Mobile operators fail to deliver 4G service in most of areas

A recent drive test by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) in three districts has revealed that in most areas, 4G network coverage was unavailable. Among the private operators, Grameenphone—the country’s largest by subscriber base—recorded the highest lack of 4G coverage, with 58% of the tested areas showing no access.

In July 2025, BTRC conducted on-the-ground quality of service (QoS) verification across 574 kilometers in Tangail, Bogura, and Gaibandha. The regulator carried out the drive test under its QoS policy standards.

Drive Test Results:

Grameenphone:
Call Setup Success Ratio: 95.14% (benchmark 98%).

Call Setup Time: 2.88 seconds (benchmark: ≤8 seconds).

Downlink Throughput: 20.99 Mbps (benchmark: ≥15 Mbps).

4G Coverage: Absent in 58% of tested areas.

Banglalink:
Call Setup Success Ratio: 96.22% (below benchmark).

Call Setup Time: 2.14 seconds (within benchmark).

Downlink Throughput: 29.00 Mbps (above benchmark).

4G Coverage: Absent in 49% of tested areas.

Robi:
Call Setup Success Ratio: 77.37% (worst among operators).

Call Setup Time: 2.17 seconds (within benchmark).

Downlink Throughput: 21.60 Mbps (above benchmark).

4G Coverage: Absent in 41% of tested areas.

Teletalk:
Call Setup Success Ratio: 97.23% (slightly below 98% benchmark).

Call Setup Time: 10.25 seconds (benchmark: ≤8 seconds).

Downlink Throughput: 10.35 Mbps (benchmark: ≥15 Mbps).

4G Coverage: Below 77% of test areas, failing the benchmark.

BTRC’s analysis shows that operators received their 4G licenses on February 19, 2018. As per guidelines, they were required to ensure 4G services across all upazilas, national highways, and railway routes within five years—by February 18, 2023. However, none of the operators have fully complied with these rollout obligations.

Officials involved in the drive test suggested that operators may soon be instructed to install additional base transceiver stations (BTS) in underserved areas. Furthermore, as operators have failed to meet both the 4G coverage benchmarks and rollout obligations, BTRC is considering taking explanations from them under Section 64 of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2001.