Access Telecom Broadband Network Expansion Project in Bangladesh (Final Report) Export trade information

摘要

Access Telecom (BD) Limited of Dhaka, Bangladesh is planning a nationwide broadband network built out with an initial focus on the three largest cities in Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet, to complement its rapidly expanding Internet service provider operations in its bid to become the largest integrated IP Company in Bangladesh today. It is estimated that approximately 250,000 to 300,000 traditional dial-up Internet customers exist throughout Bangladesh today, which comprise the most likely potential pool of near-term customers for broadband Internet services. This figure represents an Internet penetration rate of only 0.2 percent for Bangladesh compared to 0.6 percent for Pakistan and fully 24 percent for Malaysia. Moreover, it should be noted that this figure does not recognize the existence of pent up demand from potential subscribers who are interested in signing up for Internet access, but cannot obtain a telephone land line. Nor does this figure account for future increases in demand for Internet access that are likely to occur over time as the economy continues to expand. As determined in the companion Final Feasibility Assessment of Alternative Broadband Network Expansion, International Connectivity, and Last Mile Solutions dated June 2004, a non line-of-sight (NLOS) wireless technology was selected as the last mile solution for this planned network expansion project. After extensive field testing of alternative vendor makes and models, Next Net Wireless of Minneapolis, Minnesota was ultimately selected to provide all RF-related systems and components including full duplex backhaul links, wireless broadband subscriber radios (CPEs), base station, and remote data centers, as well as for installation and training associated with the initial Pilot Program.