BTRC proposes base prices for upcoming lower-band spectrum auction

Details: John Tanner; Category: Regulation; 12 October 2026; 378 views

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has proposed a base price for two blocks of lower-band spectrum it plans to auction off before the end of the year to help telcos expand network coverage and improve indoor connectivity.

According to a report in the Daily Star on Sunday, the BTRC plans to sell a 3.4-MHz block of spectrum in the paired 885–888.4-MHz and 930–933.4-MHz bands, plus a 5-MHz block in the 880–885-MHz and 925–930-MHz bands.

The BTRC plans to price the 3.4-MHz block at BDT2.14 billion (US$17.3 million) per MHz and the 5-MHz block at of BDT1.78 billion per MHz.

The price difference stems from the fact that the 3.4-MHz block is less prone to potential interference from cross-border signals from India, making it more suitable for nationwide deployment, the report said.

The prices for the 3.4-MHz block and the 5-MHz block are 10% lower and 25% lower, respectively, from the benchmark price of BDT2.37 billion.

The prices also reflect the fact that the licences will only be valid until 2030. After that, the BTRC plans to shift the allocations to the 850-MHz band in coordination with neighbouring countries, the report added.

The BTRC noted that while it has the authority to set spectrum base prices on its own, it will still seek government approval for the proposed prices before holding the auction, the report said.