Ownership Structure
The shareholders of Grameenphone contribute their unique, in-depth experience in both telecommunications and development.
It is a joint venture enterprise between Telenor (55.8%), the largest telecommunications service provider in Norway with mobile phone operations in 12 other countries, and Grameen Telecom (34.2% ), a non-profit organization of Bangladesh. The other 10% shares belong to general retail and institutional investors.
The technological know-how and managerial expertise of Telenor has been instrumental in setting up such an international standard mobile phone operation in Bangladesh. Being one of the pioneers in developing the GSM service in Europe, Telenor has also helped to transfer this knowledge to the local employees over the years
The international shareholder brings technological and business management expertise while the local shareholder provides a presence throughout Bangladesh and a deep understanding of its economy. Both are dedicated to Bangladesh and its struggle for economic progress and have a deep commitment to Grameenphone and its mission to provide affordable telephony to the entire population of Bangladesh.
Telenor
Grameen Telecom
Telenor is emerging as one of the fastest growing providers of mobile communications services worldwide with ownership interests in 12 mobile operators across Europe and Asia. Telenor is organised into three business areas; Mobile operations covering 12 countries, and Fixed-line and Broadcast services covering the Nordic region.
Telenor holds 55.8 per cent of Grameenphone, with Grameen Telecom owning the remaining 34.2 per cent. The rest of the shares belong to general retail and institutional investors. Telenor has played a pioneering role in development of cellular communications in Bangladesh.
The Telenor Group
- More than 150 million mobile subscribers worldwide
- Strong subscription growth, particularly in our Asian operations
- Listed as No.1 on Dow Jones Sustainability Index 2008
- Ranked as the world's seventh largest mobile operator
- Revenues 2007: NOK 105 billion
- Workforce 2007: 35 800 man-years
- Listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, with headquarters in Norway
Grameen Telecom, which owns 34.20% of the shares of Grameenphone, is a not-for-profit company in Bangladesh established by Professor Muhammad Yunus, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize 2006.
GTC’s mandate is to provide easy access to GSM cellular services in rural Bangladesh and create new opportunities for income generation through self-employment by providing villagers, mostly to the poor rural women with access to modern information and communication-based technologies.
Grameen Telecom, with its field network, administers the Village Phone Program, through which Grameenphone provides its services to the fast growing rural customers, Grameen Telecom trains the operators and handles all service-related issues.
GTC has been acclaimed for the innovative Village Phone Program. GTC & its Chairman Nobel Peace prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus have received several awards which include; First ITU World information Society Award in 2005; Petersburg Prize for Use of the IT to improve Poor People’s Lives” in 2004; GSM Association Award for “GSM in Community Service” in 2000.
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