Robi Axiata modernises Dhaka network for strongest connectivity

Robi Axiata PLC. has announced the completion of a comprehensive modernisation of its mobile network across greater Dhaka, establishing what it claims is the strongest connectivity in the capital.

The project, powered by next-generation GIGA GREEN 4G/5G-ready equipment, has seen over 4,800 sites upgraded across Dhaka, Gazipur, Savar, Manikganj, and Narayangonj.

At a celebratory event held at Robi’s corporate office in the capital, industry leaders and government officials gathered to discuss the milestone.

The Minister for Post and Telecommunication, Faqir Mahbub Anam, reminded the operator that progress must not be limited to the capital.

“I want to request you, don’t just stay within the city,” he said. “I want to see your service in the villages… so that those who live in the villages also receive your Robi service properly”, he said while speaking as the Chief Guest.

The Minister also addressed public grievances regarding service quality. “One complaint I receive constantly is about call drops,” he noted, alongside concerns over data package validity.

He urged Robi to better communicate with subscribers: “If you explain these things to the people… then we will have to hear fewer complaints”.

Rehan Asif Asad, Adviser to the Prime Minister, highlighted the collaborative effort required for such success.

“It takes a family to really come together and work together to be successful,” he remarked. However, he expressed concern over the “painful” reality that roughly 50 per cent of subscribers still use feature phones.

To combat this, Asif revealed government initiatives to zero out import taxes on raw materials for mobile manufacturing.

He challenged manufacturers to produce an Android-based smartphone for $50 to $60. “This is your opportunity,” he told Robi. “Take this opportunity to convert this 50 per cent feature phone user to a best network”.

Asif also shared an inspiring anecdote about students winning medals at an AI Olympiad, noting they learned primarily through YouTube.

He urged Robi to bundle AI platform tokens—like ChatGPT or Gemini—with data packages. “You can help our next generation immensely by bundling the AI platform token… The real value is okay, what can we do and how can we help this student”.

Major General (Retd.) Md Emdad Ul Bari, Chairman of the BTRC, lauded the technical feat, stating, “Working with 5,000 sites in 3 months is a mind-boggling task. I especially congratulate the technical team of Robi for doing a marvellous job”.

The Chairman emphasised that the definition of the digital divide is shifting. “At that point of time, not having a mere connection was a digital divide, but very soon we realise having a connection is not enough,” he said.

“We need to have internet… we must have quality. If we don’t have quality internet, then people who are deprived they are going backward… Robi deserves a double congratulation because they have focused on the quality itself”.

He concluded by noting that a “modernised network must be supported by a modernised regulation,” specifically regarding Artificial Intelligence and resource optimisation.

Robi’s Managing Director and CEO, Ziad Shatara, hailed the Dhaka modernization as a major step forward, declaring that Robi now has the strongest network in Dhaka.

He said Robi will soon complete its Chattogram modernization, retaining its edge as the country’s best-in-class network “not in the advert but in reality.”

“While modernization has significantly strengthened our network, a few areas remain unaddressed because we require new sites. Obtaining these sites has become increasingly difficult, and we seek urgent intervention from the Ministry and BTRC to facilitate acquisition so we can extend the same service quality to every corner of Dhaka,” he said.

According to technical data released by Robi, the upgrade has resulted in a 125 per cent improvement in cluster-level customer experience and a 20 per cent reduction in call drops.

Furthermore, customers in Greater Dhaka and Gazipur are reportedly experiencing three times better deep-indoor coverage.

The new “Giga Green” network is also more sustainable, reducing energy consumption per GB by 20 per cent.

As Robi shifts its focus to densifying semi-urban areas and completing its Chattogram modernisation, the company aims to maintain its edge as a “best-in-class network—not in the advert, but in reality”.

Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer of Robi Mohammed Shahedul Alam moderated the event.