SLT Mobitel geared to develop Sri Lankan digital technology sector

By HiruniDabarera

In a bid to digitise Sri Lankans island-wide, Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) Mobitel introduced special post-paid plans for State sector employees, media personnel, Samurdhi recipients and senior citizens early this week.

“At present the smartphone usage in Sri Lanka is only 23% while internet accessibility is a mere 26%. Through innovative product offerings like this, the Government hopes to provide digital technology accessibility to citizens in every nook and corner despite economic background or age disparities,” declared Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Minister Harin Fernando, who was the Chief Guest at the event.

According to the Minister, one of the main drawbacks the Government has faced to achieve its plan of digitising the whole of Sri Lanka by 2020is spreading internet and digital technology accessibility to rural villages.Hence, he believes that this new initiative will become a milestone in achieving this motive. 

“Digital means flow. It is the fountain for the spread of knowledge and information in the modern world. There is a saying that if a country’s internet usage increases by 10%, its GDP will grow by 1.1%. By the end of this year, we hope to increase internet usage to 50%,” the Minister further expressed. 

“Advancement in digital technology is definitely the way forward for economic progress in Sri Lanka. It cuts down travelling charges and saves time and effort. Modern-day children have become experts at technology and ithas proved its effectiveness in relation to their daily studies countless times, especially through features like e-learning. We also hope to introduce a special package along with a smartphone grant to State university students in future,” said SLT President D.G. Kumarasinghe.

SLT Mobitel started its services towards developing digital technology with the introduction of ‘Mobitel Upahara’ in 2008 and ‘Upahara Broadband’ in 2012. These benefits which were entitled only to the Government sector employees have now expanded to other sectors as well. 

Recent statistics denote how the number of Samurdhi recipients adds up to almost 1.4 million and there are about 1.3 million employed in the public sector. EPF and ETF holders number over 30,000. Hence, a large number of individuals will be benefitted through the grant ofthe special post-paid packages.

The cheapest of the packages priced at Rs.199 is targeted at senior citizens and Samurdhi recipients. It is introduced with a Nokia 105 phone.The senior citizens’post-paid package named ‘Meth GaruSaru’ offers 100 Mobitel to Mobitel free minutes and SMSes monthly. It also includes lifetime free access to 24/7 doc call IVR to consult a doctor. The Samurdhi recipients’ package has 100 Mobitel to Mobitel free minutes monthly and 1,000 free SMSes.

The packages targeted at Government sector employees and media personnel are offered with a Samsung JI NXT smartphone or Huawei Y54 (clients can opt for a smart phone of their choice valued at a price they are able to afford). 

The public sector employees’ package priced at Rs.749 comprises 500 Mobitel to Mobitelminutes free and 2 GB data monthly. The package for media personnel at a cost of Rs.899 has 200 minutes free between Mobitel users along with 1,000 SMSes and 3 GB data monthly. It also includes free news alert service for the first three months. 

Clients who are eligible for this scheme can obtain these privileges with a guarantor present. Media personnel must produce their Media Accreditation Card from the Department of Government Information, Sri Lanka. The device can be obtained without any down payment but with only a refundable deposit on a contract period of 24 moths. Customers can obtain further information via the Mobitel Hotline 1717. 

Pix by Lasantha Kumara