Bangladesh Gears Up for Advanced 5G Networks and Future 6G

The country is actively improving its 5G network, with Teletalk leading the way by working with companies like Huawei and Nokia. The government has approved 110 projects under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) to strengthen both 5G and future 6G networks. While challenges like poor rural connectivity and limited funding exist, Bangladesh is committed to digital growth. In the future, using satellite connectivity and AI technologies will play a key role in building the nation’s 6G network.

Bangladesh's Digital Leap

Bangladesh started its 5G journey in December 2021 when Teletalk Bangladesh Limited, the state-owned telecom company, launched the first commercial 5G network in the country. The project got technical help from Huawei and Nokia, with the goal of improving internet connectivity and preparing the country for future digital growth.

Recent Developments

• Infrastructure Upgrades: In April 2023, Teletalk made a deal with Huawei to improve its network. The focus is on better coverage in rural areas and getting ready for 5G.

• Expansion Plans: Teletalk plans to start 5G services in important residential areas and government offices in Dhaka by 2024. Later, they aim to expand to other big cities and local areas by 2026.

• Regulatory Support: The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has set aside specific frequency bands for 5G and held a spectrum auction in March 2022, showing progress in preparing the rules for 5G.

Challenges

• Infrastructure Gaps: Even though there has been progress, 4G coverage is still not consistent across the country. Many remote areas still do not have reliable connectivity. This makes people wonder if 5G should be prioritized before improving the existing 4G network.

• Economic Constraints: The ongoing foreign exchange crisis has caused delays in the 5G project. The government has temporarily put Teletalk's 5G project, which will cost around Tk 2.36 billion, on hold.

• Device Compatibility: As of early 2025, only 3 to 4 percent of mobile users in Bangladesh have 5G-compatible devices. High prices of 5G phones and data plans make it hard for many people to access this technology.

• Security Concerns: Moving to 5G brings new security challenges. Its more advanced and software-based network structure may be more vulnerable to cyber-attacks, so better cybersecurity is needed.

6G Vision: Preparing for the Future

Research and Development Initiatives

Under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), the government has approved 110 projects related to 5G and 6G, with a total budget of Rs. 304.70 crores. These projects involve government and private organizations, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and startups. The goal is to explore and develop technologies that will support future 6G networks.

Integration of Satellite Connectivity

The plan also includes using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites together with 6G networks on the ground. This will help provide better coverage and faster connections in both cities and rural areas, making sure remote regions are not left behind in the digital progress.

Role of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, such as Perplexity AI and Google's AI Genie 3, will be important in building and improving 6G networks. These AI systems will help manage networks, predict and fix problems, and provide personalized experiences for users, making the network more efficient and adaptive.

Technological Innovations Shaping the Future

Mobile Display Technology

Advances in mobile display technology, like quad-curved displays, are making phone use more enjoyable with clearer visuals and comfortable designs. These improvements work well with fast 5G and upcoming 6G networks, allowing users to enjoy high-quality videos and other media smoothly.

Operating System Evolution

The new iOS 26 and Android OS 16 are expected to bring features that take full advantage of 5G and 6G networks. These updates will allow faster data use, better connectivity, and stronger security, keeping up with the needs of next-generation technology.

Wireless Charging Technology

New wireless charging technologies are making devices more convenient and stylish. They reduce the need for physical charging ports, helping create slimmer phones and making charging easier for users.

Real-World Applications and Benefits

5G and the upcoming 6G networks are set to change many industries by providing super-fast internet, very low delays, and the ability to connect many devices at once. Here’s a closer look at how these technologies are improving areas beyond agriculture, healthcare, and education:

Agriculture

5G and 6G are improving smart farming by using IoT sensors, drones, and AI analytics. These technologies help farmers check soil, crop health, and weather in real time, making irrigation and pest control more precise. For example, 6G-powered drones can use pesticides more efficiently and save water with smart irrigation systems.

The Freeport of Riga in Latvia has set up a 5G network to allow real-time communication and data sharing between the port, cargo ships, and autonomous sea drones. This makes shipping operations safer and more efficient.

Healthcare

5G and 6G networks, combined with AI, are changing healthcare by allowing fast data processing and smart decision-making. These networks make it possible to do things like remote surgery, continuous patient monitoring, and AI-supported diagnosis, improving healthcare access and results, especially in areas that are hard to reach.

Education

5G and 6G networks make learning more interactive and fun using technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Students can join remote classes and use realistic simulations, making education easier to access and more engaging for everyone.

Smart Cities

In smart cities, 5G and 6G networks help run things like smart electricity systems, intelligent traffic management, and connected devices across the city. These technologies make energy use more efficient, reduce traffic jams, and improve public safety by analyzing data in real time.

Transportation

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication is very important for self-driving vehicles. 5G and 6G networks will help cars talk to each other, traffic signals, and even people walking, making roads safer and traffic smoother.

Manufacturing

Using 5G and 6G networks in factories helps machines work automatically and allows real-time data analysis. These technologies can predict problems before they happen, reduce downtime, and make operations more efficient.

Rural Connectivity

6G networks are designed to bring fast internet to rural and less connected areas, helping more people get online. With better and reliable connections, they make it easier for people to access healthcare, online learning, and online shopping, giving rural communities more opportunities.

5G and future 6G networks, combined with AI, IoT, and other new technologies, are bringing new ideas and solutions in many areas. As these networks grow, they will make systems smarter, faster, and more helpful for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Bangladesh is moving forward with advanced 5G networks and exploring 6G technology, showing its commitment to digital growth and new technology. While there are some challenges, the country is actively working on policies, improving infrastructure, and encouraging innovation to get the most out of next-generation networks. By solving current problems and preparing for the future, Bangladesh is creating a more digitally connected and technologically strong society.