Robi Axiata has contracted Ericsson to upgrade its 2G networks and expand its 3G footprint in Bangladesh.
The Axiata Group subsidiary signed a three-year deal covering the Chittagong and Comilla regions of the country.
As part of the project Ericsson will commence the rollout of 3G W-CDMA in the regions, also paving the way for a future upgrade to 4G once licenses are allocated. The contract covers the supply of hardware, software and integration services.
Ericsson's recent Mobility Report named Bangladesh as the world's fifth fastest growing market for mobile subscription growth, with an estimated 4 million net additions in 2015.
The company also estimates that smartphone penetration exceeded 20% at the end of 2015 and is on track to double by 2018. Data consumption has meanwhile been growing rapidly since the introduction of W-CDMA to the market in 2013.
“As we head for a digital society, we see a rapid rise in the demand for data services in the country. In this backdrop, we are very happy to partner with Ericsson to support our network modernization and expansion initiative,” Robi CTO AKM Morshed said.
“Through our partnership with Robi, Ericsson strengthens our technology and service leadership in one of the world’s fastest growing markets,” added Rajendra Pangrekar, head of Ericsson Bangladesh.