STAR BUSINESS REPORT

Grameenphone posted a rise in profit in the first quarter of 2026 despite a decline in revenue, reflecting strong cost discipline and operational efficiency amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.

The operator reported total revenue of Tk 3,758 crore, marking a 2 percent year‑on‑year decline. However, its net profit increased 4.4 percent year‑on‑year to Tk 662 crore, according to a statement.

Grameenphone’s subscriber base stood at 8.42 crore at the end of the quarter, of which 58.4 percent (4.92 crore) were internet users. Data usage continued to rise, reaching around 7.7 gigabytes per user -- up 5.4 percent year‑on‑year -- while active data users grew 1.7 percent.

Cost optimisation played a key role in boosting profitability. The company reported a 2 percent decline in operating expenses and a 7.3 percent drop in cost of goods sold.

Although EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) fell 1.5 percent year‑on‑year, the decline was smaller than the revenue drop, helping maintain a strong EBITDA margin of around 58 percent.

“Despite compounded external challenges, I am pleased to share that we navigated the quarter with resilience and discipline, securing a stable EBITDA margin of around 58 percent,” said Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone.

“Overall, both financially and operationally, we have contained external vulnerabilities well and maintained stability in our performance. We continue to invest with a long‑term lens across network, IT, spectrum, and AI‑led programmes, alongside broader transformation and automation initiatives.”

“These investments are building a more efficient, scalable, and digital‑first operating model that can support future growth while maintaining cost discipline,” Azman added.

“We are actively transitioning towards a future‑fit, digital growth model. In our ambition to become an AI‑first telco, we have started our AI journey, advancing multiple AI‑driven initiatives across network and operations. The benefits of these programmes will start becoming visible in the coming quarters.

“We have recently acquired 700 MHz spectrum, which will help enhance rural coverage and significantly improve indoor network experience, addressing long‑standing coverage gaps while supporting the next phase of data growth and digital inclusion. As the new government accelerates digitalisation efforts, we are well-positioned to be a key partner in building a sustainable telecom ecosystem that enables national digital transformation.”