DHAKA: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bangladesh Airtel Chris Tobit said that his company would introduce affordable Third Generation (3G) internet packages for its valued subscribers.
On the night of September 24, Airtel test ran 3G in its Uttara office and will be setting up 8/10 base stations in the capital within the next few days.
According to the roll out plan of Airtel, the major areas of Dhaka and Chittagong will be under the blanket of 3G services by October. Major areas of Sylhet will be 3G ready by November as well. The rest of the areas of these three major divisions will be covered gradually by the end of December, 2013.
Chris Tobit came up with the disclosure in an exclusive interview with banglanews24.com at Airtel Corporate office on Tuesday.
Chris Tobit, a 15-year veteran in telecom industry, said that they were happy to get 3G license and bought spectrum at the best price.
Terming the auction of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regularity Commission (BTRC) transparent, he added that they were happy.
Tobit also said the procedure for importing 3G machineries is moving fast and the first shipment has received clearance from the Customs Dept.
Airtel CEO also said, “We are pleased to have extra expectation from our subscribers. Our responsibilities have also increased after getting 3G license. We are always trying to meet the expectation of our customers.”
In this regard, he cited some statistics. In 2010, Airtel 2G services had covered 25 percent of the area but at present Airtel 2G services is covering over 80 percent. Airtel has invested a significant amount of 125 million US Dollar. And the investment in 3G will be as much as it would be needed.
Regarding lack of adequate 3G content, he said that more 3G contents are required. These contents should be of world class quality and that Airtel will help the people who are interested to work with contents.
Chris Tobit added, 3G will accelerate the growth of the Bangladeshi economy. GDP will also increase. For example, with 3G, one can even register and record his property. Airtel can work with government in this regard.
If government gives special discounts on smart phone imports, customers will be able to purchase mobile handsets within a range of BDT 4000 – 5000 which will have a positive impact.
On September 8, Airtel bought 5MHz spectrum during the 3G auction. In reply to a query, whether it is enough to provide 3G service with 5Mhz spectrum, Chris Tobit said: “Of course 5Mhz is enough to provide 3G service. Great 3G service can be provided within next 3-5 years with 5MHz of spectrum. In India, 3G Service with 5Mhz of spectrum is being provided in as densely populated areas of Mumbai and Delhi as the population density of Dhaka and Chittagong is comparatively less. Thus, 3G service can easily be provided with 5MHz spectrum.
BDST: 0931 HRS, SEP 25, 2013
AKA/RIS
