Teletalk, the state-owned mobile network has been allowed a six-month headstart over the private networks, which could pave the way for the 3G license auction taking place next year even though, the procedure has been apparently, long delayed.

According to the telecoms minister Raziuddin Ahmed Razu, the state-owned telco would be issued a 3G license by the end of this year, at least six months ahead of other networks so that the telco is allowed exclusivity for the same period before the other networks can launch their services.

In hindsight, the regulator has made several promises over the past few years that the 3G licenses would be sold off “shortly” but failing to deliver on the promises.

Meanwhile, Abu Saeed Khan, secretary general of Association of Mobile Telephone Operators in Bangladesh (AMTOB) stated that with 3G services being made available in the older GSM spectrum bands, it makes no sense to keep to a specific frequency block for 3G services in Bangladesh.

On the other hand, the prime minister’s press secretary Abul Kalam Azad revealed that VoIP licenses could also be issued, in addition to setting social obligation fees of one percent for mobile operators based on their annual revenue.

The Bangladesh subsidiary of Bharti Airtel announced that it has reached the 5 million subscriber milestone in the country. As a matter of fact, the company also said that it now penetrates more than 2100 towns in all, across the country after they had added 160 more new towns to its network.

According to Bharti Airtel President, Atul Bindal, it has been a remarkable journey as far as Airtel is concerned; now that they have reached the 5 million subscriber mark in Bangladesh. He believes that it is a testament to the vision and commitment of the company that sets its targets at par with the world’s best in the industry. He also, dedicated this milestone to their customers, partners and key stakeholders for supporting them constantly.

Airtel’s future plans have expanding its reach and cover 72 percent of the country’s population by December in its sights. Airtel currently boasts of 2,220 base stations in the country.

Robi, which operates in Bangladesh, has reported that its Q1 profits drop on the back of higher revenues.

Profits fell 13 percent to US$ 0.74 million from US$ 0.85 million in the year-earlier period due to forex losses.

Robi achieved revenues of 7.06 billion reporting an increase 19% from 5.94 billion due to increased revenues from the prepaid segment. EBITDA increased by 45% to 2.25 billion compared to 1.55 a year earlier while EBITDA margin improved to 31.8% from 26.1%.

Robi ended the quarter with 18.32 million customers, an increase 37% from 13.40 million in Q1 2010.