DHAKA, Nov 09, 2024 (BSS)- Production of locally made smartphone is on rise as the manufactures hoping growth of this sector following country’s new journey during post mass uprising period.

Both the local and global brands have increased their production by more than six percent in September compared to previous month, showed the statistics of telecom regulator.

Talking to BSS, Jakaria Shahid, president of the mobile phone industry owners' association of Bangladesh (MIOB) said, “We’re optimistic that something encouraging is going to happen as the telecom regulator has started work on several issues for market growth.”

According to statistics of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the production of mobile phones in September registered a total increase of 1.14 lakh units compared to previous month.

The total number of mobile phones produced in the country in September was 25.17 lakh units, inching up from 24.03 lakh units manufactured in August as all 16 local and foreign brands have production capacities in Bangladesh.

Replying to a query, Jakaria Shahid, founder and Managing Director of Edison Group, owner of local mobile phone brand Symphony, said that they’ve already introduced bundle offer with mobile phone operators for the convenient of users.

“We will offer more bundle if the government approves pin-lock service,” he said, mentioning that the issue is under consideration.

He said they have the capacity which is not fully utilized yet and going for production as per the market demand.

BTRC data showed that smartphones, which are more technologically advanced, made up 36.21 percent in September comparing to 29.93 percent growth in August

Out of them, a total of 9.09 lakh units were 4G-enabled, while 0.03 lakh units featured the latest 5G technology.

The 4G-enabled mobile phone production witnessed a substantial increase in September compared to August.

The total increase in 4G-enabled mobile phones was 9.09 lakh in September, up from 6.99 lakh units produced in the previous month.

BTRC data showed that majority of the phones were equipped with 2G technology, consisting 16.06 lakh units out of total 25.17 lakh phones.

Rezwanul Hoque, CEO of Transsion Bangladesh, is expecting a better market scenario in the coming days, saying production has increased compared to the previous month.

“All the manufacturers are running their production with full swing as all 16 local and global brands have increased their production capacity,” he said.

Transsion is the parent company of global mobile phone brand Techno.

 Regarding its local production, Rezwanul Hoque said they have registered a good growth.

BTRC statistics showed feature phones, which are primarily 2G devices, dominated the production numbers in September. These phones account for 63.79 percent of the total units manufactured, highlighting their continued popularity and demand.

However, the data revealed that there has been no production of 3G mobile phones in the country since January 2023.

This shift likely reflects the global move towards newer technologies with manufacturers focusing on 4G and 5G devices.