Today’s telecom news includes announcements on licensing policy in Bangladesh, Airtel Chad, MTN Nigeria, T2 Mobile, among others.
Bangladesh Telecom Sector Restructures and Expands Digital Services
The Bangladesh government issued a new “Telecommunication Network and Licensing Policy,” consolidating 26 license types into three, plus one for satellite-dependent services, to reduce intermediaries and streamline the telecom sector. The policy aims to increase competition and improve service delivery. Robi and Banglalink have raised concerns. Robi stated the policy does not align with prior discussions, and Banglalink said mandatory ownership requirements could affect foreign investment. Intermediary businesses such as IIG, IGW, and ICX have opposed the policy and may pursue legal challenges. Telecom operators are introducing new services. Robi received the BBR Corporate Award 2025 for contributions to digital connectivity. Robi is the first operator in Bangladesh to resell Starlink satellite internet, improving internet access in remote areas. Banglalink has applied for a digital banking license to integrate financial services with telecom offerings.
Airtel Chad to Boost Network with $90 mn Investment
Airtel Chad will invest $90 million to expand and upgrade its network by June 2026 to improve service quality and coverage. The investment follows regulatory scrutiny after the company was fined 5 billion CFA francs in August 2023 for not meeting previous investment commitments. Phase 1 (by October 2025) includes upgrading 89 sites to 4G, enhancing microwave links, replacing generators, and modernizing fiber infrastructure in N’Djamena. Phase 2 (by January 2026) will deploy fiber optics connecting cities including Massakory, Ati, Dop Dop, and Abéché, and extend radio coverage to 306 additional sites. Phase 3 (by June 2026) will build 114 new sites, extend 4G to 170 sites, and replace the core network with Huawei equipment.
MTN Nigeria Expands Coverage by Leasing Spectrum from T2 Mobile
MTN Nigeria will lease 5 MHz in the 900 MHz band and 15 MHz in the 1800 MHz band from T2 Mobile (formerly 9Mobile) for three years, starting October 1, 2025. The lease is approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and supports a national roaming agreement, allowing T2 subscribers to access MTN’s network in areas with limited infrastructure. This agreement highlights a trend in the telecom industry toward spectrum leasing and infrastructure sharing. By using existing resources, operators can increase network capacity and reach underserved areas without building new infrastructure.
Pace Digitek Raises ₹819 Cr to Power Telecom Energy Storage Innovation
Pace Digitek, a telecom infrastructure solution provider, will launch an initial public offering (IPO) on September 26, 2025, to raise ₹819.15 crore through a fresh issue of shares. The anchor book opens on September 25, and the IPO closes on September 30. Share allotment is expected by October 1, and trading will begin on October 6. The company plans to use ₹630 crore of the IPO proceeds to set up Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for a project awarded by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) through its subsidiary, Pace Renewable Energies, Moneycontrol reports.
Shafana Fazal
