Key Highlights
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Robi set to launch Bangladesh’s first-ever commercial 5G service today.
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Initial rollout in Dhaka (Shahbagh, Fakirapool, Robi office), Chattogram, and Sylhet.
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Service accessible for users with 5G-compatible devices this afternoon.
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Bangladesh’s 5G journey began with Robi-Huawei demo in July 2018.
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Teletalk and Grameenphone previously conducted experimental trials.
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Commercial rollout delayed due to infrastructure challenges.
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India launched 5G on October 1, 2022.
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Global 5G subscriptions reached 2.4 billion (Q1 2025), projected to hit 2.9 billion by year-end.
Historic Milestone for the Telecom Sector
Bangladesh’s second-largest mobile operator, Robi, is set to officially launch commercial 5G services today, marking a major breakthrough in the country’s digital connectivity journey. This will be the first commercial 5G deployment by any mobile operator in Bangladesh.
Initial Rollout Locations
According to company sources, the first phase of rollout will cover Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet. Within Dhaka, specific zones such as Shahbagh, Fakirapool, and the Robi corporate office premises will be equipped with 5G access. Users with 5G-enabled smartphones will be able to experience the new network later this afternoon. Robi, however, declined to make any official comments.
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Bangladesh’s 5G Timeline
Bangladesh’s journey towards 5G began on July 25, 2018, when Robi partnered with Huawei to conduct the country’s first-ever demonstration at the Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. Later, on December 12, 2018, state-owned Teletalk launched experimental 5G services across six selected sites.
In 2022, leading operator Grameenphone ran extensive 5G trial programs, showcasing use-case demonstrations in Dhaka and Chattogram before extending the trials to all eight divisional cities. Despite these pioneering steps, full-scale commercial deployment faced delays due to infrastructure limitations.
Regional and Global Context
While Bangladesh is taking its first steps into the 5G era today, neighboring India commercially rolled out 5G on October 1, 2022. Globally, the adoption rate has been rapid. As per the Ericsson Mobility Report (Q1 2025), worldwide 5G subscriptions surpassed 2.4 billion, and projections suggest the figure will reach nearly 2.9 billion by the end of this year.
Significance of the Launch
The introduction of 5G by Robi is expected to enhance user experiences, boost digital services, and open new opportunities in technology-driven sectors such as education, healthcare, and smart infrastructure. With today’s launch, Bangladesh officially enters the era of next-generation mobile connectivity.
Source: Daily star
