Airtel rings over Rs. 2 b investment on 3G network expansion in Sri Lanka

Wednesday, 18 December 2013 00:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Strategic project with the objective of gaining market leadership in mobile internet market
Successfully launches the first phase of 3G network expansion of over 250 new 3G site rollout
Targets offering of seamless high speed data connectivity for customers across the country

Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, yesterday announced the launch of the initial phase of a comprehensive network expansion exercise in Sri Lanka across 250 plus sites in urban, suburban and rural pockets across all districts of the country. This project would thereby see Airtel Lanka increasing its 3G presence beyond 1000 towers and 2G presence beyond 1800 towers across the island.

As part of this extensive expansion project that includes the expansion of transmission network, Airtel will continue to deploy robust and world class network infrastructure and equipment to strengthen its customers’ high speed data connectivity and mobile internet experience. Commenting on this latest milestone, Bharti Airtel Lanka’s Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director Suren Goonewardene stated: “At Airtel, it is our ethos of changing Sri Lanka’s telecom landscape and in which businesses operate in Sri Lanka. While we have changed the way mobile communications work in the country through the introduction of several innovative services which includes the concept of no hidden costs, we are now geared to change the language of the telecom business from a mobile to a mobile internet organisation. With this in mind, we have now invested heavily in our 3G network. “Our new HSPA+ network infrastructure uses cutting edge technology and is designed to deliver a world class data experience for our customers in Sri Lanka. We are confident that this network upgrade will empower our customers living at any part of the island to experience high speed and seamless access to data services allowing them to enjoy the best online experience across a host of activities including emailing, downloading, uploading, LIVE streaming, social networking etc.” Along with the commitment towards enhancing Airtel’s network presence across Sri Lanka and continuing to work towards new ways of delivering a seamless network experience to customers, Goonewardene further stated: “When it comes to mobile internet, Airtel will be the brand loved by all Sri Lankans whether they are prepaid or post paid customers residing in any part of the country. “We have launched customised internet packages and tailor made handset bundle offers (HBOs), which all Sri Lankans will have the propensity to use. We have also started increasing the number of customer touch points thus giving our customer accessibility to the range of data services which is fresh, youthful, current and innovative. “Our network expansion program will complement our overall objective of leading Sri Lanka’s mobile internet market resulting in Airtel delivering on a promise hinged on reliability, affordability and accessibility.” Bharti Airtel Lanka commenced commercial operations of services in Sri Lanka on 12 January, 2009, and was the fastest operator to reach 1 million customers in Sri Lanka. With its network footprint panned out across the country and capturing strategic ranking positions in various areas in less than three years of operations, Airtel has emerged as Sri Lanka’s fastest expanding network. Registered under the Board of Investment in Sri Lanka, Airtel Lanka provides digital mobile services into Sri Lanka which includes voice telephony, voice mail, data services and GSM based services. The company has also received accreditations such as ISO 27001:2005 and ISO 22301 for its continuous efforts towards information security and business continuity.