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Serves rural areas in development:
Tritel CDMA goes rural
Harshini PERERA
 Tritel is the oldest pay-phone company in Sri Lanka and its
distinctive quality is that it serves the rural areas in their
development process. Tritel has expanded the service by installing 500
new CDMA units adding to the 5,500 units with IDD facilities which
operated throughout the country, said CEO/Director, Tritel, Nihal
Ratnayake.
Q: How do you see the competition in the market?
A: Tritel has been providing services since 1997 and we were
the only company who qualified to get the rural subsidy by the
Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. In that sense, we were the only
company representing the rural areas with our service by installing
pay-phones or public phones. We were equipped with new technology of
CDMA 450 frequency. Thus compared with our service, the other companies
provide value-added services which are different to what we offer. Since
we are focused on rural areas we can deliver a specialized service to
our customers.
Q: Compared with other countries in the region where does Sri
Lanka stand when it comes to the telecommunication industry?
A: There is a remarkable growth in the telecommunication
industry in Sri Lanka in general. Among the SAARC countries, Sri Lanka
take a leading role in the industry.
Q: Recently, Tritel launched solar-powered pay-phones. What is
the progress of this product?
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Nihal Ratnayake. Pic by Saliya Rupasinghe |
A: The solar-powered pay phones are affordable and can be
accessed day or night. They are installed in many places where the
public can easily access - bus stands, railways stations, military
camps, rural hospitals, universities and certain refugee camps. It will
enable even rural areas to develop with access to communication. On the
other hand, it is a price sensitive market and people use this not as a
luxury but as a means of communication. Earlier, we used to get lines
from other service providers but at present we deploy our own lines.
Q: How many solar-powered pay phones are installed in Sri
Lanka?
A: We started installing CDMA phones two months ago and
already there are 500 units throughout Sri Lanka. There will be 2,000
units installed by the end of this year. Our Malaysian shareholders have
provided US$ 3 million to install new CDMA phones.
Q: How would Tritel respond to the opening in the North and
East of Sri Lanka?
A: It shows a huge potential to grow in the telecommunication
sector. We have already visited those areas.
There are some logistics reasons and we cannot use coins.
Instead we have introduced a card system. We are impressed to see the
development taking place in those areas.
Q: What are the other services you have introduced or will be
introducing in the near future?
A: There will be added features. For example, the SMS service
which one can use with a one rupee coin. This will be a useful service
for the masses. It appeals to the cost-conscious people in today's
world.
In addition we will take steps to expand our services to the North
and East. We are exploring opportunities of a smart system where the
masses have access to the internet using coins in public places such as
airports and ports.
Q: How is the maintenance done in the units?
A: We have deployed several teams from the respective areas
who are trained in marketing, sales and are equipped with technical
knowledge.
They understand the background of the area which makes it easy to
deploy them in services.
Q: How will Tritel compete with the other mobile service
providers?
A: We are not competing with other mobile service providers.
But whenever customers are unable to access the mobile service, Tritel
is there in their need.
Q: With the peace prevailing in the country, the local
business community has a pivotal role to play in the country's economy.
What is the role of the private sector in this regard?
A: All private companies should assist in development programs
which the Government is implementing. We are glad that we can support it
even in a small way.
Our shareholders too have identified the need and therefore, they
have invested another US$ three million to expand the services.
Q: Why did you choose the telecommunication sector for your
career?
A: I was engaged in marketing and sales for which I had a
flair. Apart from that, I feel that telecommunication is an industry
which expands rapidly. It is an industry which changes all the time,
thus there is innovation.
Q: What is your advice to young people who try to climb the
corporate ladder?
A: They should have a goal in life and at the same time they
should be sincere in achieving that goal. It should not be fulfilled at
any cost but work hard and achieve it.
Q: How do you spend your leisure?
A: I enjoy wildlife and do a little meditation. As for
relaxation, I prefer to go for a walk.
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Profile:
Name: Nihal Ratnayake
School attended: S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia
Civil status: Married and has two children
Professional qualifications: Qualified as a Pilot
Current profession: CEO/Director of Tritel Telecommunication (Pvt)
Ltd.
Experience: Thirteen years’ experience in the Telecommunication
sector
Sports: Cricket, badminton and hiking
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