The state-owned telecom operator Teletalk will roll out fifth-generation (5G) technology for broadband cellular networks by December, with other operators following in 2022, Posts and Telecommunication Minister Mustafa Jabbar said today.

“The technology of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) would be 5G. We have already tested 5G through Huawei and Robi, which has boosted our confidence,” the minister said.

He was speaking at the webinar “5G Ecosystem in Bangladesh and Upcoming Technologies” organised by the Telecom Reporters’ Network Bangladesh (TRNB).

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Shyam Sunder Sikder said the process of launching 5G in Dhaka city by this year is at the final stage. “Teletalk has started making preparations for the launch. Work related to the formulation of a broadband policy is also underway.”

BTRC Commissioner AKM Shahiduzzaman said the regulator already formed a committee comprising operators, telecom sector stakeholders and law enforcement agencies on 5G. “Work is underway to create a common guideline for mobile operators, which will contribute to the mass adoption of 5G.”

“Also, BTRC is working on allocating waves at comparatively low prices, considering the standards followed by different countries. And any decision in this regard will be finalised in consultation with the operators,” he added.

“5G is going to be the next determinant of telecom services. However, technological, spectrum, as well as infrastructural development, will be crucial to reap the benefits of it,” M Riyaaz Rasheed, acting chief executive officer of Robi, said.