Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Bangladesh is going to launch the much awaited '3G' or 'Third Generation' phone services through the state-run mobile operator Teletalk from Sunday, officials said on Saturday.
The operator will provide the service on a commercially test basis using its newly developed network.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to launch the services at a ceremony in city's Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on the day, they added.
Currently, only India and Sri Lanka are enjoying 3G and Bangladesh is now in the list of 3G countries.
The government will first start providing the service through its own network and then it will provide the 2100 megahertz spectrum band to the private operators through auction expected early next year, a senior government said.
The 3G mobile service is a fully wireless broadband, which is technically called high-speed packet access (HSPA), and it can be enjoyed through 3G-enabled handsets, smart-phones and modems.
About the 3G services, a Teletalk official said they had already signed an agreement with Samsung to launch a package deal for 3G-enabled handset and SIM.
About the price of 3G SIM, he also said initially Teletalk would charge BDT 1,500 for a 3G-enabled SIM (Subscriber Identity Module).
BBN/SI/AD-13Oct12-9:47 pm (BST)
