TRC introduces Internet speed testing facility

* Ensures better service

* Helps evaluate broadband services

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has introduced an accurate Internet speed testing facility for subscribers to ensure that they receive a better service from Internet service providers.

This facility was launched by TRC chairman and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga yesterday.

Subscribers can access this facility by logging into http://speedtest.trc.gov.lk/TRCSpeed/broadband.php to check the available Internet speeds. The entire system has been developed based on the client server application environment and offers the facility for the subscriber using two different locations in the world.

In this regard, two dedicated high-end servers in the US and Europe have been selected for the purpose of provisioning speed testing. Both servers are located in data centres and linked to the Internet at a speed of 1Gbps (Giga bites per second), TRC consultant Sanath Siriwardena said.

He said that the TRC would be the first regulator to adopt and introduce such a system in broadband speed testing, since other regulators in the world offer the speed testing facility only for local segments.

“Internet subscribers in Sri Lanka have gone through many hardships in testing their Internet connections to check available speeds. Eventhough there were no facilities available for subscribers to check whether the operators are providing the correct speed to the customer as advertised, the unveiling of the speed testing facility will address the long standing issue and will help customers evaluate the service provided by broadband operators,” Siriwardena noted.

Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga said, that every school in the country will be provided a computer with a better Internet connection.

Information technology literacy among the younger generation, including 4.5 million schoolchildren will be increased in line with the Mahinda Chinthana policy statement. Therefore, the government is empowering villages with IT by providing and developing other infrastructure facilities.

He further added that the TRC performs its duty of regulating but not performing the duty of a policeman. According to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, there should be a balance between regulation and innovation.

The President had clearly emphasized this when he met the business community in Perth, recently. Advisor to the President and ICTA chairman Professor P W Epasinghe and Director General of the TRC Anusha Pelpita also participated in the event.