In a transformative phase for the telecom industry in Bangladesh, the emphasis on enhancing infrastructure efficiency, conserving foreign currency, and promoting sustainability has emerged as a central theme. Globally, the telecom industry is increasingly embracing shared infrastructures to establish sustainable operational models.
As part of a regulatory initiative, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) introduced Tower Sharing Guidelines in 2018, with the aim to enable telecom players to explore collaborative opportunities. This strategic move is in line with the broader industry trend of fostering efficiency, saving foreign currencies, reducing environmental impact, and creating a more economically viable framework for all stakeholders.
Sharing resources, such as optical fiber, towers, and network elements, is not merely a strategic move for the telecom industry; but a vital necessity for maintaining competitiveness and cost-efficiency in this competitive market.
Since the introduction of the Guidelines, Banglalink has led the effort in advancing the agenda through partnerships. Banglalink has demonstrated its commitment to collaboration and resource sharing in various ways.
For the first time, Banglalink, in collaboration with Teletalk, unveiled a groundbreaking initiative -- the national roaming field trial in Bangladesh. This initiative allows customers of both operators to utilize each other's network coverage for the first time in the country.
Banglalink was the first operator to sell its towers to a third-party tower licensee, specifically to Summit Towers. This sale not only marks a positive development for Banglalink but also represents a model promising to contribute to the overall economic efficiency of Bangladesh through collaboration, as these towers can be shared with other operators as well.
One positive outcome of these pioneering steps is the savings in foreign currency, as sharing resources reduces the need to import operational machinery.
In Bangladesh, the volatility of foreign exchange rates has become a significant concern for businesses, investors, and the overall economy. The telecommunications sector, in particular, relies heavily on foreign currency for its operations. The devaluation of the taka has led to increased costs for telecom operators, who often import equipment and other essential components from abroad. Sharing network infrastructure becomes crucial in mitigating costs and fostering cross-industry partnerships for efficient resource utilization.
Furthermore, the shared infrastructure model can significantly facilitate the green movement in the country. An important challenge in the green telecommunications sector is to reduce the creation and emission of greenhouse gases by all means. Telecommunication network operators can operate in a much more environmentally friendly manner by co-existing with their fellow operators through sharing infrastructure, such as towers, networks, and power generators, which will reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.
The urgency to connect every corner of Bangladesh to high-speed internet has never been more critical, especially with the government announcing its Smart Bangladesh vision. Recognizing the telecom industry as a major driver of connectivity, stakeholders should emphasize the value of mutual support and use resources wisely.
Sharing things in the telecom industry can help avoid shortages and make competition better. This way, more people can use the internet, helping to achieve the Smart Bangladesh goal faster.