity of streaming services, and online education, fixed broadband subscriptions in Bangladesh are on an upward trajectory. Moreover, government investments in broadband infrastructure aim to make high-speed internet more affordable and accessible, catering to a broader demographic.

The Bangladeshi government, as outlined by planning ministry officials, is spearheading the introduction of 5G services, primarily through the state-owned Teletalk. Initially, the 5G network is slated to be available exclusively at key commercial and governmental institutions under the purview of Dhaka's municipal bodies.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, connectivity emerged as a cornerstone for social interaction and economic sustenance in Bangladesh. Telecommunications have proven indispensable, ensuring that educational institutions and businesses remain operational while providing citizens with avenues for work, social engagement, and access to essential services. Mobile service providers in Bangladesh adeptly navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic, leveraging mobile technology to sustain a semblance of normalcy.

Bangladesh Telecom Market Trends

The Growth of 5G in Bangladesh is Expected to Drive Market Growth


- The deployment and adoption of 5G technology are reshaping Bangladesh's broadband landscape, ushering in a new era of connectivity. With promises of superior network performance, enriched user experiences, and being a digital transformation catalyst, 5G is a pivotal opportunity in the country.
- 5G technology in Bangladesh not only promises enhanced network performance but also addresses a critical need. It has the potential to exponentially boost data transfer rates, slash latency, and significantly expand network capacity, surpassing its predecessors. This means faster internet speeds, seamless connectivity, and a better response to the escalating demands of data-centric applications, video streaming, and emerging tech like AR and VR.
- Global advancements in mobile broadband, driven by 5G, are now reaching Bangladesh. This translates to faster downloads, smoother video streaming, and enhanced mobile app performance for Bangladeshi consumers. With data consumption on the rise, 5G's heightened capacity ensures that the network can meet the surging demands for data-intensive services, keeping users connected and productive on the move.
- While Bangladesh initially had limited 5G offerings, recent developments are promising. In April 2023, Teletalk Bangladesh inked a deal with Huawei to bolster its rural coverage and prepare for 5G. The agreement entails Huawei providing Teletalk with new 4G sites, core and IP networks, and modernized charging and billing systems.
- The push for 5G is spurring substantial investments in Bangladesh's broadband infrastructure. Telecom players and stakeholders are ramping up efforts to expand 5G networks, deploying small cells, advanced antennas, and fiber-optic backhaul solutions. This infrastructure not only enhances 5G services but also bolsters overall network performance and coverage.
- In Q1 2024, the mobile phone industry in Bangladesh demonstrated resilience, achieving a modest 1.7% Y-o-Y growth, with 4 million units shipped. This growth is noteworthy, considering the challenges posed by heavy taxation and economic pressures. Insights from the International Data Corporation's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker revealed that Bangladesh shipped 1.8 million units in Q1 2024, reflecting a substantial 11.6% increase from the previous year.


The Data and Messaging Services Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share


- Telecommunication vendors in Bangladesh primarily offer data and messaging services, encompassing fixed internet, mobile data, and messaging. With the rising adoption of 5G and a push toward digitalizing business operations, telecom companies are seizing the opportunity to provide high-speed data services, propelling market expansion.
- Bangladesh boasts a substantial mobile internet user base. Enhanced connectivity not only bolsters communication but also underpins data-centric services. As per the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB), the number of mobile internet subscribers reached a staggering 118.96 million mobile internet subscribers by November 2023.
- According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the number of telecom towers was 43,886 as of November 2023. These towers play a pivotal role in fortifying data and messaging services, thereby increasing market growth.
- Information accessibility in Bangladesh is on the rise. Data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics revealed that 37% of individuals aged 18 and above were active internet users. Social media engagement, spanning platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok, is on an upward trajectory. This surge in social media usage is directly translating into heightened data service demand from telecom providers, given that these platforms necessitate robust internet connectivity.
- In a notable development in October 2023, Robi Axiata Limited (Robi), a prominent digital service provider in Bangladesh, pioneered the launch of Rich Business Messaging (RBM) in the nation. RBM, a Google-backed messaging service, empowers businesses to deliver interactive, content-rich messages to their clientele.
- The confluence of factors, including businesses' digital metamorphosis, a surge in cloud-based enterprise solutions, widespread 5G and fiber optics deployment for high-speed internet, and enticing data packages from vendors, collectively fuel the growth of data and messaging services in Bangladesh's telecommunication landscape.


Bangladesh Telecom Industry Overview

The telecommunication industry in Bangladesh is dominated by a few key players, including Grameenphone Ltd, Robi Axiata Limited, Banglalink Digital Communications Limited, Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd, and Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL). These players are increasingly turning to strategic partnerships and acquisitions to bolster their product portfolios and secure a lasting competitive edge.

December 2023: Grameenphone forged a strategic alliance with Ericsson aimed at enhancing its customer experience. This collaboration enabled Grameenphone to deploy a voice Charging Control Nodes (CCN) operational pool, elevating the service quality for its clientele. The CCN technology plays a pivotal role in overseeing and regulating service charges and billing. By ensuring an equitable distribution of network traffic, this technology not only optimizes network utilization but also guarantees a consistent service level. This translates to seamless network access and uninterrupted connectivity for Grameenphone's customers.

December 2023: Banglalink rolled out its postpaid offering, SELECT, tailored specifically for customers seeking a hassle-free mobile experience. Priced at 65 paise per minute for calls, this package grants users access to a diverse array of digital services and exclusive loyalty perks. SELECT postpaid package is known for its flexibility; customers can opt for one of three bundled plans or a non-bundled option, tailoring their subscription to their usage patterns. This adaptability underscored Banglalink's commitment to offering a personalized and user-centric experience.

March 2024: Following a successful field trial, state-owned mobile network Teletalk and private operator Banglalink unveiled plans for a pilot program. This initiative, dubbed 'Active Sharing (Roaming),' focuses on sharing telecom infrastructure. The goal is to enhance both network performance and customer experience.

Additional Benefits:

- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support