Dhaka, Jan. 8 -- The planned auction for the 700-megahertz (MHz) spectrum has been reduced to a single-player contest following Robi Axiata's formal withdrawal, leaving Grameenphone as the only remaining operator in the field.

The move has left the telecom regulator with little option other than a direct allocation if the auction proceeds.

Robi confirmed its withdrawal to The FE, citing a detailed technical and strategic review as the basis for its decision.

Shahed Alam, chief corporate and regulatory affairs officer of Robi Axiata, explained that while the 700 MHz band is important for the operator's long-term network evolution, the timing of the auction did not align with Robi's immediate rollout plans or market conditions.

Current ...