All Blogs
Adding Wings
The Civil Aviation Authority says it is processing applications to allow local firms to operate a few international schedule flights from Sri Lanka.The international operations will materialise through charter flights to neighbouring countries, the aviation watchdog said in a statement on Tuesday.rn rnThe watchdog says move is part of the government decision to shift towards […]
Angry Tones
Local telco operators have teamed up, to oppose a possible merger between Sri Lanka Telecom and Lanka Bell.In a hard-hitting letter, operators endash Celltel, Dialog, Suntel, Hutchison and GoTel Networks endash have protested of an impending monopoly situation, if the merger goes through.rn rnThe four protesting operators command a subscriber base of over 1.2 mn […]
Re-Dialing
Telecom policymakers are re-considering the option to set up national points of interconnection, to fix the current impasse in reaching call termination agreement.rnrnSetting up national points of interconnections will allow in-discriminatory access to all operators, including External Gateway Operators (EGO) to terminate calls locally.rn rnThe third option is being brought back, as efforts to urge […]
Faster Connection
LankaClear, the cheque clearing arm of the Central Bank, plans to set up ten regional centres to speed up payments and settlement systems.Known as lquote cheque image clearing and truncation, the system clears cheques faster by electronically capturing a cheques image and cuts lead times from ten to two days.rn rnThe main features of image […]
Cherry Picking
A Compensation Fund for contributors who suffer financial loss resulting from fraud, theft, misappropriation or negligence of monies, will also be set up, from a cess being charged on the industry.rn rnEmployees will also have the option of switching funds, to ensure they get the best return for their retirement nest egg, according to a […]
Hit Rates
Industry analysts are betting on a competition driven drop in overseas calling rates for the upcoming holiday seasons. Competition in prepaid calling cards segment is expected to drive the drop with more of the 31 licensed overseas call operators coming out with their card options.rn rnIn addition, analysts say international call rates can fall by […]
Private Tutor
State side educationalists could soon receive tuition from private sector firms on what the industry needs from the university system. rnThe project builds on the success of a private sector driven mentoring effort for university students, helping them acclimatise to the sector. rn rnThe initiative will expose state side educationalists to the culture, workings and […]
Well Cell’85
Celltel, the countrys No 2 mobile operator announced plans to invest US$4 million to increase coverage. This is the companys 4th phase of expansion.rn rnCelltel hopes to grow its network to 250 base stations and improve coverage in the south coast. rn rnPhase 5, which is to begin early next year, will more than double […]
Chop-A-Tour
Eight companies have shown interest in starting domestic helicopter operations from December, catering to the tourist boom expected during the winter season.The Civil Aviation Department is expected to give the green light to these operators, as soon as inspections into technicalities of the helicopters and operational matters are sorted out.rn rnDeccan Aviation Lanka, backed by […]
Bull In The Bourse
The Colombo stock market is trading close to historic highs, leaving brokers and analyst guessing as to how long the Bull Run can be sustained. Market watchers say there are still good buying opportunities in the Colombo bourse but had varying views on how long the run will last.rn rnMost analysts who are closely watching […]