Mobile phone operator Airtel has started its 3G service on a trial basis in the port city of Chittagong on Wednesday.
City Mayor M Monzur Alam inaugurated the service through a video call at Airtel customer care office in Agrabad with a young university student of Chittagong.
Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mahbubul Alam and Daily Azadi Editor Abdul Malek attended the function as special guests.
Airtel executives said the services would be made available for customers of Chittagong on trial basis in and around Agrabad commercial area, CEPZ, Patenga Beach, airport, Dewan Bazar, New Market, Chittagong Railway Station and Jamal Khan before Eid-ul-Azha.
It would also be made available on trial basis in parts of Dhaka and Sylhet before Eid-ul-Azha.
By January 2014, all seven divisional headquarters and Comilla will come under the services. Airtel is committed to cover the rest of the country as per the license guideline.
On the occasion, Mayor Monzur Alam said the position of Bangladesh in the tech-world will be stronger through this service.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bangladesh Airtel Chris Tobit said they are very excited to bring 3G services to their valued customers in Chittagong.
“We believe that Airtel will be able to play significant role in bringing the existing gaps in the fields of communication and knowledge.” On September 8, Airtel bought 5MHz spectrum during the 3G auction. It would help operators provide their users different services including high speed wireless internet, TV output and video conference. In 2010, Airtel 2G services had covered 25% of the areas, but now Airtel 2G coverage would be over 80%.
