Comparison among different migration paths for cellular deployment in Bangladesh in collaboration with grameenphone

Abstract

The thesis work is a collaboration between Islamic University of Technology and the leading cellular operator of Bangladesh, Grameenphone Ltd. (Telenor) and aims to provide a thorough technological analysis and business case comparison for different migration paths to the next generation technology for the operator. There has been a tremendous growth in service quality and competition among the cellular operators and a continuous demand for network up gradation to a better and efficient cellular technology. Worldwide 3G networks roll out began since 2000 to cater the ever increasing data demand for mobile broadband solution. But unfortunately in Bangladesh, due to regulatory issues, 3G technology couldn’t have been implemented till now. After so many years, The Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has finished all the required ground works and is expected to arrange a spectrum frequency auction in Q1 of 2013 where in total 5 concessions will be allocated in 2.1 Ghz band, 10 MHz each. Each concession will be a technology neutral one. All the cellular operators of the country are expected to bid on that auction including Grameenphone. Technology neutrality allows the operator to choose and deploy the technology best suited for their business. Till now (October 2012), the next generation technology LTE has been successfully rolled out in 105 networks. So, whether to deploy 3G or go for the next generation technology LTE bypassing 3G/UMTS remains a question any operator, in this case Grameenphone. This thesis tries to answer this question in accordance with Bangladesh’s cellular market perspective taking into considerations the technological aspects as well as a cost revenue analysis done by data provided by Grameenphone Ltd. for both migration paths- 3G (UMTS/HSPA) and LTE.