Recycled numbers on Robi, Banglalink, Teletalk, and Airtel
Last updated 2026-07-07 By Adnan Siddiqui
Grameenphone is the operator with the most visible, dated public PDF notices for recycled numbers — which is why this site indexes GP data today. But every major Bangladesh operator reclaims inactive numbers under BTRC rules. This guide explains what we know about each network, how policies differ, and what you can do if you use or buy a non-GP SIM.
All operators recycle — transparency varies
BTRC’s numbering framework applies industry-wide. Robi, Banglalink, Teletalk, and Airtel (where active) all reclaim long-inactive prepaid and postpaid lines. What differs is how openly each operator publishes deactivated-number lists. Grameenphone’s dedicated recycled-number page is the most accessible public source; others may rely on regulatory filings, press releases, or in-network processes without a consumer-friendly search tool.
Robi (018)
Robi uses the 018 prefix range (alongside other allocations over time). Inactive SIM policies follow standard MNO practice: temporary barring, then permanent deactivation for extended non-use or non-payment. Robi does not currently offer a GP-style consolidated recycled-number PDF portal that we index. For Robi-specific reissue or reactivation, contact Robi customer care (dial 123) or visit a Robi Signature / service center with NID.
Banglalink (019, 014)
Banglalink operates primarily on 019 and 014 prefixes. Number reclamation follows similar inactivity timelines. Public recycled-number PDFs are not as prominently published as Grameenphone’s list. If you are buying a Banglalink “chosen number,” verify registration and run the OTP smoke test from our buyer checklist regardless of whether a public notice exists.
Teletalk (015)
Teletalk is the state-owned operator. Number recycling still occurs for inactive connections, but consumer-facing recycled lists are limited compared to GP. Government and special plans may have different deactivation rules. For Teletalk reissue questions, visit a Teletalk service point or call their helpline with NID ready.
Airtel (historical note)
Airtel Bangladesh merged into Robi years ago. You may still encounter legacy Airtel branding or 016 numbers in the wild, but new Airtel retail SIMs are not sold separately today. Recycling questions for old 016 ranges generally fall under Robi’s processes after migration.
Practical advice for any operator
Until every operator publishes searchable recycled lists, the safest approach is universal:
- Register every SIM to your own NID at purchase.
- Watch SMS traffic for the first 48 hours.
- Use our security and buyer guides even if you cannot search a notice online.
- For Grameenphone numbers, use this checker before you buy or trust a line.
Why this site focuses on Grameenphone
GP Recycle exists because Grameenphone publishes machine-readable, dated recycled-number notices at scale. Indexing them solves a real search problem for millions of 017/013 users. Expanding to other operators would require equivalent public sources — we will add them if operators publish comparable data. This site is about Bangladesh recycled numbers broadly in our guides, even though the search tool is GP-specific today.