Mobile operators want to build their own fiber network to launch 5G services in the country. But fiber service providers are against it. Mobile operators argue that the majority of private establishments hang fiber, which is highly accident-prone and expensive. Although the private fiber companies are reluctant to accept these arguments. They say that if the decision is implemented, business and investment will be affected. However, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) says that everything will be analyzed and then a decision will be taken.
3 to 5 Mbps of bandwidth is required to view content such as video streaming on mobile. Get it easily if the customer is located in a fiber tower. However, without fiber, the bandwidth required by microwaves is not always matched. It worsens the quality of service. There are 1 lakh 72 thousand kilometers fiber network of six public and private institutions across the country to ensure uninterrupted service. However, only 15,000 towers are connected to fiber out of 45,000 mobile towers, i.e. about 27 percent. Mohiuddin Ahmed, president of Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association, said in a message to the media, 'If we could take the service with fiber and if 100% of it was underground, we would have uninterrupted network. Then there would be no opportunity to say that the network is closed due to fiber cut.'
Why the reluctance of mobile operators to use fiber? According to the data, out of the 122,000 km network of Summit and Fiber at Home, 80,000 km is hanging fiber. There is a risk of being cut at any moment. Mobile operators cannot use government fiber effectively as import of DWDM machines is not allowed. Rent per meter of government fiber is 5 to 7 rupees. However, the capacity-based bandwidth transmission cost in the private sector is 17 to 20 taka. There are also complaints of not getting dark fiber rent. In such a context, at least 60 to 80 percent of the towers need to have fiber connectivity to provide uninterrupted 5-G services. Therefore mobile operators want the opportunity to create fiber network by bringing amendments in the guidelines.
Robi's Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer Shahid Alam said, 'The future of our 5G service is hanging on a tree branch or a power pole. I can't see the future of 4-G and 5-G if we can't arrange the fiber network.'
Private fiber providers have invested at least $300 million in network deployment since 2009. Now they want investment protection.
BTRC is analyzing the claims of the operators. Chairman of the organization, Major General (Retd.) Emdad Ul Bari said that the decision will be taken considering which issue is more sustainable.
