Overview of Grameenphone
Grameenphone is the largest telecommunications operator in Bangladesh, jointly operated by Norway's Telenor Group and Bangladesh's Grameen Telecom, with Telenor holding a controlling stake. As of Q4 2024, Grameenphone has approximately 84.3 million mobile users, of which 48 million (56.9%) use internet services. Grameenphone holds a leading position in the Bangladeshi market, with Q4 2024 revenue of 37.3 billion Bangladeshi Taka.
In the field of the Internet of Things (IoT), Grameenphone leverages its widest network coverage and a base of 48 million internet users to provide IoT connectivity, dedicated APN, and connection management services to businesses in Bangladesh. Its rural coverage advantage supports scenarios such as smart agriculture and inclusive finance.
Basic Information of Grameenphone
- Founded: 1996
- Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Shareholders: Telenor Group, Grameen Telecom
- Mobile users: Approximately 84.3 million (Q4 2024)
- Internet users: 48 million (56.9%)
- Market position: Largest telecom operator in Bangladesh
- Q4 2024 revenue: 37.3 billion Bangladeshi Taka
- Network: 4G LTE, NB-IoT
Development History and Milestones
Grameenphone was established in 1996 and is one of the first GSM operators in Bangladesh. It is a joint venture between Grameen Bank, founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, and Norway's Telenor. Grameenphone is known for rural coverage and inclusive communication, gradually becoming the largest operator in Bangladesh. In Q4 2024, it had 84.3 million users and 48 million internet users. Affected by macroeconomic factors, high inflation, and increased SIM taxes, revenue in 2024 decreased year-on-year, but its leading market position remains solid.
Core Technical Capabilities
Largest subscriber base
84.3 million mobile users and 48 million internet users, the most in Bangladesh
Rural coverage
Rural coverage and a history of inclusive access, used for agricultural IoT
Telenor ecosystem
Backed by Norway's Telenor Group for cross-border IoT
Internet use
56.9% of users are online, a base for digital services
Network standards and coverage
| Technical Standard | Coverage | Applications | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G LTE | Major regions of Bangladesh | Mainstream IoT connectivity | Primary network |
| NB-IoT | Major regions | Smart metering, sensors | Commercial deployment |
| 3G | Nationwide | Legacy IoT devices | Coverage kept in service |
| 2G | Nationwide | Basic data transmission | Maintain coverage |
Industry Solutions
Smart Agriculture
- Soil sensors in fields
- Weather and environmental monitoring
- Remote irrigation control
- Produce traceability
Inclusive finance
- Mobile banking connectivity
- Agent network
- Mobile payment
- Microcredit
Logistics and Transportation
- Fleet management
- Live cargo tracking
- Cold-chain monitoring
- Warehouse management
Utilities
- Smart electricity metering
- Remote water-meter reading
- Energy-use analysis
- Smart-city links
Competitive Advantages
- Scale: 84.3 million users, the largest operator in Bangladesh
- Rural coverage: A history of inclusive access, and a base for rural IoT
- Telenor: A Norwegian group supplies technical and management experience
- Internet use: 56.9% of users are online
- Grameen: A public profile in inclusive finance and rural development
Service Support System
Enterprise services
- Named account managers for enterprises
- Consulting on IoT designs
- Private APN configuration
- Agreed service levels
Platform
- A platform for managing connections
- SIM lifecycle control
- Data-use monitoring and alerts
- API access
Regional support
- Coordination across the Telenor group
- Cross-border roaming
- Support based in Bangladesh
- Advice on licences and compliance