Hutch launches 3G services; promises 1000 BTS by July

Monday, 23 April 2012 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Hutch Telecom Lanka has launched its 3G services initially covering the Western province and with a promise of countrywide coverage and a total of 1000 BTS by July this year.

The addition of the 3G towers together with Hutch’s existing 2G towers means that Hutch’s coverage will be as good as the best of the other operators. Hutch’s rollout of 3G services follows its entry into the post-paid market a few months ago.

Hutch’s investment in the 3G network amounting to $ 65 million is backed by its parent, the Hutchison Whampoa Group of Hong Kong.

“We are the last to launch 3G in Sri Lanka but we haven’t compromised quality and speed. We are committed to Sri Lanka and our customers here and will continue to invest,” Hutchison Telecommunications Group Holdings Ltd., Director Dennis Lui told a electrifying 3G launch ceremony last week.

He said that within Hutch global network, Sri Lanka was the 12th to have seen the launch of 3G with others being six in Europe and five in Asia Pacific.

“The Hutchison Whampoa Group is a global telecommunication in the telecommunications industry. Its backing of this investment supports the Government’s initiatives to develop the country’s infrastructure and services and helps us enormously to live up to the brand promise of Hutch,” Hutchison Telecom Lanka Chief Operating Officer Anand Prakash said.

According to him with only around 10 per cent of the Sri Lankan population having access to the Internet, Hutch sees great opportunity for the growth of its 3G network.

He said although there has been a strong growth in both fixed line and mobile telephony in Sri Lanka, the development of the Internet still remains slow, accessibility remains limited and available services generally very basic.

“Even though 3G by itself is not new to this country, what we bring to the consumer is higher download/upload speeds. We can describe our service simply as the new experience the customer can have when they are surfing and it is because we are using newer technology. Our new generation software is capable of faster unhindered usage, which can override congestion to deliver a whole new and better experience in 3G,” Prakash added.

The 3G packages offered by Hutch will be exceptionally attractive. Hutch customers can buy services according to their specific needs. “All this will be facilitated through areas in the city of Colombo called the Hutch Experience Zones. Apart from this we will be in the malls and select supermarkets,” a company spokesperson said.