Slt-mobitel ramps up connectivity and capacity to meet national demand amid pandemic
„Demand for data nearly doubles since onset of pandemic „Over Rs. 25 bn annual investments on infrastructure development „Efforts to provide connectivity to low coverage areas launched
Slt-mobitel has ramped up its service delivery to meet the nationwide increase in data usage and traffic that has nearly doubled since the onset of the pandemic.
The company announced that an investment of over Rs. 25 billion is being made annually in the past few years on infrastructure development especially to rollout ‘Fiber To The Home (FTTH)’ high speed broadband networks and 4G LTE Mobile BTS expansions. This is to facilitate an average 30 percent growth in customer demand for data with each lockdown wave, and enhance capacity, speed and bandwidth of internet users.
The unprecedented spread of the Coronavirus pandemic early last year across the country meant businesses, education and social interaction heavily depended on connectivity. This posed a challenge for the telecom industry as demand for connectivity increased exponentially, exceeding existing capacities or capabilities.
Given the increased demand, Slt-mobitel and its dedicated staff of over 10,000 function as an essential service, supporting national connectivity priorities while introducing innovative solutions to meet this unprecedented demand.
Through its pioneering fibre-optic and ADSL broadband networks, Slt-mobitel offers uninterrupted connectivity to Sri Lankan homes, enabling them to continue work operations, education, and entertainment activities during travel restrictions and lockdown periods. The company is investing further to enhance and expand coverage to meet increasing demand.
While 95 percent of Sri Lanka’s population is covered by Slt-mobitel’s mobile network, concerted efforts are underway to give connectivity to more people in challenged terrain.
In the interim, several innovative solutions have been offered by Slt-mobitel for customers in low coverage areas, including the use of an external antenna attached to the router to enhance reception.
With a focus on providing children with the best opportunities amidst school closures, SLT-MOBITEL introduced low-cost data solutions for online learning and access to content platforms. The company also provided free access to state-led e-learning platforms while offering dedicated education channels including ‘Videsa TV’ through Slt-mobitel’s PEO TV and PEO TV GO.
With ongoing investments in infrastructure development, Slt-mobitel continues its transformation as a comprehensive digital service provider. The company remains focused on the shared national vision of establishing Sri Lanka as a global innovation hub, creating connections not only with each other, but with the world.