Mobile phone usage notches 85 percent

The mobile phone usage ratio in the country has increased to 85 percent recording a rapid growth during the past seven years, Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said. He said that the public demand for fixed lines has now diverged to mobile phones.

Mobile phone usage ratio was 12.1 percent for 100 people in 2003. This has increased to 85 percent now.

The ratio for fixed line telephones was 4.9 percent in 2003. This has increased to 16.78 percent at present.

The Minister also observed that about three out of four people use a phone today. "Phone was considered a luxury item in the past, but now it has become an item that closely associates with the life of people.

This mirrors the development of the country. Our aim is to further develop the telecommunication sector with the intervention of Sri Lanka Telecom and contribution of private companies, he said. The Minister said that the Government Information Center (GIC) which operates under a concept of the President has provided an immense service to the public. Over four million people had called the GIC number 1919 to receive this service in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages.

It also received several international awards due to its efficient service, he said.

DM