Adrenaline didn’t flow in Bangladesh 3G auction today. It could be anything but auction when four bidders show up for four licenses. Bangladesh government has priced US$20 million per Megahertz for 40 MHz of spectrum in 2100 MHz band. It is in addition to 10 MHz spectrum being assigned to state-owned Teletalk. Theoretically, Grameenphone (Telenor), Banglalink (Vimpelcom), Robi (Axiata) and Airtel (Bharti Airtel) could have had at least 10 MHz each. The regulator was equipped with software and a Consultant to conduct the over-hyped 3G auction this morning. It was, however, a flop show.
During the first round, Grameenphone has offered US$21 million per MHz for a 10-MHz block. Silence crawled in the room thereafter. It became clear that the mobile industry of Bangladesh refuses to pay more than 0.5% of the floor price for 3G spectrum. Grameenphone got what it wanted and the others happily walked out with 5 MHz each during the second round of bid. As a result, the government has ended up with 15 MHz (37.5%) of unsold 3G spectrum worth $315 million. That is in brief the boring story of 3G spectrum auction in Bangladesh, which is another vote of no-confidence to the abysmal regulatory environment.
(Note: A correction was made on the volume of unsold spectrum.)
2 Comments
sajjad
Left over spectrum is 15 MHz not 5.
Abu Saeed Khan
Thanks for correcting.
LIRNEasia is hiring: Data Scientist
LIRNEasia is looking for a skilled Data Scientist to join our team. The full job description is available here.
Unlocking Data for Artificial Intelligence in Sri Lanka: LIRNEasia hosts exclusive forum in Colombo
LIRNEasia hosted a forum on December 7, 2024, titled “Unlocking Data for Artificial Intelligence in Sri Lanka” at the ITC Ratnadipa Hotel, Colombo. The event brought together AI experts, data scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore practical ways to leverage data and artificial intelligence for informed decision-making and meaningful societal and organizational impact.
LIRNEasia is hiring: Communications Assistant
LIRNEasia is looking for a talented individual to join the team as a Communications Assistant. The full job description is available here.
Links
User Login
Themes
Social
Twitter
Facebook
RSS Feed
Contact
12, Balcombe Place, Colombo 08
Sri Lanka
+94 (0)11 267 1160
+94 (0)11 267 5212
info [at] lirneasia [dot] net
Copyright © 2024 LIRNEasia
a regional ICT policy and regulation think tank active across the Asia Pacific