The way the fiber bank will operate

A new initiative has been launched to create a fiber bank based on the country’s optical fiber network infrastructure. The fiber bank will function as a soft consortium, allowing stakeholders to lease fiber capacity competitively based on location and demand, with revenue shared among participants.

On Monday, July 7, 2025, Chief Adviser's Special Assistant on Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb confirmed the formal commencement of the fiber bank initiative. He detailed plans and confirmed that official communications have been sent to relevant ministries and stakeholders.

How the Fiber Bank Will Operate
Taiyeb explained that Bangladesh currently has four government-owned entities possessing optical fiber networks. However, much of this infrastructure remains underutilized due to operational restrictions. For example, the railway company cannot extend fiber beyond its track routes, leaving many fibers unused. Similarly, PGC cannot lease fibers beyond its transmission lines, resulting in a significant portion lying idle. The Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) currently uses only 2 cores out of 48 for services like Summit and Fiber at Home, leaving 46 cores unutilized. Likewise, BTCL has approximately 12 unused fiber cores nationwide.

He warned that if fiber remains unused for 12 to 15 years, there is a high risk of degradation, which would result in a major financial loss. “Thousands of crores of taka have been invested in building this network. Leaving it unused would cause a severe loss to the country in the next decade,” he said.

The fiber bank will operate as a soft consortium where service providers can analyze fiber availability through computer software to identify and lease the nearest fiber cores for end-mile connectivity. This will facilitate efficient use of fibers owned by BTCL, PGC, BCC, and the railway, ensuring a fair and competitive system.

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb

Win-Win Revenue Model
Taiyeb highlighted that leasing fiber through the new consortium will generate revenue for fiber owners like BCC, regulatory authorities such as BTRC, and maintenance providers, creating a win-win situation without discrimination.

He emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative given that 80% of the country’s mobile towers and 98% of households remain outside fiber coverage, underscoring the need to utilize this invaluable national asset.

Official Steps and Future Prospects
Letters have been sent to advisers of the ministries of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways, inviting their participation in the Fiber Bank. BTCL and BCC are already onboard.

Currently, government agencies have installed approximately 78,400 kilometers of fiber optic network, but 40% remains unused. BTCL owns 39,500 km (90% underground), BCC has 27,695 km covering 2,600 unions with expansion underway, PGC owns 8,000 km mostly unused, and Railways own 3,205 km, largely idle.

By optimizing usage and preventing waste, the Fiber Bank aims to extend high-speed internet access to every union in Bangladesh. It is projected that leasing unused fiber could generate over 50 billion taka annually.

Joint maintenance efforts led by BTCL are expected to reduce maintenance costs by up to 30%, and bandwidth expenses for private operators by up to 70%. This will accelerate nationwide fiber connectivity to mobile towers and support affordable, rapid 5G rollout.

The initiative is also expected to deliver internet speeds of 1 Gbps or more at the union level, significantly enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity across the country.