3G mobile network in 3 months

"This 3G networks will be developed with Chinese assistance and users will get services at prices lower than India," Raju told reporters at a press conference at the Press Information Department marking Bangladesh's winning the membership of International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Telephone Shilpa Sangstha (TSS), the state-run telephone equipment manufacturer, is working on producing low-cost laptops in a span of six months. The prices of laptops would range from Tk 10,000 to Tk 15,000, the minister said.

Talking to journalists, the minister dwelt on a wide range of issues such as digitalisation, 3G network, e-service, telephone and internet density, VoIP and communication satellite.

3G networks enable faster data transmission and advanced services. It supports a diverse range of applications. Download speed is much higher in 3G networks. Subscribers of 3G services could easily enjoy TV programme. But a user has to have the right instrument--high-end mobiles and smart phones--to get access to 3G services.

New application services

It is a new application services and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is now formulating a guideline on 3G services, the minister said at the programme.

Regarding the production of low-cost laptops, the minister said it was supposed to be marketed soon but due to legal and official difficulties it was not possible. He also pointed out that the state-run telephone set maker had been shut for long nine years. "We hope we will be able to do it in six months," he said.

Hasanul Huq Inu, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on telecommunication ministry, said winning the ITU membership is the biggest achievement since independence.