Banglalink investing heavily in Ctg: Veon Group CEO

Veon has achieved double-digit growth in Bangladesh and the parent company of Banglalink is now investing heavily in its network in key regions, including Chattogram, to maintain the growth, Veon Group CEO Kaan Terzioglu said today.

Banglalink has expanded its network coverage by 50 per cent in Chattogram division in the last one year as part of its ongoing countrywide network expansion drive, he said.

The mobile phone operator initiated its new spectrum from 2.3 GHz band with time division duplex technology in the port city to ensure two times faster internet, he added.

Terzioglu said he hoped in the next two to three years Banglalink will do a business of around $2 billion, serve around 70 million subscribers and the company will get listed on Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges.

The Veon group CEO spoke at a press conference for Banglalink's network expansion announcement in Chattogram in the port city's Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View hotel today.

Chattogram has one of the oldest ports in the world, which helped in making invest in bridges, tunnels, roads and deep-sea ports, and it will also play a vital role in building stronger communication with India, Myanmar, and China, he said.

Due to geographical advantages and current economic development, Chattaogram is going to expand fast, Terzioglu said.

"We are investing across several dimensions. At the beginning of last year, we had nine base stations, but at the end of this year we have 14," said Banglalink CEO Erik Aas.

"Another dimension is that we are investing in natural resources. Apart from that we have also invested in digital services with the ambition to become the best digital service provider in the country."

"As part of our effort to transform into a truly national operator, we are expanding our strong 4G network at a rapid pace. Chattogram is a key part of our expansion plan because of its national significance as a commercial hub," said Aas.

"Our clients will enjoy the FIFA world cup-22 in our digital platform "Toffee"," he added.

Banglalink is making steady development, extending its network to various parts of the country, and providing top-notch digital services, said Shyam Sunder Sikder, chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury was present at the event as the chief guest.