E-commerce and the Digital Frontier

Producers eye e-commerce to boost sales
Some of the consumer product brands are betting on e-commerce as their expansion pathway, riding on the booming technology wave. Big producers and esteemed fashion houses shared their opinions about the boons of e-commerce. Targeting global consumers is the new window of opportunity being discussed presently.

Robi introduces free WiFi services in commuter buses, taxicabs
Robi is coming up with leading technological advances in the country, with Wifi Hotspots in buses and taxis. 100 of each have received free Wifi Internet powered by Robi. Robi will encourage consumers further with provision of this service soon to 500 top resaurants, cafes, retail outlets, 100 educational institutes, 10 public places, as well as increasing the number to 350 buses and taxis. 1GB Robi Internet pack subscribers can access Wifi in these places for free. The telecom has partnered with the ISPsAccessTel, Qubee and Amra to plan this. Robi believes about creating "digital bridges" and has been delivering on that front purposefully.

Grameenphone, Facebook launch Free Basics
Grameenphone has already established Easynet, which provides information about learning the internet for free. It has already attracted 1.5 million users. Now, Facebook Free Basics is being introduced which allows people to use Facebook for free.

Banglalink on MFS

Banglalink keen to expand mobile financial service

Vimpelcomp, the parent company of Banglalink, on a visit to the country expressed interest in investing in Mobile Financial Services, as it harbors the innovation technology, strong network and retail distribution, a ready customer base and the global experience in this segment. However, the potential of reaping benefits is not perceived attractive since the government has capped the share of extending this service to 15% for the consortium. The companies representative believes multiple ownership will complicate, slow down and frustrate service provision.

E-Commerce policy preview

Policy for e-commerce in the making

E-Commerce is being prioritized as a burgeoning sector in the country, to be the recipient of foremost infrastructural support. The E-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB), the official association founded for e-commerce, has adopted formulating the policy guidelines for e-commerce in the country. The ICT minister is observing this sector as more crucial this year. A draft preparation is assigned to e-CAB, which will be finalized upon comprehensive review.

3G and telecom in 2015

3G brings a boom to telecom

In 2015, the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh are greatly satisfied at the expanse of 3G distribution all over the country. Figures showed 40,000 new 3G connections being rolled out everyday. November 2015 final figures for the economy highlighted 2.47 crores (24.7 million) existing 3G subscribers, with internet connections to be 5.39 crores (53.9 million). Six mobile phone operators grew 1.28 crore (12.8 million) new SIM connections, while the government slashed SIM tax from Tk300 to Tk100, helping digital growth in the country. On that front, mobile phone imports in October only totaled 2.69 crores (26.9 millions), 46.7 lakh (467 thousand) of which were smartphones. Astonishingly for mobile phone growth statistics, the whole of 2014 managed imports of 2.59 crores (25.9 millions).

Telecom talks all around

Airtel and Robi begin merger talks

It is unavoidable that the greatest highlight today would be the proposed merger of Robi with Airtel. The fourth largest telecom operator, Bharti Airtel, if merged with the third largest, Malaysia based Robi Axiata Ltd , would become the second largest in the country. Airtel, announcing earlier they will retract all operations from Bangladesh, may eventually see a different future.