VEON’s Banglalink and Robi Axiata Partner to Explore Network Sharing to Expand 4G Access in Bangladesh

VEON announced that Banglalink, its digital operator in Bangladesh, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Robi, second largest mobile operator in the Bangladesh and a subsidiary of Axiata Group, to explore potential sharing and optimization of network resources, aiming to expand 4G coverage and enhance network performance.

Infrastructure sharing promotes an “asset-light” business model in line with VEON and Banglalink’s strategy. It supports the customer experience and environmental sustainability goals of both Banglalink and Robi. A successful collaboration would bring wider 4G coverage and improved network quality for customers of both operators, reduce duplications and enable more efficient utilisation of resources, including energy.

The MoU was signed during a ceremony which marked World Telecommunication and Information Society Day in Bangladesh, attended by Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the Minister of State for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Engineer Md Mohiuddin Ahmed, Chairman of the BTRC, as well as the officials of Banglalink and Robi.

“This collaboration represents a significant development for the future of digitalisation in Bangladesh. This first step to explore network sharing will allow Banglalink and Robi to generate efficiencies which will serve the customers of both operators and the country as a whole, in line with Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041. We look forward to unlocking the potential that this collaboration entails; and would like to commend the Government of Bangladesh for promoting an investment landscape that promotes growth, sustainability and efficiency in our industry by supporting collaboration and commitment to innovation,” said Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of VEON.

The collaboration with Robi Axiata is the latest among a number of steps that Banglalink has taken to expand its 4G services with an asset-light approach. 

The operator has previously signed an MoU for network sharing with Teletalk, the fourth largest operator in Bangladesh. Earlier this year, it completed the sale of part of its towers portfolio to Summit Towers Limited, a subsidiary of Summit Communications, the largest telecommunications infrastructure company in the country. Banglalink has also taken other steps in prioritising the efficient use of its resources, recently becoming the first operator in the country to phase out 3G.