Dhaka: Mentioning that five mobile phone operators have applied for having licences for the 4G mobile phone services, BTRC Chairman Dr Shahjahan Mahmood on Sunday hoped that it will be able to roll out the fourth general network by March next.

Addressing a press briefing at his office, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) chief said the auction for the 4G mobile services will be held on February 13 and the operators will get the licences the next day following payment of the fees.

He said Teletalk, Citycell, Banglalink, Grameenphone and Robi have applied for the 4G network licences.

Shahjahan said two committees have been formed by the BTRC to evaluate the applications for 4G licences and spectrum 2100 MHz, 1800 MHz and 900 MHz and the committees will submit their reports by January 23. “The BTRC has also formed another committee for proper management of the auction.”

Once the 4G network is launched, the internet speed will get a big boost, he said.

Earlier in the day, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court upheld a Chamber Judge order that stayed a High Court order putting a bar to the tender notice floated by the BTRC seeking licencing guidelines and invitation of applications for the auction of 4G spectrum.

On December 4 last, the telecom regulatory published guidelines and invited applications for 4G licences with the dateline set for January 14.