Grameenphone

Grameenphone
Name	Grameenphone
Foundation	0 1997
Location	Dhaka, Bangladesh
Key people	Yasir Azman (CEO)
Industry	Telecommunications
Products	Mobile network services, broadband
Parent	Telenor (55.8%), Grameen Telecom (34.2%)
Homepage	https://www.grameenphone.com

Grameenphone. It is the largest mobile network operator in Bangladesh, serving tens of millions of subscribers. Founded as a joint venture between Telenor of Norway and Grameen Telecom, it commenced commercial operations in 1997. The company has played a pivotal role in the digitalization of the country's economy and remains a dominant force in the telecommunications sector.

History

The company was incorporated in 1996 following the award of a nationwide GSM license by the Government of Bangladesh. Commercial service began in Dhaka and Chittagong in 1997, a period when mobile telephony was a novelty in the country. A significant early partnership with Grameen Bank, through its Village Phone program, helped extend connectivity to rural areas, leveraging microcredit. Major milestones include the launch of EDGE services in 2006, the introduction of 3G in 2013, and the nationwide rollout of 4G LTE in 2018. It became a publicly listed company on the Dhaka Stock Exchange and the Chittagong Stock Exchange in 2009.

Services

Its core offerings include extensive prepaid mobile and postpaid mobile plans for voice and data. The company provides mobile financial services through its subsidiary, GP SmartCash, and offers various digital services via the MyGP app. It is a major provider of internet services, including mobile broadband and fiber to the home connectivity under the GP Fiber brand. Other value-added services include international roaming, cloud computing solutions, and partnerships with content providers like Robi and Banglalink for entertainment bundles.

Network and coverage

It operates one of the most extensive telecommunications infrastructures in Bangladesh, with thousands of base transceiver station sites across the country. The network supports 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies, with ongoing investments in network modernization and expansion. It has invested significantly in undersea cable systems, such as the SEA-ME-WE 4 and SEA-ME-WE 5, for international bandwidth. Coverage extends to over 99% of the population, including remote regions, though network quality and speeds can vary between urban centers like Khulna and rural districts.

Ownership and structure

The ownership is divided between two major shareholders: Norway's Telenor holds a controlling 55.8% stake, while Grameen Telecom, a non-profit organization affiliated with Grameen Bank, owns 34.2%. The remaining shares are held by public and institutional investors. The company is governed by a board of directors with representation from both major shareholders. Key leadership has included CEOs such as Petter-Børre Furberg and Michael Foley. Its operations are regulated by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.

Social initiatives

The company runs a comprehensive corporate social responsibility program, often focused on digital inclusion and education. Major projects have included the Community Information Center program, which established digital hubs in rural areas. It partners with organizations like UNICEF and the Department of Social Services on initiatives related to child online safety and digital literacy. Other efforts include disaster response support during events like Cyclone Sidr and the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh, and environmental sustainability projects.

Controversies and challenges

It has faced several regulatory and tax-related disputes with the Government of Bangladesh, including significant claims from the National Board of Revenue. The company has been scrutinized over sim box scams and issues of call drop rates and network quality by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. Its relationship with Grameen Telecom has also been complex, involving dividend disputes. Market challenges include intense competition from rivals like Robi Axiata and Banglalink, pressure on average revenue per user, and the high cost of spectrum auctions for 5G technology.

Category:Companies listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange Category:Telecommunications companies of Bangladesh Category:Companies established in 1997