AI opens new revenue stream for telcos

For decades, telecom operators built their businesses around one basic product -- connectivity. They first sold voice calls, then gradually turned mobile data into a much larger source of revenue as smartphones and mobile internet transformed how people communicate, work and consume digital services.

Worldwide, telecom operators are beginning to sell something different: access to artificial intelligence. Bangladesh’s mobile operators are moving in the same direction.

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Robi introduced Robi AI Space on September 9, offering access to ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and DeepSeek.

A day later, Grameenphone launched OneAI, bringing multiple leading AI models under a single subscription through the MyGP app.

Banglalink, meanwhile, has been offering AI services through its RYZE platform, including access to multiple models and AI token packages.

The moves signal a shift in the operators’ role -- from simply providing the connectivity through which digital services are consumed to becoming distribution, subscription and payment platforms for AI services.

Globally, the development is part of a broader shift in the telecom industry from selling network traffic to monetising AI consumption.

China’s three major telecom operators -- China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom -- launched commercial AI-token packages in May, marking one of the clearest examples of mobile operators treating AI usage as a product similar to traditional voice minutes or data allowances.

So what exactly are these AI tokens?

Tokens are the basic units used by large language models to process information. When a user sends a prompt to an AI service, the input is broken down into tokens, while the model’s response also consumes tokens. The amount of processing required can therefore be measured in tokens, allowing AI providers to charge according to usage.

In simple terms, a mobile operator sells gigabytes to pay for internet consumption, while an AI platform can sell tokens to pay for AI computation.

China’s operators have begun packaging those tokens much like mobile data. China Telecom, for example, launched consumer plans starting at 9.9 yuan ($1.40) a month for 10 million tokens, with higher-priced packages offering larger allowances. It also introduced business and developer packages, with token allowances reaching hundreds of millions.

China Unicom also launched token packages, including plans ranging from six million to 18 million tokens, while China Mobile has offered token-based services through partnerships and local branches.

That gives operators an opportunity to move beyond their traditional role as connectivity providers.

The model is now reaching Bangladesh.

Tanveer Mohammad, chief corporate affairs officer at Grameenphone, said that when voice service first arrived, it brought a significant transformation to people’s lifestyles and engagement at that time. Then came the era of data. By using data, people gained immense access to global knowledge.

“Now, the entire world is entering the era of AI. Telcos cannot stay outside of this global AI revolution. We must leverage AI to increase our operational efficiency, expand our capabilities, and broaden our reach.”

Grameenphone’s service includes ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, DeepSeek and Gemini, among other AI models. Customers can use the service for learning and research, content writing, coding and software development, image generation, document analysis and summarisation.

At an event at GPHouse marking Grameenphone’s AI&I Day, Chief Guest Rehan Asif Asad, adviser to the prime minister for telecom and ICT, officially announced the launch.

Rehan Asad said, “I am encouraged to see Grameenphone taking the lead in making AI more accessible to people through initiatives such as OneAI. For students in particular, this creates an affordable way to access AI tools and use them to support learning, research and skill development.”

Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman said, “We are putting the possibilities of AI directly into the hands of millions of our customers, particularly students, making it simpler and more accessible for learning, work, creativity and problem-solving.”

Through AI Space, Robi positioned the service as an all-in-one AI hub inside the My Robi app.

Through a partnership with Every AI, Robi AI Space offers access to ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and DeepSeek through a single premium subscription or selected AI bundle packages.

Robi Managing Director and CEO Ziad Shatara said, “With credit card penetration posing a structural hurdle, our market has long faced restricted access to global digital tools. By introducing this all-in-one AI platform through My Robi, we are bridging that divide.”

Banglalink has also entered the emerging AI-services market through RYZE, its AI-powered digital platform.