Airtel Bangladesh
A Bangladeshi mobile telecommunications brand that began as Warid Bangladesh in 2007, was rebranded Airtel Bangladesh in 2010, and was absorbed into Robi Axiata after the 2016 merger before being replaced by cirkle in 2026.
Last updated October 30, 2026
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Overview
Airtel Bangladesh was a mobile telecommunications brand used in Bangladesh by the business formerly established as Warid Telecom Bangladesh. It was part of the broader Airtel brand portfolio associated with Bharti Airtel, but its Bangladeshi history began with Warid Telecom International, an Abu Dhabi-based consortium that obtained a GSM licence in Bangladesh in December 2005. The licence made Warid the country's sixth mobile network operator at the time. In 2010, Warid Telecom sold a majority stake in its Bangladeshi operation to India's Bharti Airtel. Bharti Airtel acquired control of the company and its board, and the local network was rebranded from Warid to Airtel on 20 December 2010. The transaction gave Airtel a direct presence in Bangladesh while retaining a locally licensed operating business. Warid later sold its remaining interest to Bharti Airtel's Singapore-based holding company in March 2013, giving Bharti full ownership of the operation. Airtel Bangladesh subsequently obtained 5 MHz of 3G spectrum in September 2013. The brand's most consequential corporate change came in 2016. Robi Axiata and Airtel Bangladesh announced plans to combine their Bangladesh operations in January of that year, and the merger was completed in November 2016. The combined company operated as Robi Axiata, while Airtel continued for a period as a distinct consumer-facing brand. This arrangement meant that Airtel-branded customers were served through the merged company's network, distribution system and operating infrastructure rather than through a separately independent nationwide operator. The post-merger ownership structure allocated 68.7 percent of the combined entity to Axiata Group, 25 percent to Bharti Enterprises and 6.3 percent to NTT DoCoMo. NTT DoCoMo subsequently exited Bangladesh in 2020 by selling its entire minority stake in Robi Axiata to Bharti Airtel. That transaction changed the shareholder composition of the operating group but did not restore Airtel Bangladesh as a separate company. Airtel Bangladesh's later identity was also affected by regulatory and competitive concerns. Competing operators, including Grameenphone and Banglalink, complained about Robi's continued use of the Airtel name. The conditions associated with the 2016 merger reportedly contemplated removal of the Airtel branding after a transitional period, although Robi continued using the brand for substantially longer. According to the cited reference material, Robi Axiata replaced the Airtel brand with cirkle on 17 August 2026, and former Warid and Airtel customers were transferred to the new brand. Airtel Bangladesh is therefore best classified as a discontinued Bangladeshi sub-brand whose network and customer operations were absorbed into Robi Axiata, rather than as a currently independent telecom operator. Warid Bangladesh was a GSM-based mobile network operator that entered Bangladesh as the country's sixth mobile carrier. Its corporate presence began in December 2005, when Warid Telecom International LLC, associated with the Abu Dhabi Group, paid US$50 million for a GSM license from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. The company planned a rapid nationwide rollout, but its commercial launch was delayed after Nokia, described as a major network supplier, withdrew from an agreement amid a payment dispute. Warid conducted a limited soft launch in late January 2007, distributing complimentary subscriptions to selected users so that it could test its network and refine service quality. Full commercial operations began on May 10, 2007. The operator initially competed through prepaid and postpaid mobile plans marketed under the names zem and zahi. Zem was positioned for pay-as-you-go customers, while zahi represented a range of postpaid tariff plans. The brand also established business centers, franchises, sub-franchises, affinity partners, and distributors to support customer acquisition and service distribution. The company expanded quickly after launch. It passed one million customers on July 19, 2007, and continued extending its network beyond the country's major population centers. On June 10, 2008, coverage was expanded to Bandarban, Khagrachhari, and Rangamati. With those additions, Warid stated that its network covered all 64 districts of Bangladesh, making it a nationwide operator. Its infrastructure program was reported to involve an investment of approximately US$1 billion, with Ericsson selected for base stations, microwave links, information-technology support, and transmission towers. Warid's operations included mobile voice and related telecommunications services delivered through the 016 numbering range assigned to the operator. Its commercial model combined prepaid and postpaid offerings with a broad physical distribution network. The company reportedly had ten directly controlled business centers and approximately 120 franchises, supported by additional distribution arrangements. The Warid brand did not remain independent. In 2010, Warid Telecom sold a 70 percent interest in the Bangladesh operation to India's Bharti Airtel Limited for a reported US$300 million. The Bangladesh regulator approved the transaction on January 4, 2010, after which Bharti Airtel assumed management control and control of the board. The business was rebranded under the Airtel name in December 2010. Warid Telecom later sold its remaining 30 percent interest in March 2013 to Bharti Airtel Holdings Pte Limited, Bharti Airtel's Singapore-based affiliate. As a result, Warid Bangladesh ceased to operate as a standalone consumer brand and became part of Airtel's Bangladesh business. Airtel Bangladesh was a mobile telecommunications brand used in Bangladesh by the business formerly established as Warid Telecom Bangladesh. Its history began in December 2005, when Warid Telecom International LLC, associated with the Abu Dhabi Group, paid US$50 million for a GSM licence from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, becoming the country's sixth mobile operator. A planned rapid rollout was delayed after Nokia withdrew from a major supply agreement amid a payment dispute, so Warid conducted a limited soft launch in late January 2007 before full commercial operations began on 10 May 2007. It marketed prepaid plans under the zem name and postpaid tariffs under zahi, supported by ten company-operated business centres, around 120 franchises, sub-franchises, affinity partners and distributors. The operator passed one million customers on 19 July 2007, and on 10 June 2008 expanded coverage to Bandarban, Khagrachhari and Rangamati, claiming coverage of all 64 districts. Its infrastructure programme was reported at approximately US$1 billion, with Ericsson supplying base stations, microwave links, IT support and transmission towers, and services delivered through the 016 numbering range. In 2010, Warid Telecom sold a 70 percent stake to India's Bharti Airtel for a reported US$300 million, with a proposed further US$300 million investment through new shares. The regulator approved the transaction on 4 January 2010, Bharti Airtel assumed control of the company and its board, and the network was rebranded from Warid to Airtel on 20 December 2010. Warid sold its remaining 30 percent to Bharti Airtel Holdings Pte Limited, Bharti's Singapore-based concern, in March 2013, giving Bharti full ownership. Airtel Bangladesh licensed 5 MHz of 3G spectrum on 8 September 2013 for a reported US$1.25 million. Robi Axiata and Airtel Bangladesh announced plans in January 2016 to combine their Bangladesh operations, with the combined business expected to serve approximately 32 million subscribers. The merger completed in November 2016, with Robi Axiata as the operating entity and Airtel retained as a consumer-facing brand served through the combined network, distribution system and infrastructure. Ownership was allocated 68.7 percent to Axiata Group, 25 percent to Bharti Enterprises and 6.3 percent to NTT DoCoMo. In June 2020 NTT DoCoMo exited Bangladesh by selling its entire stake in Robi Axiata to Bharti Airtel; it had invested approximately US$350 million in the country and held about 6.31 percent on departure. This changed the operating group's shareholder composition but did not restore Airtel Bangladesh as an independent company. Grameenphone and Banglalink complained that Robi Axiata continued using the Airtel name despite merger conditions reportedly requiring its removal after a two-year transition; the brand remained in use for almost a decade after the merger. According to the cited reference, Robi Axiata launched cirkle on 17 August 2026 and moved former Warid and Airtel customers to the new brand. Airtel Bangladesh is therefore best classified as a defunct Bangladeshi sub-brand whose network and customer operations were absorbed into Robi Axiata.
History
The history of Airtel Bangladesh began with Warid Telecom International's entry into Bangladesh. In December 2005, the Abu Dhabi-based consortium paid US$50 million for a GSM licence issued by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. Warid thereby became the sixth mobile phone operator in the country and established the local business that would later carry the Airtel name. Bharti Airtel entered the business in 2010. Warid Telecom sold a 70 percent stake to Bharti Airtel for US$300 million, alongside a proposed further investment of US$300 million through the issuance of new shares. The Bangladesh regulator approved the transaction on 4 January 2010. Bharti Airtel assumed control of the company and its board, and the operation was rebranded under Airtel beginning on 20 December 2010. The change connected the Bangladeshi operation with Bharti Airtel's international brand while preserving the local network licence and infrastructure. Warid disposed of its remaining 30 percent interest in March 2013, selling the stake to Bharti Airtel Holdings Pte Limited, Bharti Airtel's Singapore-based concern. Later that year, on 8 September 2013, Airtel Bangladesh licensed 5 MHz of 3G spectrum. This expanded the technological basis for mobile internet services in a market where voice, messaging and data subscriptions were increasingly converging. Airtel Bangladesh's independent corporate identity changed decisively through its merger with Robi Axiata. The two companies announced their intention to merge their Bangladesh operations in January 2016. The combined business was expected to serve approximately 32 million subscribers. The transaction was completed in November 2016, with Robi serving as the operating entity. The announced ownership arrangement gave Axiata Group 68.7 percent, Bharti Enterprises 25 percent and NTT DoCoMo 6.3 percent. Airtel was retained as a customer-facing brand after the merger, but its services were delivered through the combined Robi infrastructure and organization. The shareholder structure changed again in June 2020 when NTT DoCoMo sold its entire stake in Robi Axiata to Bharti Airtel. NTT DoCoMo had invested approximately US$350 million in Bangladesh and held about 6.31 percent when it departed. This was a change in ownership of the operating group, not a revival of Airtel Bangladesh as a separate operator. The continued use of Airtel branding after the merger became a regulatory and competitive issue. Grameenphone and Banglalink complained that Robi Axiata continued to use the Airtel name despite merger conditions that reportedly required its removal after a two-year transition. The brand nevertheless remained in use for almost a decade after the merger. According to the cited reference, Robi Axiata ultimately launched cirkle on 17 August 2026 and moved former Warid and Airtel users to that brand. Airtel Bangladesh is consequently a historical mobile brand in Bangladesh, with its commercial legacy carried forward through Robi Axiata rather than through an independent company. Warid Bangladesh emerged from Warid Telecom International LLC's effort to enter the Bangladeshi mobile market. In December 2005, the Abu Dhabi-based company paid US$50 million for a GSM license issued by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. The license made Warid the country's sixth mobile operator and created the basis for a nationwide telecommunications business. Warid initially targeted an accelerated deployment timetable. In August 2006, it announced that network activation might occur ahead of schedule, but the planned launch was later postponed. The delay followed Nokia's withdrawal from a major supply agreement after a payment dispute. Rather than immediately proceed with a full commercial launch, Warid carried out a limited soft launch in late January 2007. Selected individuals received complimentary subscriptions and used the network for test calls, allowing the company to identify and correct coverage and quality issues. Commercial service began on May 10, 2007. Warid entered the market with both prepaid and postpaid offerings. Its prepaid plans were branded zem, while its postpaid portfolio used the zahi name. The operator also built a physical sales and service presence through ten company-operated business centers and around 120 franchises, supplemented by sub-franchises, affinity partners, and distributors. This structure helped Warid reach customers outside its directly managed locations. The business expanded rapidly. It passed one million customers on July 19, 2007, shortly after launch. Warid's network was built as a nationwide GSM system, with Ericsson supplying base stations, microwave links, information-technology support, and transmission towers. The reported infrastructure investment was approximately US$1 billion. On June 10, 2008, Warid added the southeastern districts of Bandarban, Khagrachhari, and Rangamati. The expansion meant that the operator claimed coverage across all 64 districts of Bangladesh and could present itself as a pan-national mobile carrier. Warid used the 016 numbering range allocated to it in Bangladesh. Its core business consisted of mobile voice and related connectivity services, supported by differentiated tariff structures for pay-as-you-go and postpaid users. The operator's competitive proposition rested on the combination of nationwide coverage, a growing customer base, and broad retail distribution. The company's independent identity changed through a two-stage ownership transaction. In 2010, Warid Telecom sold 70 percent of the Bangladesh business to Bharti Airtel Limited for a reported US$300 million. The Bangladesh regulator approved the transaction on January 4, 2010. Bharti Airtel then assumed operational and board control. In December 2010, the service was rebranded under the Airtel name, ending Warid's role as the consumer-facing brand in Bangladesh. Warid Telecom subsequently sold its remaining 30 percent holding in March 2013 to Bharti Airtel Holdings Pte Limited, a Singapore-based Bharti Airtel affiliate. Warid Bangladesh is therefore a defunct brand and former operator rather than a continuing standalone network. The history of Airtel Bangladesh began with Warid Telecom International LLC's entry into Bangladesh. In December 2005, the Abu Dhabi Group-affiliated company paid US$50 million for a GSM licence issued by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, becoming the country's sixth mobile operator and establishing the local business that would later carry the Airtel name. Warid initially targeted an accelerated deployment timetable and in August 2006 announced that network activation might occur ahead of schedule, but the planned launch was postponed after Nokia, a major network supplier, withdrew from an agreement amid a payment dispute. Warid instead carried out a limited soft launch in late January 2007, giving selected users complimentary subscriptions to test the network and correct coverage and quality issues. Full commercial operations began on 10 May 2007, with prepaid plans branded zem and postpaid tariffs branded zahi, supported by ten company-operated business centres, around 120 franchises, sub-franchises, affinity partners and distributors. The operator passed one million customers on 19 July 2007. Its network was built as a nationwide GSM system with Ericsson supplying base stations, microwave links, IT support and transmission towers, at a reported infrastructure investment of approximately US$1 billion, and services were delivered through the 016 numbering range. On 10 June 2008, coverage was expanded to Bandarban, Khagrachhari and Rangamati, bringing stated coverage to all 64 districts of Bangladesh. Bharti Airtel entered the business in 2010. Warid Telecom sold a 70 percent stake to Bharti Airtel for a reported US$300 million, alongside a proposed further investment of US$300 million through the issuance of new shares. The Bangladesh regulator approved the transaction on 4 January 2010. Bharti Airtel assumed control of the company and its board, and the operation was rebranded under Airtel beginning on 20 December 2010, ending Warid's role as the consumer-facing brand. Warid disposed of its remaining 30 percent interest in March 2013, selling the stake to Bharti Airtel Holdings Pte Limited, Bharti Airtel's Singapore-based concern, giving Bharti full ownership. Later that year, on 8 September 2013, Airtel Bangladesh licensed 5 MHz of 3G spectrum for a reported US$1.25 million, expanding the basis for mobile internet services.
- 2026
Airtel branding is replaced by cirkle
[1]Robi Axiata launched cirkle on 17 August 2026 and transferred former Airtel and Warid users to the new brand.
- 2020
NTT DoCoMo sells its Robi stake
[1]In June 2020 NTT DoCoMo exited Bangladesh by selling its entire Robi Axiata stake to Bharti Airtel; it had invested approximately US$350 million and held about 6.31 percent.
- 2016
Merger with Robi Axiata
[1]The merger of Airtel Bangladesh and Robi's Bangladesh operations was completed in November 2016, with Robi as the operating company and a combined base expected at approximately 32 million subscribers.
- 2013
Airtel Bangladesh licenses 3G spectrum
[1]On 8 September 2013 the operator obtained 5 MHz of 3G spectrum for a reported US$1.25 million to support mobile data services.
- 2013
Remaining stake transferred to Bharti
[2]Warid Telecom sold its remaining 30 percent interest to Bharti Airtel Holdings Pte Limited in March 2013, giving Bharti full ownership.
- 2010
Bharti Airtel takes majority control
[1]Bharti Airtel acquired a 70 percent stake for a reported US$300 million and assumed control of the company and its board after regulatory approval on 4 January 2010.
- 2010
Warid Bangladesh becomes Airtel Bangladesh
[1]The local service adopted Airtel branding on 20 December 2010, ending Warid's standalone consumer-brand presence.
- 2010
Consumer rebrand to Airtel
[2]Warid's Bangladesh services were rebranded as Airtel Bangladesh in December.
- 2008
Nationwide district coverage
[2]Expansion into Bandarban, Khagrachhari and Rangamati on 10 June 2008 brought stated network coverage to all 64 districts of Bangladesh.
- 2007
Commercial launch after a soft launch
[2]After a limited soft launch in late January 2007, Warid began full commercial operations on 10 May 2007 with zem prepaid and zahi postpaid plans.
Products and positioning
A nationwide Bangladeshi mobile telecommunications brand offering voice, messaging, prepaid, postpaid and mobile data services, first as a challenger operator and later operated through Robi Axiata's network.
Mobile telecommunications · 2010
Airtel mobile services
The core Airtel Bangladesh offering consisted of mobile network access for voice calls, SMS and mobile data. After the 2016 merger, these services were provided through Robi Axiata's combined Bangladeshi network and operating platform rather than through an independent Airtel network company.
Mobile subscriptions
Airtel prepaid and postpaid plans
Airtel Bangladesh marketed consumer mobile subscriptions in prepaid and postpaid formats. These plans formed the commercial interface between the brand and Bangladeshi users, combining calling, messaging and data allowances. The brand was later retired following Robi Axiata's transition to cirkle.
Mobile data · 2013
Airtel 3G services
Following its 2013 licence of 5 MHz of 3G spectrum, Airtel Bangladesh offered third-generation mobile connectivity as part of its data-service portfolio. The spectrum supported the expansion of mobile internet alongside the brand's voice and messaging services.
Prepaid mobile plans
zem
Warid's zem portfolio served prepaid customers using a pay-as-you-go model. The offering formed one of the brand's two principal consumer product families and was intended for users who preferred to purchase mobile usage without a recurring postpaid subscription.
Postpaid mobile plans
zahi
The zahi range consisted of Warid's postpaid tariff plans. It complemented the prepaid zem brand and represented the operator's effort to segment its customer proposition between flexible pay-as-you-go usage and recurring postpaid service.
Mobile network services · 2007
Warid GSM mobile network
Warid operated a GSM-based mobile network in Bangladesh, using the 016 numbering range. The network was expanded to all 64 districts by June 2008 and supported the operator's mobile voice and related telecommunications services. Warid operated a GSM-based mobile network in Bangladesh using the 016 numbering range, built with Ericsson base stations, microwave links, IT support and transmission towers at a reported investment of approximately US$1 billion. It was expanded to all 64 districts by June 2008 and supported mobile voice and related telecommunications services.
Controversies
Complaints over continued Airtel brand use
Grameenphone and Banglalink complained that Robi Axiata continued using the Airtel brand after the period in which merger conditions reportedly required the name to be removed after a two-year transition. The issue concerned competition and compliance with the branding conditions attached to the 2016 merger.
Brand decisions
2026
Replacement of Airtel branding with cirkleStrategyBackground
Robi Axiata faced complaints about the prolonged use of Airtel branding after the 2016 merger.
Action taken
Robi Axiata launched cirkle on 17 August 2026 and moved former Airtel and Warid customers to the new brand.
Aftermath
Airtel Bangladesh ceased to function as the consumer brand for the former Airtel and Warid customer base in Bangladesh.
2020
Bharti Airtel acquires NTT DoCoMo's Robi stakeM&ABackground
NTT DoCoMo decided to leave Bangladesh after holding a minority investment in Robi Axiata.
Action taken
NTT DoCoMo sold its entire remaining stake in Robi Axiata to Bharti Airtel.
Aftermath
Bharti Airtel increased its direct economic interest in the Robi group, while Airtel Bangladesh remained a brand within the merged operator.
2016
Merger with Robi AxiataM&ABackground
Robi and Airtel Bangladesh sought to combine their local operations in Bangladesh and create a larger telecommunications business.
Action taken
The two operations merged in November 2016, with Robi Axiata becoming the operating entity and Airtel continuing temporarily as a consumer brand.
Aftermath
Airtel customers were served through Robi's network and infrastructure, while the merged ownership structure allocated 68.7 percent to Axiata Group, 25 percent to Bharti Enterprises and 6.3 percent to NTT DoCoMo.
2013
Airtel Bangladesh licenses 3G spectrumOtherBackground
The operator sought additional network capacity for third-generation mobile data services.
Action taken
Airtel Bangladesh licensed 5 MHz of 3G spectrum.
Aftermath
The spectrum provided a basis for expanding Airtel's mobile internet offering in Bangladesh.
3G spectrum licence fee. US$1.25 million (8 September 2013)
2013
Transfer of the remaining minority interestM&ABackground
Warid Telecom retained a 30 percent interest after Bharti Airtel's initial acquisition.
Action taken
Warid Telecom sold the remaining 30 percent to Bharti Airtel Holdings Pte Limited.
Aftermath
The ownership transition was completed within the Bharti Airtel group.
2010
Bharti Airtel acquires control of Warid BangladeshM&ABackground
Warid Telecom's Bangladeshi business provided Bharti Airtel with an established licensed mobile operation in the country.
Action taken
Bharti Airtel purchased a 70 percent stake and assumed control of the company and its board, with an additional investment proposal tied to new shares.
Aftermath
The business was rebranded as Airtel Bangladesh from 20 December 2010.
Acquisition price for 70 percent stake. US$300 million (2010)
2010
Sale of a majority stake to Bharti AirtelM&ABackground
Warid Telecom sought a change in ownership for its Bangladesh mobile operation after establishing a nationwide network and customer base.
Action taken
Warid Telecom sold 70 percent of the company to Bharti Airtel Limited for a reported US$300 million. The transaction received regulatory approval on January 4, 2010, and Bharti Airtel assumed management and board control.
Aftermath
The business was rebranded as Airtel Bangladesh in December 2010, ending Warid's standalone consumer-brand presence.
Reported transaction value. US$300 million (2010)
2010
Rebranding under AirtelStrategyBackground
Bharti Airtel took operational and board control of the former Warid Bangladesh business after acquiring a majority stake.
Action taken
The company replaced the Warid consumer identity with the Airtel Bangladesh brand in December 2010.
Aftermath
Warid Bangladesh ceased operating as an independent consumer brand, while the Bangladesh business continued under Airtel.
Sources2 sources
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