Asia-Pacific faces new spectrum challenge as 6G, satellite services advance

The Asia-Pacific region is facing growing pressure on its limited radio spectrum as advances in 5G, 6G and satellite-based connectivity drive up demand for frequencies needed to deliver faster, affordable and reliable digital services.

The challenge came into sharper focus as telecom experts and regulators from across the region gathered in Dhaka to discuss more efficient spectrum management, spectrum sharing and policies for next-generation wireless technologies.

The five-day 37th meeting of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Wireless Group (AWG-37) began in Dhaka yesterday (6 September), bringing together nearly 400 participants to discuss the future of wireless communications, including 6G, satellite and low-Earth-orbit (LEO) connectivity.

The meeting will cover the expansion of 5G, future IMT/6G systems, spectrum planning and sharing, satellite and LEO communications, railway wireless communications and other emerging wireless technologies.

For Bangladesh, the discussions have implications beyond the telecom sector, as more efficient spectrum management and adoption of new technologies could affect the quality, affordability and reliability of digital services.

Speaking at the opening session, Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam said Bangladesh's next challenge was not simply expanding connectivity but ensuring quality, affordability, reliability and meaningful access to digital services.

"Digital connectivity must create new opportunities for citizens, support economic activities and ensure that people across the country can benefit from technology," he said.

The minister said Bangladesh had nearly 190 million mobile connections and around 110 million 4G subscribers as of July 2026. The country also has more than 49,000 4G sites, 46,000 towers and around 173,000 kilometres of optical fibre network.

He said the government also plans to strengthen the country's capabilities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software, hardware and other technology-driven industries to improve Bangladesh's position in the global digital economy.

Spectrum management will become increasingly important as data demand rises with the expansion of 5G, satellite communications, the Internet of Things (IoT) and future wireless technologies, he added.

APT Secretary-General Masanori Kondo said the meeting would help advance ongoing research and consider new programmes based on technological developments and regional needs.

Special workshops on AI in 6G, satellite technology and ultra-wideband will also be held during AWG-37, providing opportunities for experts to exchange views on the potential impact of these technologies in the region.

AWG Chairman Daejung Kim said wireless communications were undergoing a major transformation driven by IMT-2030 and future 6G technologies, AI, expanding satellite communications and growing demand for spectrum.

"No single country or organisation can address these challenges alone," he said, stressing the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge sharing.

BTRC Chairman Maj Gen Md Emdad ul Bari (Retd) said Bangladesh wants to strengthen regional cooperation and technical knowledge exchange in ICT and telecommunications while playing a more active role in developing technological capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.

He said hosting AWG-37 would give Bangladesh an important opportunity to engage more actively in international technical discussions on wireless communications and spectrum management, while allowing local regulators, industry players, academics and technical experts to exchange knowledge directly with experts from APT member countries.