Power cuts could cripple SL Internet

The 10-hour to 16-hour power cuts will cripple the Sri Lankan Internet, mobile operators fear saying that most of their sites are set up with battery banks and only the critical hubs are equipped with generators.

As such the majority of the sites will cease backup power and shut down if power cuts persist, they say.

“We understand that it is our responsibility as connectivity providers to keep our people and enterprises connected during these unprecedented times. We are committed to providing consistent services despite the exceptional circumstances we face today. We wish to inform our customers that our telecommunications networks are equipped with alternate energy systems to maintain connectivity. However, despite our endeavours, you may experience interruptions during prolonged power outages in the national grid due to constraints in backup power systems and access to fuel at our nodes and towers,” a joint statement by Dialog, Airtel and Hutch said.

Many complained about the slowness in Internet speed during the power cuts, the Business Times learnt.