Business

Suntel launches CDMA technology

The International Telecommunication Commission (ITC) had granted US $ 64,500 million to develop the tsunami affected telecommunication network in Sri Lanka, said Telecommunication, Posts and Udarata Development Minister D. M. Jayaratne.

Speaking at the Suntel CDMA technology launch at Mahaweli Reach Hotel Kandy last Friday the Minister said that all post offices and damaged telecommunication network would be rebuilt with the aid.

"We would be re-installing the telephone link and providing free telephones to all the Sri Lanka Telecom subscribers who were affected by the tsunami," he said. The Minister said "Cabinet approval has been already received for this."

He said that the SLT had not been efficient in the last six years and said that he would change this situation and make it competitive and a more people oriented institution.

In Anuradhapura, there had been 3000 applications for new phones while there were 1600 loops available only 196 connections had been given. "There had been several similar issues where customers used to get high bills and a very bad service. We would soon change this," he said.

The Minister said that this was the reason he tied up with private companies such as Suntel to take the telecommunication to the rural areas. "I do not see why a person should go behind politicians or high ranking officials to obtain a telephone connection for which he pays," he said.

Jayaratne said that with the assistance from foreign donors he would install 400 pay phones in the rural areas within this year. "The Suntel too has promised they would connect more people specially in the rural areas this year," he said.

The government's aim will be to introduce 3G technology to the country.

Suntel Managing Director Rillemor Larsson said that with the launch of CDMA technology, they would be targeting one million customers at the end of the year. She said they need more frequency to increase this amount even further.

With the new technology no more antennae, recharging batteries would be needed and it would be as simple as purchasing a phone fixing it at home and using it. Suntel also hopes to extend this technology to the existing Suntel users as well in the future.

She also said that they are keen to launch a cellular network as they have the technology for it. "We are awaiting the government approval for this," she said.