Robi completes network upgrade, claims strongest connectivity in Dhaka

Robi Axiata PLC. has completed a comprehensive modernization of its mobile network across greater Dhaka, setting a new benchmark for connectivity in the country’s most data-intensive market, said a press release.

According to the press note, with only a handful of districts now in the final stage of upgrade, Dhaka customers are already experiencing faster data, sharper voice quality and stronger indoor coverage.

It says that the Dhaka rollout forms part of Robi’s nationwide network transformation, powered by next-generation GIGA GREEN 4G/5G-ready equipment. The upgrade is designed to deliver a more robust, future-ready and energy-efficient network, while Robi now shifts focus to densifying semi-urban areas to meet rising demand in high-growth markets.

"More than 4,800 sites were upgraded across greater Dhaka including Gazipur, Savar Manikganj, Narayangonj with virtually no disruption to customer services. The result shows tremendous changes in network experience: higher data speeds, fewer call drops and stronger coverage where customers need it most, including indoors."

The performance gains are significant. Cluster-level customer experience has improved by up to 125%, call drops have fallen by 20%, and customers in Greater Dhaka and Gazipur are now getting three times better deep-indoor coverage and connectivity quality. The new energy-efficient network has also reduced energy consumption per GB by 20%, reinforcing Robi’s sustainability agenda.

For customers of Robi’s youth-focused digital lifestyle brand, Cirkle, the upgraded network means a smoother digital experience across streaming, gaming, social media and other high-data activities. By improving speed, reliability and indoor performance, the modernization strengthens Robi’s claim to network leadership in Dhaka and supports Bangladesh’s increasingly connected youth population.

Robi’s Chief Technology Officer, Perihane Elhamy Ahmed Metaweh, shared details of the modernization at an event held today at Robi Corporate Office in Tejgaon.

The event was attended by Faqir Mahbub Anam, MP, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Post and Telecommunication, ICT Division and Ministry of Science and Technology; Rehan Asif Asad, Advisor to the Honorable Prime Minister on Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology; and Major General (Retd.) Md Emdad Ul Bari, Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

Robi’s Managing Director and CEO, Ziad Shatara, along with members of the senior leadership team, were also present.

Faqir Mahbub Anam, MP, said: “Our Government is driving towards a trillion-dollar economy powered by private sector investment. I am encouraged to see Robi investing significantly in its network to offer better quality of service. I congratulate Robi for this milestone achievement. The Government is ready to support delivery of digital dividends to all citizens, but mobile operators must sustain investment in their networks.”

Rehan Asif Asad said: “As the industry matures, quality of service has become the key differentiator. I am happy to see Robi strengthening its competitive muscle by revamping its Dhaka network. A win-win formula works best when customers are satisfied with service quality.”

Major General Md Emdad Ul Bari (Retd.), Chairman of BTRC, said: “As an Engineer, I understand working with around 5000 sites in three months is a mindboggling task. I especially congratulate Robi Technology team for this marvelous achievement. Robi deserves double congratulation for focusing on quality internet service for the customers. This is exactly what we need now to remove digital divide.”

Robi’s Managing Director and CEO, Ziad Shatara, hailed the Dhaka modernization as a major step forward, declaring that Robi now has the strongest network in Dhaka. He said Robi will soon complete its Chattogram modernization, retaining its edge as the country’s best-in-class network “not in the advert but in reality.”

He added: “While modernization has significantly strengthened our network, a few areas remain unaddressed because we require new sites. Obtaining these sites has become increasingly difficult, and we seek urgent intervention from the Ministry and BTRC to facilitate acquisition so we can extend the same service quality to every corner of Dhaka.”

Robi has consistently led network innovation, launching 4G services in all 64 districts in 2018 and building an industry-leading 72% 4G subscriber base. It also became the first operator to launch commercial 5G services in September 2025 in selected high-traffic zones of Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet.

Since listing in 2020, Robi has invested over Tk 9,331 crore in network expansion, raising 4G sites from 13,173 to 19,646 and expanding spectrum holdings 3.4 times to 124 MHz. In Q2 2026 alone, Robi invested Tk 721.6 crore, taking 4G sites above 19,600 and population coverage to 98.98%.