The next generation of telecommunication businesses can achieve sustainability by rapidly adopting digitalization and automation. This is also crucial to positioning the country at the forefront of the Smart Bangladesh vision. For the TowerCo space, the question isn't why, but when and how fast.
Adapting to digitalization is vital in Bangladesh's diverse geographical landscape. Frequent natural calamities such as floods, cyclones, and tornadoes have heightened the potential and necessity for digitalization. The full potential of digitalization must be unleashed to benefit the telecom industry, which is possible only by quickly adopting digital tools for site acquisition, BTS deployment, operations, and maintenance. These tools are essential for ensuring seamless connectivity, optimizing costs, managing resources efficiently, and enhancing overall operational excellence.
Edotco Bangladesh, the country's leading TowerCo, is spearheading the digital transformation to foster nationwide connectivity. Its strategic digitalization initiatives set a benchmark for the industry, demonstrating how leveraging advanced technologies can significantly enhance nationwide connectivity and contribute to the Smart Bangladesh vision.
Pioneering digital transformation
In 2021, Edotco Bangladesh led the transformation by developing nearly forty Power BI dashboards to enable a comprehensive oversight of tower operations, including site acquisition, crisis management, and energy consumption.
Additionally, the company developed two platforms using Microsoft PowerApps tools to empower real-time decision-making and operational visibility across their network. These future-fit tools help facilitate intelligent business decisions through visual data analysis, particularly during natural disasters when restoring network connectivity is critical.
Integrating robotics is a classic example of automation in any industry. In 2022, Edotco Bangladesh implemented Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in its Tower Operations Centre (TOC). RPA uses software robots to automate repetitive tasks by mimicking human actions.
This has significantly improved efficiency and accuracy in various business processes. Tasks such as site acceptance, fault management, and preventive maintenance, previously dependent on manual involvement, are now automated, immensely enhancing productivity, accuracy, data processing, and operational excellence.
In 2023, Edotco launched the Digital Tower Catalogue, a comprehensive database of tower sites, improving operations with 99% data accuracy and simplifying invoicing and financial management. This tool has enabled precise billing and reducing disputes with its clients, ultimately improving customer satisfaction.
Additionally, the Network and Planning Analytics (NaPA) platforms integrate AI and data analytics to optimize tower site selection, supporting telecom operators in expanding their networks swiftly and strategically. Finding a suitable tower site location is a time-consuming process, which can delay the construction of a new tower by eight to twelve months.
By analyzing supply and demand datasets, this technology identifies optimal tower locations while considering local population density, settlement patterns, and coverage gaps. Telecom operators in Bangladesh have already benefitted from this technology, which has helped them accelerate their network expansion strategy.
For ongoing maintenance and improvements, Edotco employs a Digital Twin Solution utilizing advanced drone technology to collect necessary data for tower maintenance. The drone is equipped to perform high-resolution tower inspections even from a remote distance. This innovation allows precise inspections without the need for physical touch in detecting faults and operational improvements, avoiding safety risks and enhancing efficiency.
Key steps for future transformation
The digitalization and automation journey of Edotco not only enhances operational efficiency but also sets a precedent for industry-wide transformation. Edotco aims to shift the industry paradigm by transforming it into a data-driven, digitalized organization that delivers world-class telecom solutions.
The TowerCo industry presents a sizable market for tech suppliers and innovators who can catalyze digitalization and automation as partners in growth. Co-creating solutions to enhance connectivity through digital and automated methods will benefit all stakeholders, providing an improved scope for nurturing local talent for the industry's evolving landscape and contribute meaningfully to Bangladesh’s telecommunications infrastructure.
To expedite this transformation, the following key actions are essential:
- Investment in advanced technologies: Prioritize technologies such as AI, IoT, and machine-learning data analytics to optimize operations and improve decision-making.
- Enhanced data integration: Implement robust systems for seamless data flow across operations.
- Innovative user-friendly solutions: Develop interactive dashboards and engaging apps.
- Foster collaboration with tech partners: Co-create tailored digital solutions with technology suppliers.
- Upskill workforce: Invest in training programs to enhance digital literacy and technology adoption.
- Strategic alignment with regulatory frameworks: Align digital transformation strategies with regulatory standards.
By taking these proactive steps, tower companies can navigate digital transformation effectively and lead the charge in shaping a resilient and technologically advanced telecom industry in Bangladesh.
Path to sustainable future
Reflecting on the imperative need for digitalization and automation in the TowerCo industry to propel Bangladesh towards a smarter future, Edotco’s success through digital transformation provides a playbook for faster adoption of digital operation. Through its steadfast commitment to innovation, Edotco demonstrates the transformative potential of digitalization and automation in achieving business excellence and making a sustainable impact. Now is the time to take significant strides together for a better industry.
Md Al-Amin Habib is the Director, Service Excellence, Edotco Bangladesh.
