Synopsis
The internet came late to Bangladesh with the country gaining connectivity in 1996. In the last few years it has grown dramatically, although obviously from a very low base. With an estimated internet user-base of close to 700,000 coming into 2011, representing only a 0.4% user penetration, the local internet industry has been preparing to move into the next stage of its development. As this report demonstrates, however, the country must work hard to overcome obstacles associated with the country’s lowly economic status and still developing ICT infrastructure, not least of which being an overly bureaucratic government. The report also looks briefly at very early signs of broadband internet in Bangladesh and, importantly, the country’s first moves into WiMAX services.
Key Developments:
The focus starts to build on the country developing into ‘Digital Bangladesh’ by 2021 with this strategy providing a boost to infrastructure; in the same way it has seen low-cost laptops being manufactured locally; there has been a huge increase in international data connectivity in recent years; rapid early growth in WiMAX services after new operators launch;
Companies covered in this report include:
Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) – formerly Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB); Grameen Cybernet; Integrated Services Network (ISN); Teleglobe; InTech Online (IOL); AlwaysOn Network Bangladesh (AONB); GrameenPhone; Banglalink: Warid Telecom; CityCell; Augere (Qubee); BanglaLion.
