The number of 5G-capable mobile handsets on the networks of Grameenphone, Robi and Banglalink increased by around 46 per cent in a year, while the number of 4G handsets also rose and 3G and 2G devices declined, according to data compiled by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.
The number of handsets in the 5G category increased to 15.22 million in August 2026 from 10.45 million in September 2025, while 4G handsets rose to 97.27 million from 95.56 million during the period, according to the BTRC’s monthly handset penetration statistics compiled from information supplied by the three mobile network operators.
In contrast, the number of 3G handsets fell to 3.75 million in August from 4.40 million in September 2025, while 2G handsets declined to 61.65 million from 64.80 million.
The figures indicate a gradual shift in the handset base towards newer mobile technologies, with the strongest growth recorded in the 5G category, although 4G remained the most widely represented technology.
The number of 5G-category handsets increased by approximately 4.77 million, or 45.6 per cent, over the 12 months.
The number of 4G handsets grew by around 1.71 million, while 3G handsets declined by about 647,000, or 14.7 per cent, and 2G handsets fell by approximately 3.15 million.
The combined number of handsets across the three operators increased from 175.22 million in September 2025 to 177.90 million in August 2026.
In August, 4G handsets accounted for around 54.7 per cent of the reported handset base, while 2G handsets represented 34.66 per cent. The 5G category accounted for 8.56 per cent and 3G for about 2.11 per cent.
The data show that the growth in 5G-capable handsets was considerably faster than the increase in the overall handset base.
However, the number of compatible devices does not necessarily reflect the number of subscribers actively using commercial 5G services.
Among the three operators, Grameenphone had the largest number of 5G-category handsets in August, at around 6.41 million, followed by Robi with 5.97 million and Banglalink with 2.84 million.
Grameenphone’s 5G-category handset count increased from 4.45 million in September 2025 to 6.41 million in August 2026.
Its 4G handset count rose from 40.98 million to 41.16 million, while 3G handsets declined from 773,482 to 516,866.
The number of 2G handsets on Grameenphone’s network, however, fell from 35.23 million to 34.29 million over the same period.
Robi recorded the highest proportion of 5G-category handsets among the three operators. Its number of such handsets increased from 4.05 million in September 2025 to 5.97 million in August 2026, accounting for 10.34 per cent of its reported handset base.
The operator’s 4G handset count increased from 34.43 million to 35.48 million, while 3G handsets declined from 2.66 million to 2.37 million.
Its 2G handset count fell from 14.80 million to 13.88 million.
Banglalink also recorded an increase in 5G-category handsets, from 1.95 million in September 2025 to 2.84 million in August 2026.
Its 4G handset count rose from 20.15 million to 20.63 million, while 3G handsets declined from 967,458 to 862,216 and 2G handsets fell from 14.77 million to 13.48 million.
Source: https://www.newagebd.net/post/telecom/317558/articlelist/86/football
