TRC introduces GSM technology to all mobile operators

COLOMBO: The Sri Lanka Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has been able to introduce G.S.M. Technology to all mobile phone connections and reduce mobile telephone call charges by almost 40 per cent last year. This was revealed at a progress review meeting of the commission held under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees on Friday.

A press release issued by the Presidential Secretariat said that mobile phone call charges which was Rs. 11 per minute has been reduced to Rs. 6 per minute, it was revealed at this meeting.

It was also revealed that the commission had issued permits to four new F.M. radio stations last year and two of them "We F.M." and Siyatha F.M. have already commenced broadcasting services.

Free CDMA telephone connections have been provided to 2,414 sub post offices and 30 common telephone booths had been provided to them under the programme of providing telecommunication facilities to rural areas. A pilot project to set up telephone centres for tsunami affected people has been launched in Weligama, Tangalle and Hambantota with the assistance of the government of Malta.

The commission has arranged to launch the second stage of its programme to provide specially designed telephones to disabled persons. Providing "Telephone connections for all at an affordable price" according to the Mahinda Chinthanaya has been the policy adopted by this commission.