The signing is as part of WorldTel's preparation to launch land phone operations in Dhaka metropolis shortly.

WorldTel, which has a license to build, own and operate PSTN telephone network in Dhaka, will initially start with 1,00,000 connections. In the second phase, the company will provide another two lakh connections. WorldTel will be providing a full range of telecommunication services.

"It was an important step for WorldTel Bangladesh and this would ensure the proper connectivity with BTTB, the largest landline operator in Bangladesh," Nayeem Mehtab Chowdhury, CEO of WorldTel Bangladesh Limited, said at the signing ceremony.

Aliwardy Khandker, chairman of BTTB, and Nayeem Mehtab Chowdhury, CEO of WorldTel Bangladesh Limited, signed the agreement on behalf of their organisations at a function at BTTB head office in Dhaka.

WorldTel will use Wireless Local Loop (WLL) technology in its fixed line operations. It had signed hardware procurement deal with Chinese company ZTE. The WLL technology will do away with cable connection to subscribers' location.

Syed Mabrur Umar, Hamidun Nabi Dipu, Mannan Khan and Syed Ahmed Amin of Worldtel and Ashraful Alim, member M&O of BTTB, and Dr. Md. Abu Sayed Khan, GM Finance of BTTB, were also present.

The private sector fixed phone operations will provide world class services to its subscribers. The company says the tariff will be competitive in comparison with other operators.

WorldTel got licence in 2001 to install fixed phones in Dhaka metropolitan area.