This follows closely after the ISP license was granted to Grameenphone. Among the products being launched as part of the vision is a special SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) solely for internet access over Grameenphone's EDGE-enabled network. The SIM can also be used with a Grameenphone-branded data modem.

Speaking on the occasion, Grameenphone CEO Oddvar Hesjedal said "access to information is among the basic‘rights' of every human being," adding, "once the right to knowledge or the right to information is established, there will be precious little that will hold Bangladesh back."

Grameenphone first launched its EDGE services in September 2005, today the entire network is EDGE-enabled so potentially every person in Bangladesh has access to the internet through GP's network.

Rajiuddin Ahmed Raju, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Posts & Telecommunication was present as Chief Guest. Arch. Yeafesh Osman, Honorable State Minister Ministry of Science and Information & Communication Technology was present as Special Guests.

Prof. Professor Jamilur R. Choudhury, Vice Chancellor, BRAC University, Mr. Titus Dan, Chief Marketing Officer, and Ms. Rubaba Dowla, Chief Communications Officer, of Grameenphone, among others were also present at the program.

Grameenphone has been providing access to the general population through desktops and laptops using mobile as modem or with an EDGE-enabled modem and through the WAP platform using a mobile phone.

Additionally, Grameenphone had set up over 550 CICs, which are essentially internet kiosks for the rural areas, which connect to the internet over Grameenphone's EDGE network. With over 550 CICs operating in 400 plus upazillas, over 20 million people have been provided with an affordable gateway to the internet.

The company will look further to expand its internet platforms and develop more internet-related products and services. Currently Grameenphone has over 4.5 million EDGE subscribers, making the company the largest ISP in the country.

Corporate Communications Department
Grameenphone Ltd.
Telephone: 9882990
email: info@grameenphone.com