Display omitted •Er3+:Li–Zn fluoroborate glass was fabricated for laser applications.•Judd–Ofelt and radiative parameters were investigated.•Broadband optical communications due to 1.5μm emission.•McCumber theory analysis for 1.5μm region. Er3+-doped Li–Zn fluoroborate glass was synthesized via melt quenching technique. Optical properties of the glass were investigated by UV–Vis-NIR absorption and emission spectra. To evaluate the nature of Er3+-ligand bond in the glass network, nephelauxetic ratios and bonding parameter were calculated. Judd–Ofelt analysis and hence the radiative properties of the present glass system were evaluated for ascertaining the suitability of the glass for laser applications and compared those with the emission spectra. Absorption cross-sections have been calculated from the absorption spectrum and stimulated emission cross-sections were estimated using McCumber theory for 4I13/2↔4I15/2 transitions. The results of the present glass were compared with those obtained for some other Er3+-doped glass systems.