SLT to install 3G Network this year

Shirajiv Sirimane

3G NETWORKING: Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) would be installing their third generation (3G) network this year, SLT Chief Corporate Officer, P. N. E Abeyasekera said.

She said more towers would be installed this year and they are hoping that the testing would be completed by the end of the year. "We hope to utilise this to enhance the Mobitel operations.

Sri Lanka becomes the first 3G enabled country in South Asia and already MTN Network (Dialog) is installing 3G in Sri Lanka.

The CDMA technology that was introduced last year by Sri Lanka Telecom has turned out to be one of their highest profit generating markets for last year.

She said that the SLT had a late start in this area and now has caught up with the other two players.

"The main reason for the success is the keenness by the rural community to get connected," she said.

The incoming international traffic too has contributed towards their profits.

Abeysekera said the internet would be a much sought-out tool in the future and they have intensified their investments in this area. "We have invested on additional CMV cable and a satellite to make sure there is adequate back up for internet and other communication.

The SLT has invested Rs. 15 million to host the ongoing South Asian Network Operators Group (SANOG IX) conference, which is South Asia's largest networking conference.

"We see many opportunities by hosting this workshop and see this as a sensible investment," she said. Over 60 foreign and 150 Sri Lankans are participating in this workshop held at the Trans Asia hotel.