Citycell Mobile Services and Plan History
Citycell established itself in the telecommunications market by leveraging CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) technology. Unlike the more common GSM networks that utilize SIM cards, Citycell utilized R-UIMs (Removable User Identity Modules) to manage subscriber identities and services.
Key Facts
- Operated using CDMA technology and R-UIMs instead of traditional SIMs.
- Launched the first prepaid plan with BTTB (Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited) connectivity in 2003.
- Introduced the first negative tariff plan in the country via the Aalap Call Me plan in 2005.
- Offered high-speed data via Zoom Ultra using EV-DO technology.
- Provided specialized postpaid services under the Citycell One brand.
Prepaid Service Evolution
Citycell's prepaid offerings began in 2003, marking a significant milestone as the first provider to offer prepaid plans with BTTB connectivity. Over time, the company developed nine distinct prepaid plans, often introducing innovative pricing models that challenged the industry status quo.
In 2005, the company launched the Aalap Call Me plan, which introduced the concept of a negative tariff. Under this system, customers actually received credit toward their balance when they received calls from other Citycell subscribers. That same year, the Aalap Super plan was introduced, offering free late-night calls to other Citycell users. This feature became so popular that it prompted competitors to launch similar products, eventually leading the BTRC (Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission) to order all operators to stop offering free call facilities.
By 2006, Citycell introduced the Hello 0123 plan. The naming convention reflected a tiered pricing structure: Tk 0 for one chosen Citycell number, Tk 1 for two other Citycell numbers, Tk 2 for all other Citycell numbers, and Tk 3 for calls to other networks. This innovative structure led to several spinoff plans throughout 2007.
Postpaid and Specialized Voice Plans
Citycell's primary postpaid offering was branded as Citycell One. This service provided subscribers with several advantages, including four FnF (Friends and Family) numbers for other operators, a 30-second pulse for all outgoing calls, and integrated data services.
During the 2009 Dhaka International Trade Fair, the company expanded its portfolio with the VOICE-DATA plan. This specific postpaid service offered reduced tariffs for voice calls and SMS across any operator and BTTB (NWD), while providing a highly competitive rate of 0.25 Tk/minute for voice calls and SMS within the Citycell network.
Zoom Ultra Data Services
For users requiring dedicated internet access, Citycell offered Zoom Ultra. This data plan utilized EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) technology, a high-speed data standard for CDMA networks, to provide download speeds of up to 512 kbit/s.
The service was delivered via internet dongles or routers. Customers could receive the ZTE AC782 or Tianjian E618 dongles, or the Huawei EC5321 router. Additionally, the Zoom service was compatible with the Huawei EC321 and ZTE MG880+ modems, allowing users to surf the web within Citycell's coverage areas.
| Service Category | Key Plan/Product | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Prepaid | Aalap Call Me | First negative tariff plan (credit for receiving calls) |
| Prepaid | Hello 0123 | Tiered pricing (Tk 0 to Tk 3) |
| Postpaid | Citycell One | 4 FnF numbers and 30-sec pulse |
| Postpaid | VOICE-DATA | 0.25 Tk/min for on-net calls/SMS |
| Data | Zoom Ultra | EV-DO technology; speeds up to 512 kbit/s |
Frequently Asked Questions
What technology did Citycell use instead of GSM?
Citycell operated using CDMA technology and provided R-UIMs to its subscribers instead of the standard SIM cards used in GSM networks.
What was the Aalap Call Me plan?
Launched in 2005, it was the first phone plan in the country to feature a negative tariff, meaning subscribers earned credit toward their balance when receiving calls from other Citycell users.
How did the Hello 0123 plan work?
The plan used a tiered tariff system: Tk 0 for one specific Citycell number, Tk 1 for two others, Tk 2 for all other Citycell numbers, and Tk 3 for calls to other networks.
What were the specifications of the Zoom Ultra data plan?
Zoom Ultra used EV-DO technology to provide download speeds up to 512 kbit/s, utilizing hardware such as the Huawei EC5321 router or ZTE AC782 dongle.
What were the benefits of the Citycell One postpaid plan?
Subscribers enjoyed four FnF numbers for other operators, a 30-second pulse for outgoing calls, and access to data services.