Telecommunication and Infrastructure of Telecommunication

Term Paper
Course Name: Information Technology for Business Value
Course Code: BUS 5102

Prepared by
Sl. No. ID Name
01 24230225003 Md Wasiul Gani Farabi
02 24230225022 Md. Zahid Hasan
03 24230225028 Md. Nazmus Sakib
04 24230225045 Ankon Paul
05 24230225046 Md. Rezwan Islam Khan
06 24230225050 Md. Mushfiq Ahmmed

Batch: MBA 25th (Regular)

Session: 2023-2024
Department of Business Administration- General
Faculty of Business Studies

Prepared for
S. M. Sayem
Assistant Professor
Department of Business Administration- General
Faculty of Business Studies

Date of Submission: June 23, 2024

Major Infrastructure of Telecommunication
Telecommunications infrastructure and equipment refer to any hardware used for
telecommunication purposes. It encompasses a wide range of communication technologies,
from transmission lines and communication satellites to radios and answering machines.
Examples of telecommunications equipment include switches, telecom towers, fiber-optic
cables, routers, voice over internet protocol (VoIP), and smartphones.

Switches: A network switch is equipment that allows two or more IT devices, such as
computers, to communicate with one another. Cisco is the leading Ethernet switch vendor,
with around 50 percent of the market. They are used to receive, process, and transmit data
between two devices connected by a physical layer.

Telecom Towers: Telecom towers or mobile towers are tall structures that are fitted with
large antennas and other electrical equipment to facilitate wireless communication. They are
capable of transmitting and receiving a wide range of signals necessary for the smooth
operation of several communication networks. For instance, cellular networks, radio,
television and broadband internet all rely on telecom towers.

Fiber-optic cables: Fiber optic networks and deep fiber deployment enable wireless
technology and ensure a community can evolve toward the future. As communities start to
deploy smart technologies, they may need to add fiber connectivity to get the desired
functions and expected value. For example, an IoT security camera cannot send captured
images to the cloud for real-time facial recognition processing without a robust internet
connection, via a direct fiber link or wireless small cell connection, which is also enabled by
fiber

Routers: A telecom router is a networking device that is used to connect multiple computer
networks together and facilitate the transfer of data between them. It acts as a central hub or
gateway for communication between different devices or networks within a
telecommunications infrastructure. Telecom routers are designed to handle large volumes of
data traffic and ensure that information is delivered accurately and quickly. They use various
protocols, such as IP (Internet Protocol), to determine the most efficient path for data packets
to travel from source to destination. This routing function enables seamless communication
between different networks, whether it is within a local area network (LAN) or across wide
area networks (WANs) like the internet.

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Voice over internet protocol (VoIP): Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a form of
communication that allows people to make phone calls over a broadband internet connection
instead of typical analog telephone lines. Basic VoIP access usually allows people to call
others who are also receiving calls over the internet. Interconnected VoIP services also allow
people to make and receive calls to and from traditional landline numbers, usually for a
service fee. Some VoIP services require a computer or a dedicated VoIP phone, while others
allow people to use a landline phone to place VoIP calls through a special adapter.

Smartphones: Within smartphones, a mobile application processor, also known as a system

on a chip (SoC), is hardware designed to support the applications running in a mobile
operating system environment.

2G-5G Details
2G – Second Generation Communication System

Launched in the early 1990s, 2G represented a giant leap forward from its analog
predecessor, the 1G network, which was launched in 1979. Again, the second-generation
(2G) network, often associated with pixelated images and painfully slow dial-up tones, laid
the foundation for the ubiquitous mobile world today

The key features of the 2G system include:

 SMS services are possible

 Roaming is possible

 Enhanced security

 Encrypted voice transmission

 First internet at a lower data rate

The 2G system also had some limitations:

 Low data rate

 Limited mobility

 Less features on mobile devices

 Limited number of users and hardware capability

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3G – Third-generation communication system

In the early 2000s, 3G emerged, ushering in a new era of mobile possibilities by opening the
door to a world of real-time communication and multimedia content. The impact of 3G
transcended national borders. In developing countries, it bridged the digital divide,
connecting remote communities and fostering economic growth. Social media platforms like
Facebook and Twitter boomed under 3G’s wings, creating a global village of interconnected
individuals.

The Key features of the 3G system include:

 Higher data transmission rate

 Mobile app support and video calling

 Enhanced security, more users, and coverage

 Multimedia message support

 Location tracking and maps

 Better web browsing, TV streaming and high-quality 3D games

The limitations of 3G systems include:

 Expensive spectrum licenses

 Costly infrastructure, equipment, and implementation

 Higher bandwidth requirements to support a higher data rate

 Costly mobile devices

 Compatibility with older generation 2G systems and frequency bands

4G – Fourth Generation Communication System

Introduced for commercial use in Norway near the end of 2009, 4G offers today’s standard
services. LTE and LTE Advanced Wireless Technology are used in 4th generation systems.
Furthermore, it has compatibility with the previous versions; thus, easier deployment and
upgrade of LTE and LTE Advanced networks are possible.

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The key features of the 4G system are:

 Much higher data rate up to 1Gbps

 Enhanced security and mobility

 Reduced latency for mission-critical applications

 High-definition video streaming and gaming

 Voice over LTE network VoLTE (use IP packets for voice)

The limitations of the 4G system are:

 Expensive hardware and infrastructure

 Costly spectrum (in most countries, frequency bands are too expensive)

 High-end mobile devices compatible with 4G technology are required, which is costly

 Wide deployment and upgrade are time-consuming

5G – Fifth Generation Communication System

The 5G network is using advanced technologies to deliver an ultra-fast internet and

multimedia experience for customers. South Korea was the first country to offer 5G in March
2019. Some experts now claim that 5G will be 20 times faster than 4G as the existing LTE
advanced networks will transform into supercharged 5G networks in the future.

Followings are the key features of 5G technology

 Ultra-fast mobile internet up to 10Gbps

 Low latency in milliseconds (significant for mission-critical applications)

 Higher security and reliable network

 Uses technologies like small cells and beamforming to improve efficiency

 Forward compatibility network offers further enhancements in future

 Cloud-based infrastructure offers power efficiency, easy maintenance, and upgrade of

hardware

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The 5G network technology comes with many benefits. They are:

 Increased Connectivity: 5G technology provides faster and more reliable internet

connectivity, enabling new technologies and applications to run at lower latency (less
than 10 milliseconds).
 Improved Communication: 5G enables faster and more efficient communication,
both between people and between machines.
 Enhanced Experiences: 5G ensures new and enhanced experiences in areas such as
virtual and augmented reality, gaming, and video streaming.
 Increased Productivity: 5G enables new ways of working and doing business, such
as remote collaboration and automation, which could increase productivity and
efficiency.

There are also some negative aspects of 5G network system to consider:

 Health Concerns: Some people have raised concerns about the potential health
effects of 5G, such as the possibility of increased exposure to radiofrequency (RF)
radiation.
 Economic Impact: The deployment of 5G technology may result in some job losses,
particularly in industries that are disrupted by the technology.
 Security Risks: As with any new technology, 5G networks may be vulnerable to
security threats, such as hacking and cyberattacks.
 Privacy Concerns: The increased use of data and connected devices enabled by 5G
technology may raise concerns about personal privacy.

Amenities of Telecommunications in the 21st Century

The 21st century has seen major breakthroughs in telecommunications, which have resulted
in a transformation in the way people connect with one another, access information, and
conduct business. The following are some of the 21st century telecommunications amenities:

1. The Widespread Use of Mobile Phones: Rapid advancements have been made in mobile
technology, which has progressed from simple voice and text communication to the
incorporation of cameras, internet connections, and other forms of multimedia capabilities.
The emergence of smartphones allowed for the creation of a vast number of applications and
services.

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2. The Availability of High-speed Broadband Internet: The high-speed internet available
has made it possible to transfer data at a faster rate while also improving its dependability.
This expansion made it possible for companies that improve their service quality to provide
online services, streaming media, cloud computing, etc.

3. The Widespread Use of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP): Voice over Internet
Protocol (VoIP) technology has become more widespread, making it possible to communicate
verbally via the internet. Because of this transformation, the groundwork was laid for the
development of unified communication systems, which include audio, video, and messaging
services.

4. Wireless Networks: The introduction of 4G (also known as fourth generation) and LTE
(also known as long-term evolution) wireless networks brought about considerable
improvements in the data transfer rates and connection of mobile devices. This has paved the
way for the development of services like video conferencing, online gaming, and streaming
in high definition.

5. Connecting People from All Over the World: Various social media sites, such as
Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc., have become increasingly prominent and an essential
component of communication and networking. These platforms made use of the
infrastructure of telecommunications to connect people all over the world, thereby boosting
interactions in real time and the sharing of knowledge.

6. The arrival of 5G: The fifth generation of wireless technology, known as 5G, has been
developed to deliver connectivity that is both significantly faster and more dependable.
Internet of Things (IoT), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and other new
applications 5G’s Significantly Reduced Latency and Increased Bandwidth.

7. Connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT): The growth of Internet of Things devices
such as smart appliances, wearables, and sensors, amongst other things, has increased the
breadth of applications for telecommunications. These devices are dependent on connectivity
in order to exchange data, which enables automation, monitoring, and control over a variety
of different systems.

8. Growing Emphasis on Cybersecurity: As telecommunications networks became more

dependent on digital technology and more networked with one another, the importance of
cybersecurity expanded. Encryption and other security methods have advanced as a result of

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the increased importance placed on preserving the confidentiality of sensitive data and
maintaining the authenticity of communication.

9. Distant Work and Virtual Collaboration: The COVID-19 pandemic boosted the
adoption of solutions that allow for distant work and virtual collaboration in the 2020s. The
development of telecommunications technology was essential to the success of online
collaboration platforms, video conferencing, and remote access to workplace information
systems.

Telecommunication Process, Structure and Scope

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Telecommunication Companies in Bangladesh
There are four mobile operator companies serving the people of Bangladesh: Grameenphone,
Robi, Banglalink, and Teletalk.

Grameenphone: Grameenphone has been operating since 1997 and maintains a strong focus
on providing access to connectivity services that can empower societies. The company takes
an active role in enabling innovation and building a strong digital ecosystem in Bangladesh.
Grameenphone holds the number one position in the market, with 82.2 million subscribers at
the end of March 2024. Telenor holds a 55.8% ownership share in Grameenphone, which is
listed on the Dhaka and Chittagong stock exchanges.

Market Share of Telecommunication

Companies in Bangladesh
3%
23%
43%

31%

Grameenphone Ltd. (GP), 82.22 Million Subscribers

Robi Axiata Limited (Robi), 58.07 Million Subscribers
Banglalink Digital Communications Ltd., 44.43 Million Subscribers
Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd. (Teletalk), 6.53 Million Subscribers
Figure 1 Comparative Analysis of Telecommunication Companies in Bangladesh
(Source: Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh)

Robi: The company commenced operation in 1997 as Telekom Malaysia International

(Bangladesh) with the brand name ‘Aktel’. In 2010, it was rebranded as ‘Robi’ and the
company changed its name to Robi Axiata PLC. Robi is the second-largest mobile network
operator in Bangladesh, with 58.07 million subscribers, representing 31% of the subscriber
market share. Robi ensured 98.5% population coverage of its 4G network with more than
16,000 4G sites. Following the merger with Airtel Bangladesh, the merged company, Robi
Axiata PLC (Robi), started its commercial operation on November 16, 2016. As of now, this
is the biggest ever merger in the country and the first ever merger in the mobile telecom

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sector of Bangladesh. It is the only mobile operator in Bangladesh to have successfully
conducted the trial run of 5G and the first operator to have launched voice over LTE
technology on its 4.5G network.

Banglalink: Launched in February 2005, with approximately 44.43 million subscribers over
a decade, Banglalink has been a catalyst in making mobile telephony an affordable option for
consumers in Bangladesh. Following its parent company VEON’s commitment to fostering a
sustainable and digitally inclusive future, Banglalink has also introduced its unique digital
platforms, such as MyBL Super App and Toffee in Bangladesh.

Teletalk: Teletalk was incorporated on December 26, 2004, and it is the only state-owned
mobile operator in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Telephone & Telegraph Board (BTTB) launched
their subsidiary project of mobile network service named BTTB bMobile. Then it was
rebranded as Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd. It was formed as the only public mobile operator in
Bangladesh. Currently, it is the fourth largest mobile phone operator in Bangladesh. As of the
end of March 2024, Teletalk had a subscriber base of 6.53 million.

Current Trends in Telecommunication Market

Telecommunications is no longer just about phone calls and higher downloading speeds;
rather, it is like a launchpad for the unimaginable. Some of the most notable current trends in
telecommunications market are:

IoT: The term "Internet of Things" (IoT) refers to the process of connecting various physical
devices and objects worldwide via the internet. It is the network of physical objects—devices,
instruments, vehicles, buildings, and other items embedded with electronics, circuits,
software, sensors, and network connectivity—that enables these objects to collect and
exchange data. The Internet of Things allows objects to be sensed and controlled remotely
across existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more direct integration of
the physical world into computer-based systems and resulting in improved efficiency and
accuracy.

Edge Computing: Edge computing refers to the enabling technologies allowing computation
to be performed at the edge of the network on downstream data on behalf of cloud services
and upstream data on behalf of IoT services. This reduces latencies, improves bandwidth, and
allows organizations to have more control over their data. The technology also enables real-
time data processing, which opens up new use cases in various industries. These industries

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include remote healthcare treatment, remote mining operations management, and
sustainability solutions such as smart grids that optimize energy consumption.

5G Network: The 5G technology operates in higher frequency bands and uses advanced
antenna technologies. By leveraging 5G, telecom companies can provide seamless
communication services, as users can expect enhanced broadband experiences like
downloading an entire movie within the blink of an eye and even experiencing lag-free
virtual reality (10–20 times faster than 4G). Users can experience real-time responsiveness
with latency as low as 1 millisecond. It can therefore be beneficial in critical applications
such as remote surgery and autonomous vehicles, where every millisecond counts.

AI-assisted Customer Service: As telecom companies struggle to differentiate themselves in

a crowded and highly competitive market, an emerging trend in the telecom industry will be
to provide best-in-class customer service. This presents a huge opportunity for telecom
providers to use AI-enabled predictive behavior analysis to automate CRM, improve
personalization, sharpen customer segmentation, and provide more accurate troubleshooting
and technical support. The use of chatbots and virtual customer assistants also makes
telecommunications news as companies implement them to help provide better self-service
support tools while improving response times, reducing customer support costs, and
providing better service.

Telecom Cybersecurity: The rise of current technologies such as cloud computing, the
Internet of Things, and 5G has simplified and automated many industry processes, but it has
also increased Telecom’s vulnerability to cyberattacks. The current era presents businesses
with a multitude of new threats to consider. Therefore, telecom companies are actively
investing in advanced security systems, privacy technology, and compliance processes. They
also devote resources to security education for their staff, do regular vulnerability
assessments on their systems, and leverage AI and machine learning for real-time threat
detection.

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