Mobile operators in Bangladesh have reported significant signal interference in portions of the Enhanced GSM (EGSM) spectrum, particularly in regions located close to international borders, during a technical assessment overseen by the country’s telecom regulator.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is currently evaluating the possibility of allocating spectrum in the EGSM band to enhance mobile network capacity and improve voice, data and internet coverage nationwide.
As part of this process, the regulator authorised a Proof of Concept (PoC) test covering the 850 MHz and EGSM (900 MHz) frequency bands. The four-week trial, conducted from 12 April to 8 May 2026, used 8.4 MHz of spectrum in the 880-888.4 MHz and 925-933.4 MHz ranges, with all four mobile operators participating using 2G technology across multiple divisions.
Findings from the assessment suggest that the EGSM band remains a practical short-term solution, as most mobile devices in Bangladesh already support it for voice calls, SMS, and low-speed data services. A committee reviewing both the 850 MHz and EGSM bands also highlighted that low-band spectrum can significantly improve indoor coverage in urban areas while extending connectivity to remote regions.
However, the study identified cross-border frequency pollution -primarily originating from India - as a major source of interference affecting parts of the EGSM band.
Testing across districts including Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Cumilla, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Cox’s Bazar and parts of Dhaka showed varying levels of disruption, especially in border-adjacent zones. The spectrum was divided into two blocks for analysis: Block A, which showed heavier interference and could affect 40-50 per cent of the country, and Block B, which showed comparatively limited disruption, affecting around 5-10 per cent.
Operators also confirmed that no interference was detected in areas such as Dhaka Cantonment and Barishal division, making them potential candidates for early deployment. The committee recommended further inspections and field-level assessments to address the issue of cross-border spectrum pollution before final allocation decisions are made.
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