Bhutan Telecom Limited (BTL) is a provider of telecommunications and Internet services in the Kingdom of Bhutan. In addition to fixed line services, the company provides mobile services under its flagship brand B-Mobile, and Internet services under the brand name of DrukNet.

BTL came into existence on 1 July 2000 as a fully state-owned company, following partial privatisation of the Department of Telecommunications which has a history dating back to 1970. The first rudimentary works in building a telecommunication network in the country was taken up in 1963 to aid development works of the First Five Year Plan for modern economic development of the country.  Since then, BTL has come a long way from its humble beginnings and today boasts of a fully digital microwave and optical fiber backbone network covering the length and breadth of the country.

Alias
Bhutan Telecom Ltd.
Country
Bhutan
Type
Network Operator
B-Mobile BTL Logo

BTL 3G Network

Bhutan Telecom Limited launched the trial service for 2G and 3G services in April, 2008. The commercial launch was held on 5th May, 2008 with 900/1800 MHz bands used for 2G, and B1 (2100 MHz) used for 3G. The company switched 3G frequencies from B1 to B5 (850 MHz) in 2015 to provide significantly improved coverage in selected areas.

Network Frequency Band Status
B5 (850 MHz)
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 3G Network
Launch

BTL 4G Network

LTE was launched in Thimphu in October 2013, Thimphu being the nation’s one of the most valuable data markets. 4G service operates over B3 (1800 MHz) with Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) technology. This band was chosen since it is widely adopted by most Southeast Asian Countries ensuring that modems and other devices like phones were easily available in the market.

4G Frequency Bands
Network Frequency Band Status
B3 (1800 MHz)
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 4G Network
Launch