In a bid to make smartphones affordable to all, the authorities have approved a major policy shift allowing mobile operators such as Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink to sell regulator-approved smartphones on instalments with the option to keep all SIM/network slots locked until payments are completed.
The decision, taken at the latest commission meeting last week, is set to come into effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to reshape how low- and middle-income users acquire smartphones. It replaces the BTRC directive issued on June 4 this year, which permitted only partial SIM-slot locking.
"This initiative is part of our efforts to boost smartphone penetration," said Major General (retd) Md Emdad ul Bari, chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
"If smartphones can be offered on instalments, the collateral mechanism (SIM locking) will serve as assurance for financing. Earlier, we allowed one SIM-locked handset, but it did not gain proper traction as users could still insert another SIM of a different operator," he added.
WHAT IT MEANS
Previously, a customer buying a dual-SIM phone from an operator such as Grameenphone could still use the second slot with a SIM from Robi, Banglalink, Teletalk, or any other provider.
Under the new policy, all SIM slots on instalment devices will remain locked to the selling operator, meaning customers can use only that operator's network during the instalment period. In cases of payment default, the operator will also be able to disable the device's SIM or network functions, preventing calls, SMS, and mobile data use.
Once all instalments are cleared, every SIM slot must be unlocked, allowing customers to switch to any network.
The change follows nearly two years of discussion. The issue first arose in May 2023, when the BTRC allowed operators to lock only one SIM slot on dual-SIM phones sold on instalments. The intention was to support repayment discipline while preserving consumer choice.
However, Grameenphone and Robi later requested permission to lock all SIM slots, arguing that the earlier policy made instalment collection difficult and deterred financiers from backing such schemes. They also sought flexibility in down payments and instalment durations to suit different customer groups.
In contrast, Banglalink opposed the full SIM-locking system, arguing that such a move would allow large operators to dominate the device financing market by subsidising handsets and locking customers into their networks, thereby marginalising smaller players.
The telecom operator, however, later in late September, decided to get on board, provided the policy takes effect in 2026.
HANDSET SALE BOOST EXPECTED
The BTRC expects the new framework to boost handset sales. Its Systems and Services Division found that device-locking models can support controlled credit sales, particularly for locally manufactured phones.
It cited the case of Ismartu Technology Bangladesh Ltd, which saw instalment-based sales rise by 28 percent—from an average of 227,467 units per month to 293,893—after adopting device-locking technology approved in April 2025.
As of September 2025, smartphone penetration in Bangladesh had reached 63.2 percent, and 18 local manufacturers were active in the market, according to the BTRC.
The newly approved directive lays out a set of conditions to prevent abuse and ensure fair competition.
It states that operators must conduct sales in partnership with BTRC-approved handset importers or manufacturers and are not allowed to import or assemble smartphones themselves.
Besides, both device locking and SIM/network locking may be used individually or jointly, depending on the business model. All instalment sales must comply with Bangladesh's financial laws, banking regulations, and consumer protection policies.
Operators must also ensure data privacy and device security for customers. Detailed sales and instalment data must be regularly submitted to the BTRC for monitoring purposes.