Grameenphone

Grameenphone (Bengali: ামীণেফান) (DSE: GP,[4] CSE: GP[5]),

widely abbreviated as GP, is the leading telecommunications Grameenphone Limited
service provider in Bangladesh, with 82 million subscribers and
46.5% subscriber market share (as of May 2021).[6] It is a joint
venture between Telenor and Grameen Telecom Corporation.
Telenor, a telecommunication company from Norway, owns a
55.8% share of Grameenphone, Grameen Telecom owns 34.2%
and the remaining 10% is publicly held.[2]

Grameenphone was the first company to introduce GSM

technology in Bangladesh .[7] Native name GP
Type Public
Currently Grameenphone is fighting with Government revenue
Traded as DSE: GP (http://ww
institution and Telecommunications regulatory body over disputed
w.dsebd.org/displa
claim of BDT 120 Billion of unpaid taxes and charges (from 1997-
yCompany.php?na
2014); which Grameenphone doesn’t acknowledge as valid claim.
me=GP)
Industry Mobile
telecommunication
Contents services

History Founded 1997 in Dhaka,

Changing logo Bangladesh
Founder Iqbal Quadir
Numbering scheme
Muhammad Yunus
Network
Headquarters GP House,
Products Bashundhara,
Other services Dhaka,
Bangladesh
Other activities
Village phone Area served Bangladesh
Grameenphone Corporate Headquarter (GP House) Key people Yasir Azman
Community Information Centers (CEO)[1]
Grameenphone Centres Products Mobile Telephony,
EDGE, GSM,
Awards
GPRS, UMTS,
Criticism HSDPA, HSUPA,
Current issues and Challenges HSPA, HSPA+, DC-
HSPA+, FDD-LTE,
References
VoLTE, ViLTE
External links
Services Mobile telephony,
mobile internet,
Digital Services
History Revenue US$1.7 billion
(2020)
Founder Iqbal Quadir founded Grameenphone to provide Net income ৳35.2 billion
universal mobile phone access throughout Bangladesh, including (US$420 million)
its rural areas.[8][9] He was inspired by the Grameen Bank micro- (2018)
credit model and envisioned a business model where a cell phone ৳27.4 billion
can serve as a source of income. After leaving his job as an (US$320 million)
investment banker in the United States, Quadir met and (2017)
successfully raised money from New York-based investor and [2]
philanthropist Joshua Mailman. He then returned to Bangladesh
Number of 2,086[3] (2020)
and worked for three years to gain support from organisations such employees
as Grameen Bank and the Norwegian telecom company,
Parent Telenor Mobile
Telenor.[10]
Communications
Grameenphone received a license for cellular phone operation in AS Grameen
Bangladesh from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Telecom
on 28 November 1996. The company started operations on 26 Website grameenphone
March 1997, Independence Day in Bangladesh. .com (http://grame
enphone.com)

Changing logo

On 16 November 2006, Grameenphone officially changed its logo

to match its parent company Telenor's logo.

Numbering scheme
Grameenphone uses the
following numbering
scheme for its subscribers:

+880 17 XXXXXXXX Grameenphone Current Logo 2021

and +880 13
XXXXXXXX

880 is the ISD code for Bangladesh and is needed only in case of
dialing from outside Bangladesh (otherwise, it may be substituted
by a 0, making the prefix 017 & 013).

17 & 13 is the prefix for Grameenphone as allocated by the

government of Bangladesh. The following eight-digit number
XXXXXXXX is the subscriber number. After exhausting the 017
Typical Grameenphone SIM Card series, Grameenphone became the first operator to launch a second
series, the 013.

Network
According to Grameenphone, it has invested more than BDT 347.4 billion (US$4.12 billion) to build the
network infrastructure since 2018. Grameenphone has built the largest cellular network in the country with
over 15,900 base stations, geographically covering 99% of Bangladesh's population.

The Grameenphone network is also GPRS/EDGE/3G-enabled, with a growing 4G network, allowing

internet access within its coverage area.
Products
Grameenphone introduced pre-paid mobile phone service in Bangladesh in September 1999 via an
EDGE/GPRS/3G/4G enabled network. Grameenphone was the first mobile operator in Bangladesh to
offer internet via EDGE and 3G 4G services to its subscribers.[11]

Grameenphone has developed several services, such as GP Music, a music streaming service launched in
2015, and Bioscope, a video streaming service launched in 2016 to stream movies, dramas and live TV.
The company also owns an e-commerce app, Shoparu, offering door-to-door delivery service to all areas of
Bangladesh, including rural areas. Feature phone users may visit any one of the host of Grameenphone
Express Centers to order their goods online and receive home delivery.

In 2017, Grameenphone introduced its MyGP app that allowed subscribers, through an embedded platform
called Flexiload, to personalize their own cell phone packages and discounts based on their personal need
for voice minutes, data volumes, text messaging. The MyGP app allowed customers to monitor their usage
in real time. MyGP now encompasses GP apps such as Bioscope and Shoparu, as well as third party ride
sharing apps like Uber and Shohoz.

Other services
GPay is a service to enable users to pay their utility bills through mobile.[12]
Ekhanei.com was e-commerce service (also known as CellBaazar) to enable users sell or
buy products through mobile or internet. It was free to use for all Grameenphone
customers,[13] but was closed in 2017.
Various other services like stock information, Instant Messaging, SMS Based
Alerts/Services, Voice-based Services, Downloads, music, Cricket Updates, Web SMS,
Mobile Backup etc.
Grameenphone also owns startup accelerator GP Accelerator and startup mentorship
platform White-Board. The accelerator program launched its 6th batch of startups for a 4.5-
month-long program on 6 November 2019, at GP House.[14]

Other activities

Village phone

With the help of Grameenphone, Grameen Telecom operates the national Village Phone programme,
alongside its own parent Grameen Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), acting as the sole
provider of telecommunications services to a number of rural areas. Most Village Phone participants are
women living in remote areas. Village Phone works as an owner-operated GSM payphone whereby a
borrower takes a BDT 12,000 (US$200) loan from Grameen Bank to subscribe to Grameenphone and is
then trained on how to operate it and how to charge others to use it at a profit. As of September 2006, there
are more than 255,000 Village Phones in operation in 55,000 villages around Bangladesh. This program
has been replicated also in some other countries including in Uganda and Rwanda in Africa.[15]

Grameenphone Corporate Headquarter (GP House)

Grameenphone Corporate Headquarter (popularly known as "GP
House"). Located at Bashundhara R/A, Dhaka, was formally
inaugurated on 23 November, 2010.[16] GP House considered as
one of the successful office building in Bangladesh.[16] It has been
designed by Architect Mohammad Foyez Ullah, Mustapha Khalid
Palash and their team.[17][18]

Community Information Centers

Grameenphone Corp. Headquarter -
GP House, Bashundhara, Dhaka
Community Information Center (CIC) or GPCIC was an initiative
aimed at providing internet access and other communications
services to rural areas. In February 2006, 26 CICs were established
across the country as a pilot project. In this project, Grameenphone provided GSM/EDGE/GPRS
infrastructure and technical support and other partners Grameen Telecom Corporation and Society for
Economic and Basic Advancement (SEBA), were involved in selecting and training entrepreneurs to run
the village centres. These CICs were used for a wide variety of business and personal purposes, from
accessing health and agricultural information to using government services to video conferencing with
relatives overseas. Grameenphone also trained entrepreneurs so that they could demonstrate to people how
to set up an e-mail account and best make use of the Internet. Currently, none of the CICs are being
operated by GP.

Grameenphone Centres

A Grameenphone centre (GPC) serves as a "one stop solution" for

customers, with all telecommunications products and services,
under a single roof. A Grameenphone centre also sells phones
from vendors like Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi and more.
EDGE/GPRS modems and accessories such chargers and
headphones are also sold at GPCs.

As of February 2013, there are 85[19] GPCs and they are

strategically located at all major locations of the country is operated
by Grameenphone. There are 2 GP Lounges for customer A GPC at Gulshan, Dhaka
experience of GP Digital Services. There are also 376,285 unique
recharge outlets and 6,836 GP Express Stores all across
Bangladesh.

Awards
1. In 2002, Grameenphone was adjudged the Joint
Venture Enterprise of the Year at the Bangladesh
Business Awards.[20]
2. In February 2007, Grameenphone was again presented
an award for its 'HealthLine Service' at the 3GSM World A franchised Grameenphone centre
Congress held in Barcelona, Spain.[21] at Tejgaon, Dhaka
3. In 2007, and consecutively in 2015 and 2016,
Grameenphone received the "Best Brand Award" by the
Brand Forum.
4. In 2010, 2011 and 2013, Grameenphone received the "Best Employer" award by BDJOBs.
 5. Grameenphone received "Green Mobile Award" by GSMA for extensive Climate Change
Program at Mobile World Congress 2014.
6. Grameenphone received the "Innovation in Corporate Social Responsibility Practices"
award at the Bangladesh CSR Leadership Award 2018.

Criticism

Current issues and Challenges

Significant Market Player: In November 2018 the regulator identified SMP as institutions with at least the
following a) more than 40% market revenue share, b) more than 40% of market share, or c) holding more
than 40% of spectrum. Grameenphone was declared a Significant Market Player by BTRC as having over
40% market and revenue share. Disagreements between the operator and the regulator have since ensued
regarding the penalties for being a SMP. Grameenphone has maintained that it supports a competition
framework consistent with the applicable laws and international best practices; and that directives should
not restrict an entities' ability to grow, innovate or invest. The company has earned market share through
fair practices and within the stipulated market regulation overseeing the industry. BTRC on the other hand
has been trying to impose various rules on the operator in order to restrict the operator's growth and
maintain healthy competition in the market. Despite various regulatory issues, Grameenphone continues to
maintain a healthy growth in the market.

BTRC Audit claims: In April 2019, BTRC issued a letter to Grameenphone claiming almost BDT 12,600
cr (US$1.5 billion) in dues. GP was issued a demand letter and given two weeks to pay the dues, according
to BTRC Chairman. In response to the move by the government authorities, Grameenphone stated,
"Throughout the entire process we have pointed out errors in the methodologies, procedure and substance
of this audit exercise; however, our observations have gone unheeded. Grameenphone is a transparent
company and adheres to the applicable laws of the land".

References
1. "MICHAEL FOLEY APPOINTED CEO OF GRAMEENPHONE" (https://www.grameenphon
e.com/about/media-center/press-release/michael-foley-appointed-ceo-grameenphone). 8
May 2017.
2. "Annual Report 2017" (https://cdn01.grameenphone.com/sites/default/files/investor_relation
s/annual_report/AR_2017_compressed_0.pdf) (PDF). Grameenphone. Retrieved
6 September 2017.
3. "Telenor Group – Grameenphone, Bangladesh" (https://www.telenor.com/about-us/global-pr
esence/bangladesh/). Telenor Group.
4. "Display Company Information: GP" (http://dsebd.org/displayCompany.php?name=GP).
Dhaka Stock Exchange.
5. "Company Information – GP" (http://www.cse.com.bd/companyDetails.php?scriptCode=GP).
Chittagong Stock Exchange.
6. "CMD2017: Grameenphone Ltd" (https://www.telenor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tele
nor-CMD-2017-Grameenphone.pdf) (PDF). Telenor.
7. "Our Story" (http://www.grameenphone.com/about/our-story). Grameenphone. Retrieved
9 June 2015.
8. Isenberg, Daniel J.; Lane, David; Knoop, Carin-Isabel (12 March 2007). "Iqbal Quadir,
Gonofone, and the Creation of GrameenPhone (Bangladesh)". Harvard Business Review.
9. "Power to the People" (http://www.economist.com/science/tq/displayStory.cfm?story_id=557
1572). The Economist. 9 March 2006.
10. "Iqbal Quadir: Opportunity Comes Calling" (https://web.archive.org/web/20010802042329/ht
tp://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/technology/article/0%2C8707%2C132167%2C00.html).
Asiaweek. TIME. 29 June 2001. Archived from the original (http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaw
eek/technology/article/0,8707,132167,00.html) on 2 August 2001.
11. "History" (https://web.archive.org/web/20080906052840/http://www.grameenphone.com/ind
ex.php?id=63). Grameenphone. Archived from the original (http://www.grameenphone.com/i
ndex.php?id=63) on 6 September 2008.
12. "BillPay" (https://web.archive.org/web/20130117014023/http://grameenphone.com/mobile-lif
estyle/marketplace/billpay). Gremeenphone. Archived from the original (http://www.grameen
phone.com/mobile-lifestyle/marketplace/billpay) on 17 January 2013.
13. "Cellbazaar" (https://web.archive.org/web/20130117014050/http://grameenphone.com/mobil
e-lifestyle/marketplace/cellbazar). Grameenphone. Archived from the original (http://www.gra
meenphone.com/mobile-lifestyle/marketplace/cellbazar) on 17 January 2013.
14. "GP Accelerator Launches 6th Batch of Startups And The Complete List Of Startups In The
Batch" (https://futurestartup.com/2019/11/06/gp-accelerator-launches-6th-batch-of-startups-a
nd-complete-list-of-startups-in-the-batch/). Future Startup. 6 November 2019. Retrieved
19 November 2019.
15. "Grameenphone Rolls Out Affordable Internet Access Across Bangladesh" (https://web.archi
ve.org/web/20070929102819/http://www.gsmworld.com/news/press_2006/press06_52.shtm
l). GSM Association (Press release). 17 October 2006. Archived from the original (http://ww
w.gsmworld.com/news/press_2006/press06_52.shtml) on 29 September 2007.
16. "Grameenphone's house for inspiration and empowerment" (https://www.telenor.com/grame
enphones-house-for-inspiration-and-empowerment/). Telenor Group. 25 November 2010.
Retrieved 29 June 2021.
17. "Prospectus, Grameenphone Limited" (https://www.sec.gov.bd/ipoprospectus/Prospectus-G
P.pdf) (PDF). Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission: 65.
18. "Grameenphone Corporate Head Quarter (GPHouse)" (https://worldarchitecture.org/architect
ure-projects/mpmp/grameenphone-corporate-head-quarter-gphouse--project-pages.html).
worldarchitecture.org. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
19. "Home" (https://web.archive.org/web/20140703095920/http://www.grameenphone.com/locat
e-gp-centers). Grameenphone. Archived from the original (http://www.grameenphone.com/lo
cate-gp-centers) on 3 July 2014. Retrieved 13 December 2016.
20. "Local News on Bangladesh" (http://www.sdnbd.org/sdi/news/general-news/March-2003/16-
03-2003/Business.htm). Sustainable Development Networking Programme. 16 March 2003.
21. "GSM Association Announces 2007 Global Mobile Awards Winners" (https://web.archive.or
g/web/20091231050128/http://gsmworld.com/newsroom/press-releases/1992.htm). GSM
Association (Press release). 13 February 2007. Archived from the original (http://gsmworld.c
om/newsroom/press-releases/1992.htm) on 31 December 2009.

"At last GP gets New Code 013" (http://www.kalerkantho.com/online/info-tech/2018/08/07/666890).

External links
Media related to Grameenphone at Wikimedia Commons

Official website (http://www.grameenphone.com)

Quadir, Iqbal (July 2005). "How mobile phones can fight poverty" (https://www.ted.com/talks/i
qbal_quadir_says_mobiles_fight_poverty). TED.

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