Airtel Bangladesh, which recently won 3G license, has selected Huawei Technologies as its network partner for the upcoming launch of 3G services in Bangladesh.

Last week, Airtel received 3G license with 5 MHz of spectrum in 2100 MHz.

Based on International Telecommunication Union (ITU) data, number of internet users in Bangladesh increase to 9.6 million in 2012 from 7.6 million in 2011. Internet penetration remains at a low 0.34 percent.

Besides Airtel Bangladesh, telecom operators such as  Grameenphone, Robi Axiata and Banglalink Digital Communications have won 3G licenses in Bangladesh. The country’s largest mobile operator Grameenphone secured 10 Mhz of spectrum for $210 million while the remaining three acquired 5 Mhz each at a price of $105 million, said Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). BTRC will receive $525 million for offering 3G spectrum to four telecom operators. All these operators will be launching 3G services shortly.

The government-owned Teletalk has started 3G services earlier.

3G services will mark the beginning of the next phase of Bangladesh’s telecom growth story and elevate the telecom sector at par with most advanced telecom markets in the world.

“3G services will have a multiplier effect on economic growth and bring in enhanced efficiencies. Airtel is committed to rolling out 3G services in Bangladesh and delighted to have Huawei as the network partner,” said Chris Tobit, CEO & managing director, Airtel Bangladesh.

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