Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka to invest US$ 200 million for network expansion
Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka (Pvt) Ltd has announced its plans to invest US$ 200 million in the next three years for network expansion.
The announcement was made by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HUTCH, Thirukumar Nadarasa. “We have invested around US$ 100 million last year.”
He has been quoted as saying in the local media that they don’t see an urgent need to invest in 5G network where there is a lot of hype. “However we have got the TRC licenses and are running 5G trials and when the demand emerges will roll it out.”
He has reportedly said that whatever the 5G network demands and services required now are being serviced by their advanced 4G network and Sri Lanka is not deploying driverless cars or online surgery that requiems the 5G network. “Also one less than 50% of the population have smart phones and they don’t see an urgent need to deploy 5G in Sri Lanka.”
“We have now completed the island-wide network coverage of 4G where the population as much as 95% is covered across all 25 districts. We are delighted to announce the 100% successful merger of both the networks and with it now we have over 3,500 sites.”
“The 4G network expansion was a complex process and a total of more than 400 engineers and technical support staff from Sri Lanka and experts from several other countries were deployed to execute the project.”
He has further noted that the recent tax reductions for the Telco industry has resulted in a win-win situation for both customers and the company as they see more usage.
“ As part of its aggressive expansion plans, we plan to deploy an extensive product range across voice, data and other services at the most affordable price points, to supplement the enhanced network,” HUTCH Chief Technology Officer Dhananjaya Ponnamperuma has been quoted as saying in Sri Lanka’s state owned English Daily News.
Chief Marketing Officer Ramzeena Morseth Lye has said that Telco is one of the biggest industries in the world that face deflations. “A call which was at Rs. 10 is today under Rs. 3.”
Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka (Pvt) Ltd was acquired by Etisalat Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. in 2018.
OSL take:
The monies to be invested by Hutchison Telecom on network expansion in Sri Lanka is indicative of the strength and growth of the country’s telecommunications sector and the business potential in the sector as a result. Sri Lankan authorities are engaged in developing the country’s ICT and digital infrastructure sectors. Foreign businesses/investors could therefore explore business opportunities in Sri Lanka’s ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20200304/Z_2 |