TRCSL accelerates 4G expansion through ‘communication to the village’ project

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) is stepping up efforts to expand 4G broadband services across the country through the ‘Communication to the Village’ national project, launched in 2021 under the Finance Act No. 11 of 2004.   

Cabinet spokesman Vijitha Herath said the project targets areas with no or limited communication facilities, aiming to improve connectivity by constructing communication towers through a cost-sharing model between mobile service providers and the TRCSL. So far, 83 communication towers have been completed, providing mobile services to previously underserved areas.   

However, progress slowed due to rising operational costs and limited revenue from some towers amid the country’s ongoing economic crisis. To accelerate the project, the TRCSL has introduced new reimbursement guidelines, covering up to Rs. 35 million or 75% of the actual construction cost of each tower and related equipment, whichever is lower.   

The President of Sri Lanka, also serving as Digital Economy Minister, informed the Cabinet of Ministers, who subsequently approved the enhanced support to ensure faster and more effective delivery of services to rural communities.