Advanced telecom network planned for HSIA Terminal 3

The government is set to establish one of its most advanced indoor telecommunications networks at the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), ensuring seamless voice and high-speed data services across key passenger and operational zones without coverage gaps.

According to official documents, the project will deploy an advanced Active Distributed Antenna System (Active DAS) integrated with hundreds of small cells and Wi-Fi access points, reports state news agency BSS.

The system is designed to deliver uninterrupted, high-capacity 4G and future-ready 5G connectivity throughout the terminal complex.

Speaking to BSS, Teletalk Bangladesh Limited Managing Director Nurul Mabud Chowdhury said the tender for the network installation has already been floated.

"The work will commence as soon as the contract is awarded through the tender process," he added.

Unlike conventional mobile networks that rely primarily on outdoor towers, the technology has been designed specifically for complex indoor environments where reinforced concrete, steel structures and extensive glass facades weaken radio signals.

By distributing mobile signals through an Active DAS architecture supported by 700 small cells and 635 Wi-Fi units, the network aims to provide seamless voice and high-speed data services across critical passenger and operational areas without coverage gaps.

The digital infrastructure is also being built with future aviation technologies in mind. Besides ensuring continuous connectivity for passengers, airlines and airport agencies, the 4G/5G-compatible network is expected to support next-generation airport operations as demand grows, creating a scalable communications backbone for one of the country's most strategic transport hubs.

The Tk 47.63 crore project is being implemented by the state-owned Teletalk Bangladesh Limited with full funding from the Government of Bangladesh.

The project will extend mobile network coverage across the Third Terminal, including immigration areas, check-in counters, VIP lounges, the Export Cargo Terminal (ECT), the Import Cargo Terminal (ICT) and other critical indoor facilities.

Of the total project cost, Tk 43.54 crore has been allocated for capital expenditure, mainly for telecommunications infrastructure, including core network equipment, transmission systems, Active DAS components, small cells and Wi-Fi devices.

Another Tk 2.244 crore has been earmarked for revenue expenditure, covering electricity, transport, training and maintenance, while Tk 25 lakh has been kept as a physical and price contingency. The implementation period runs from July 2023 to June 2027.

The investment comes as Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport prepares for a sharp rise in passenger traffic. The airport currently handles around 91 lakh passengers annually, a number projected to increase to 1 crore 85 lakh by 2035. It also manages nearly 190 international flights every day and processes about 2.48 lakh metric tonnes of cargo.

Project documents note that the newly built terminal currently lacks comprehensive in-building mobile coverage, resulting in weak signals, dropped calls and slower internet services in several indoor locations.

The new telecommunications infrastructure is intended to eliminate these limitations by ensuring consistent network performance throughout the terminal.

The project is expected to strengthen Bangladesh's digital gateway, as the country's principal international airport serves as the first point of contact for millions of overseas visitors. Reliable, high-speed mobile connectivity is considered essential for enhancing the passenger experience, facilitating airport operations and supporting tourism and foreign investment.

The initiative also aligns with the government's election manifesto, which prioritises the expansion of free high-speed internet services at airports and other major public facilities.