Robi completes nationwide 4G network upgrade

Robi Axiata has completed its nationwide 4G network modernisation programme after upgrading more than 3,500 sites in Chattogram, Cumilla and Noakhali.

The final phase was completed within 180 days with virtually no disruption to customers, the telecom operator said at an event in Chattogram on Sunday.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The event, titled “Celebration of Robi’s 4G Network Modernization in Chattogram”, was held at Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View, according to a press release.

Robi said the programme has built a stronger and more reliable 4G network that is also ready to support 5G services.

The modernisation has improved customers’ 4G experience by up to 20 percent on average, while 10 percent more people now have access to improved indoor 4G coverage. The deployment of MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology has also improved signal quality and coverage, the company said.

The upgraded network has reduced energy consumption by up to 12 percent, supporting Robi’s efforts to cut carbon emissions and improve sustainability.

Mohammad Abu Sufian, a member of parliament from Chattogram-9 constituency, said modern digital infrastructure in Chattogram, the country’s commercial gateway, would support trade, industrialisation and smart city management.

Md Emdad Ul Bari, chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, said completing network modernisation on such a large scale in a short time was a significant engineering achievement.

“Robi’s investment in improving connectivity will further strengthen Bangladesh’s telecommunications sector,” he said.

Belayet Hossain, chairman of the Chattogram Development Authority, said reliable telecommunications infrastructure was essential for the growth of the digital economy.

He said the network upgrade would improve customer service and support economic activity and digital transformation in the region.

Ziad Shatara, managing director and CEO of Robi, said completing the Chattogram phase marked the end of the company’s nationwide network transformation programme.

“This is not only a technological achievement but also an important milestone in ensuring the highest-quality digital experience for customers in Bangladesh,” he said.

Robi had earlier modernised more than 4,800 sites across Greater Dhaka. The project delivered up to 125 percent improvement in customer experience across various clusters, reduced call drops by 20 percent and improved indoor network experience by up to three times for nearly half of customers.

The company said completing the nationwide programme further strengthens its commitment to building Bangladesh’s digital future.