SLT-Mobitel ushers in a new era of internet connectivity with launch of 5G internet

From left: Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne and SLT Group Chairman Dr. Mothilal de Silva speak to the media at the launch event

By Shannine Daniel

SLT-Mobitel yesterday officially launched its 5G network for the public at an event held at One Galle Face (OGF) Mall in Colombo 1. 

The launch of SLT’s 5G network enables high-speed connectivity and ultra-low latency for its clients and SLT hopes that the new network will redefine how Sri Lankans work, learn and live. 

The event also showcased 5G interactive experiences for the public to experience firsthand high-speed, lag-free internet via augmented and virtual reality applications, real-time gaming and speed demonstrations. 

The demonstrations will be available today as well, in the second-floor lobby of OGF Mall. 

SLT Group Chairman Dr. Mothilal de Silva said the new technology has the potential to revolutionise key sectors such as education, healthcare, manufacturing and information technology. 

He added that 5G internet connectivity would support the wider adoption of artificial intelligence, internet of things and cloud computing.

Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne, who was the chief guest at the launch, said 5G internet connectivity opens doors for industries, businesses and consumers alike and allows them to increase productivity in their day-to-day activities.  

SLT-Mobitel has been laying the groundwork to facilitate its 5G network for several years, by strengthening the network foundation required for advanced mobile and fixed-network technologies. 

The company has also made significant investments in modern infrastructure, developed high-capacity fibre routes and expanded wireless coverage to create the platform needed to deliver 5G across Sri Lanka. 

Furthermore, the government raised roughly Rs.10 billion from Sri Lanka’s 5G spectrum auction on December 18, with SLT-Mobitel and Dialog Axiata emerging as the sole bidders of the high-speed network. 

The two companies were awarded the spectrum licence certificates at a ceremony held on December 18.

Weeraratne noted that the auction was the “largest auction by value in Sri Lanka’s history” and it demonstrated “a transparent, efficient, market-based approach to allocating national spectrum resources”.

Moreover, de Silva noted that SLT-Mobitel is Sri Lanka’s number one telecommunications and internet service provider and making 5G publicly accessible aligns with the company’s mission to lead Sri Lanka into a new era of connectivity and digital advancement.

In April 2019, SLT-Mobitel successfully showcased South Asia’s first 5G trial deployment over a mobile network, connecting a smartphone to its trial 5G network with record speeds. 

It also trialled 5G-Advanced (5G-A) for the first time in Sri Lanka in January this year, achieving speeds of over five Gbps.