BTRC to unlock more low-band spectrum to boost coverage

The telecom regulator has decided to allocate spectrum from the 850 MHz and Extended GSM (EGSM) bands for a month-long trial to examine potential interference between the two frequencies.

The move is part of a broader effort to eventually assign this spectrum through auction or other regulatory mechanisms, with the goal of ensuring better services and improved network reliability across the country. The decision was made at a recent commission meeting.

“It’s just a trial and any band can participate,” said Md Emdad ul Bari, Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

“After assessing the trial results and interference implications, we will allocate spectrum from these bands through auction or other appropriate regulatory mechanisms,” he added.

The EGSM band is an extension of the standard GSM 900 MHz range, offering additional radio frequencies for mobile operators. It allows networks to handle more users at once, improve coverage, and deliver better call and data quality, particularly in areas where connectivity is otherwise weak.

Its low-frequency nature also ensures strong indoor penetration and wide-area connectivity, making it crucial for urban and rural network reliability.

However, the 850 MHz and EGSM bands sit adjacent to each other, meaning signals from one can leak into the other. This can cause interference, receiver overload, and degraded service quality if not carefully managed. Both bands are nonetheless highly valued for enabling wide coverage with fewer towers.

According to BTRC documents, 8.4 MHz of EGSM spectrum (880-888.4 MHz paired with 925-933.4 MHz) will be assigned to operators for four weeks at no financial cost.

The commission’s technical committee and operators will jointly collect and analyse data, then submit a consolidated report.

This is not BTRC’s first attempt to utilise this band. In 2024, a plan to assign EGSM spectrum to Grameenphone was shelved after objections from Robi Axiata and Banglalink, which cited high filter costs, potential coverage degradation, and concerns over market imbalance.

A proof-of-concept test also flagged interference risks.

After BTRC awarded 700 MHz spectrum earlier this year, Robi sought allocation in lower frequency bands, prompting the regulator to commit to addressing that demand. A technical committee was then formed to manage the spectrum shortage and ensure coexistence between the two bands.

At a February 3 meeting, operators were asked to specify their requirements. Robi and Banglalink each requested 3.4 MHz from the EGSM band, totalling 6.8 MHz, along with a four-week interference trial.

Grameenphone, which recently acquired 10 MHz in the 700 MHz band, said it has no immediate plans for either band but raised concerns about cross-border interference and regional harmonisation. Teletalk has not yet submitted any plans to the regulator.