Dialog introduces high-speed wireless data services

Tamara Nissanka

Dialog Telekom, USAID and QUALCOMM partnered in a joint venture to introduce high-speed wireless data services to rural areas through the 'Easy Seva' initiative. The 15th center was opened recently in Wennappuva.

The Easy Seva centers functions with the objective of empowering rural communities in Sri Lanka whilst providing employment opportunities at regional levels under the Micro-Finance strategy.

NDB and LOLC, the banking partners of the project fund operations will administer loans to rural entrepreneurs

 in commencing these franchises. Access to the Internet, Video/voice conferencing and related facilities offered at Easy Seva centres enables the community to get in touch with the world outside their respective villages faster and more efficiently.

In addition to financial assistance and banking services, selected entrepreneurs will receive training to enhance their business skills with IT expertise. Microsoft funds the training cost.

"Getting Wireless Technology to undeserved communities is a huge opportunity for us", said President of QUALCOMM India and SAARC, Kanwalinder Singh. QUALCOMM facilitates the project by providing the required wireless reach through 3G, in order to develop entrepreneurship, education, healthcare and pubic safety within selected locals.

"Under the Easy Seva initiative we are creating a mini-economy through a mini-business. Dialog has been a pioneer organisation in introducing Sri Lankans to latest advances in ICT. The Easy Seva initiative is the most recent development in Dialog's philosophy of connecting the unconnected." said General Manager Dialog Telekom Nushad Perera at a medial briefing held yesterday.