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% growth in customer demand for data with each lockdown wave and enhance the 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 functions 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% of Sri Lanka’s population is covered by SLT-Mobitel’s mobile network, concerted efforts are underway to give connectivity to more people in challenging 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 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.
SLT-MOBITEL plays a pivotal role in creating a digitally inclusive and prosperous Sri Lanka by giving the public access to the latest tools, platforms and technology.
As a partner of this effort, the company plays a crucial role in the Gamata Sanniwedanaya and Gama Samaga Pilisandarak national programmes by bringing connectivity to the most remote areas of the country.
While the long-term provision of coverage requires lead time for a range of approvals, tower construction and import of equipment, SLT-Mobitel 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.
0 comments: