Data revenue and data customer base grew by 30.3% YoY and 3.3% YoY respectively in Q2 2020
Banglalink has maintained its solid business momentum supported by impressive performance in the digital business segment despite the challenges emerged from the Coronavirus outbreak.
An announcement on Banglalink’s performance in Q2 2020 was made by Erik Aas, Chief Executive Officer, Banglalink at a virtual press conference held today.
He shared his views on Banglalink’s role during the pandemic, its key undertakings, customers’ benefits and other related issues with the journalists. Taimur Rahman, Chief Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Officer, Banglalink, Cem Velipasaoglu, Chief Financial Officer, Banglalink, Mohammad Zubayed Ul Islam, Sales & Distribution Director, Banglalink and other top management members of the organization also participated in the virtual press conference.
Banglalink’s continued investment in 4G network contributed to 30.3% YoY data revenue growth in Q2 2020. The enhanced 4G network enabled Banglalink to achieve 79.2% YoY increase in data usage supported by accelerated 4G penetration which resulted in 3.3% YoY growth in data customers during the quarter.Moreover, the strengthened 4G network attributed to Banglalink’s winning of the Ookla Speedtest Award as the fastest mobile network in the country for Q1-Q2 2020.
As part of Banglalink’s increased focus in embracing digital services, Banglalink actively promoted the use of digital channels to facilitate top-ups, account management and the adoption of additional services. As a result, the user base of the Banglalink self-care app increased by 58% during 2Q20 compared to 1Q20 while Banglalink’s video streaming app “Toffee” saw a 62% uplift in its user numbers.
In line with the general industry trend resulting from Coronavirus outbreak, Banglalink experienced decline in its customers base and total revenue during 2Q 2020 although there were impressive growth in data customers base and data revenue.
Mr. Aas said, “We have ramped up our efforts to provide customers with additional facilities amid recent challenges posed by the pandemic, cyclone, floods etc. As part of our prompt response to the pandemic, we had to implement the ‘home office’ work model to make sure that our employees stay safe and keep working for providing uninterrupted services. It is really encouraging to see our earnest efforts yielding positive results, especially in the digital business segment. Our digital endeavors have received the recognition from the recent Ookla award. It was given for being the fastest mobile network in the country for Q1-Q2 2020, which is the result of our technological advancement such as the expansion of 4G network and more spectrum per customer. We would like to dedicate it to our valued customers, whose consistent support always inspires us to move forward as a digital service provider.”
During the virtual discussion session with the journalists, Mr. Aas highlighted some of the initiatives taken by Banglalink during the pandemic such as setting up free Corona hotline numbers, launching e-learning facilities through “Teach It” platform, introducing virtual internship and seminars for university students and distributing relief among affected households in association with Bangladesh Sena Kalyan Sangstha and Bangladesh Army.
Aas concluded the session welcoming Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission(BTRC)’s initiative to implement the Significant Market Power (SMP) Guidelines, which he believes is a positive step towards establishing a level playing field in the industry. He also reiterated Banglalink’s firm commitment to enhancing customers’ digital experiences by introducing more innovative digital products and platforms.
