SLT-MOBITEL invests Rs. 25 bn annually to improve connectivity, capacity

SLT- MOBITEL, the state- owned ICT, Telecommunications and Mobile Services Provider, 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 in statement said that an investment of over Rs. 25 billion is being made annually in the past few years on infrastructure development especially to rollout “Fibre 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, SLTMOBITEL and its staff of over 10,000 functions as an essential service, supporting national connectivity priorities while introducing innovative solutions to meet this unprecedented demand.

The statement said that through its pioneering fibre- optic and ADSL broadband networks, SLT-MOBITEL 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 SLTMOBITEL’s mobile network, concerted efforts are underway to give connectivity to more people in challenged terrain.

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 SLTMOBITEL’s PEO TV and PEO TV GO.

While long-term provision of coverage requires lead time for a range of approvals, tower construction and import of equipment, SLTMOBITEL is working closely with the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) to further fast-track the establishment of new towers, thereby expediting connectivity to areas that lack coverage.

SLT-MOBITEL has contributed Rs. 50 million to the COVID-19 Fund to date. Additionally, the company continues to provide medical equipment through the Ministry of Health for the healthcare sector as they battle COVID-19.

SLT-MOBITEL further facilitated the use of eChannelling to register and schedule COVID-19 vaccinations in the Colombo Municipal area.

The company has also distributed over 1 million face masks for the protection of the public, as well as dry ration packs for communities directly affected by COVID- 19 and the recent floods.

“With ongoing investments in infrastructure development, SLTMOBITEL 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,” the statement added.

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.