DHAKA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh is set to rollout 5G services next year, the country's telecom regulator said Wednesday.

Steps are underway to launch the latest generation of cellular mobile communications from the next year, said Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Commissioner Aminul Hassan during a meeting with the members of TRNB or Telecom Reporters' Network of Bangladesh.

He said they would issue licenses to the existing operators for launching 5G service next year.

"We'll also allow any local or foreign vendors to apply for 5G licence to render the service in Bangladesh."

In February last year, Bangladesh formally entered 4G era as BTRC issued licences to four operators -- Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink and Teletalk-- paving the way for launching the fourth generation of mobile telecommunications services.

Experts said the launch of 5G services could further bolster the government's efforts in minimizing the "digital divide" in Bangladesh, which is poorly served by broadband Internet services.

Bangladesh in October 2012 officially entered the third generation of wireless communications.

Bangladesh has now four mobile companies, three of which are foreign-backed cellphone operators.