Overcoming hurdles through technological innovation

Since its inception 25 years ago, Grameenphone has been the forerunner of revolutionary telecommunication technology in Bangladesh. In the third part of this five-article series on telecom expert Abu Saeed Khan's 'Partner in Digitalization 1997-2022', we will take a look at how Grameenphone has utilised unique technological solutions to contribute to the development of the nation's telecommunication sector.

Answering unforeseen challenges

According to Abu Saeed Khan's report, in 1996-7, only 20,520 villages in Bangladesh had access to grid electricity. To ensure proper network coverage across the nation, especially in areas lacking electricity lines, Grameenphone secured a secure supply chain by which they safely transported flammable gasoline to remote areas. This gasoline was vital in maintaining the uninterrupted 220 VAC power supply and air cooling of Grameenphone's mobile towers.

In May 2020, over 30% of Grameenphone's 16,000 mobile towers were disrupted by Cyclone Amphan. As a response, even during the pandemic, Grameenphone dispatched quick repairs across the nation while ensuring proper protective measures of their frontliners. Furthermore, Grameenphone's reallocation of network services meant that office workers and students stuck at home during the pandemic could use mobile internet to attend conferences and classes online. 

Assisting impaired Bangladeshis

A recent study by the Society of the Deaf and Sign Language states that nearly three million Bangladeshis possess speech and hearing impairments. To tackle this communication barrier, Grameenphone launched the SignLine service in 2020, through which speech and hearing impaired individuals can learn sign language from Grameenphone's YouTube channel and the MyGP app.

Since its launch during the pandemic, the SignLine service has helped spread awareness regarding Covid-19. It has also enabled speech and hearing impaired individuals with the professional knowledge and tools required to compete in the local job market.

Online safety awareness

Grameenphone is keen on conducting online safety awareness programs, especially for children. Abu Saeed Khan states that since 2014, the telecom company has been hosting cross-brand awareness programs in schools all over the country to ensure that teachers, parents and students are equipped with the knowledge to avoid potential cyberattacks, malware and scams on the internet.

To date, Grameenphone has provided training to approximately 2.4 million children, parents and teachers in partnership with development organisations. Since 2018 with UNICEF, Grameenphone has worked with over 400 schools and adolescent clubs across the country to educate children from all walks of life and help them navigate safely in the digital space. 

Through other national campaigns and advocacy initiatives programs such as 'Thik Line-e Online-e' and 'Jantey Hobe Kothay Thamte Hobe', Grameenphone has spread awareness to more than 25 million people each year, creating an ecosystem where children can get the much-needed support to grow in the digital space for a safer and more secure online experience. All Grameenphone users can access the Child Helpline by dialling 1098, where they can receive support regarding child safety concerns and online security.

MyGP

A discussion on Grameenphone's unique technological solutions would remain incomplete without mentioning the MyGP app. Launched in August 2016, the app is still today the most effective method for Grameenphone customers to stay updated with account balance information, internet data packs and current offers.

As a one-stop solution, MyGP lets users recharge account balance and mobile data anytime and anywhere, being wrapped in an interactive UI that caters to a personalised user experience. MyGP app can be downloaded from both Apple App Store and Google Play.

As a local telecommunication company, Grameenphone has made strides in answering many prominent challenges with unique technological solutions. Whether it be spreading awareness regarding safe internet usage or answering customer demands via an interactive mobile app, Grameenphone continues to impress with their myriad of modern innovations.

[The viewpoints and findings in this article are based on Abu Saeed Khan's compiled report 'Partner in Digitalization 1997 - 2022'. You can find the entire report on Grameenphone's official website, accessible here.]