The telecommunications landscape in Bangladesh is heading toward a massive structural shift as the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) outlines a definitive roadmap to completely phase out 2G technology by December 2029.
While telecom operators have welcomed the decision as a necessary step toward modernizing digital infrastructure, the move raises serious questions about the fate of roughly 60 million traditional button phones currently in use across the country.
To ensure a managed transition away from legacy technology, BTRC has established a series of strict deadlines leading up to the final network shutdown.
Industry estimates indicate that about 65 percent of locally produced handsets are still basic 2G feature phones, typically priced around Tk950 to Tk1,000, while affordable 4G smartphones generally start at a much higher price point of around Tk9,500.
Because the vast majority of existing button phones do not support VoLTE technology, millions of low-income and rural consumers face a steep financial hurdle to stay connected once the network is retired.
Experts and local manufacturing representatives have emphasized that restricting 2G devices must be balanced with practical alternatives, such as government-backed initiatives for ultra-low-cost smartphones or accessible installment facilities, to prevent economic strain on lower-income populations.
Major mobile network operators, including Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink, have strongly endorsed the transition, noting that retiring outdated 2G infrastructure will allow operators to redirect critical spectrum resources and significantly boost data network capacity.
Why it matters
Phasing out 2G technology by 2029 requires millions of low-income consumers to upgrade their devices, creating financial challenges that need targeted policy solutions.