Bangladesh’s 4G Networks Witness Quality Improvements Under New BTRC Mandates
Dhaka – Bangladesh’s mobile network operators are showing improvements in 4G service quality following the implementation of stricter Quality of Service (QoS) benchmarks set by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) in September 2025. Even as national median speeds exceed the new requirements, challenges remain in ensuring consistent service for all users, particularly in areas with limited infrastructure.
BTRC Tightens QoS Standards
The BTRC revised its QoS framework to address long-standing issues in service quality and network performance, establishing more data-centric enforcement. A key component of the new regulations is a minimum 4G download speed of 10 Mbps, up from the previous benchmark of 7 Mbps set in 2018, alongside a minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps. Ookla reports that these changes aim to create a more robust and reliable mobile data experience for Bangladeshi consumers.
National Median Speeds Exceed Regulatory Minimums
Analysis of data from Speedtest Intelligence indicates that, as of January 2025, Bangladesh’s median 4G download speed stood at 31.15 Mbps, with an upload speed of 12.22 Mbps. Both figures surpass the BTRC’s revised minimums. All major operators – Banglalink, Grameenphone, Robi, Airtel, and Teletalk – exceeded the benchmarks at both the national level and across all eight administrative divisions in Q4 2025. Ookla data shows Banglalink and Grameenphone leading in national median download performance, reporting speeds of 31.22 Mbps, and 30.69 Mbps, respectively.
Spectrum Investments and 3G Phase-Outs Drive Improvements
The improvements in network performance are attributed to operators capitalizing on spectrum investments and phasing out 3G services to refarm spectrum for 4G. Banglalink’s decision to discontinue 3G services in May 2024 and Grameenphone’s acquisition of additional spectrum in the 2.6 GHz and 700 MHz bands are cited as key factors in boosting speeds. Ookla notes a 14% increase in median 4G download speeds between August 2024 and January 2026, rising from 27.28 Mbps to 31.15 Mbps.
Challenges Remain at the Network Edge
Despite the positive national trends, significant disparities in service quality persist. Analysis of the bottom 10th percentile of users reveals that operators frequently fail to meet the regulatory minimums in areas with challenging coverage. All operators struggled to consistently deliver the required 10 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload speeds in several administrative regions, highlighting the need for increased infrastructure density to ensure consistent service for all users. Ookla’s data depicts a “two-speed” Bangladesh, where median performance is strong but the network edge lags behind.
BTRC Initiatives and Regulatory Updates
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has been actively engaged in stakeholder consultations to refine telecom policies. In September 2025, the BTRC initiated meetings with operators to draft guidelines under the Telecommunications Network and Licensing Policy 2025. DigiBanglaTech reports that these discussions focused on fixed telecom service licenses and addressed concerns raised by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) regarding last-mile connectivity and fair licensing practices. The BTRC also issued new regulatory and licensing guidelines for NICSP, ICSP, FTSP & CMSP on February 15, 2026. BTRC
Looking Ahead
To bridge the performance gap at the network edge, operators must prioritize targeted densification, deploying additional sites in rural areas and areas with poor coverage. Continued investment in spectrum and network modernization will be crucial to ensuring consistent, high-quality 4G service for all citizens of Bangladesh. The BTRC’s ongoing monitoring and enforcement of the new QoS benchmarks will play a vital role in driving further improvements in the country’s mobile network performance.