Category: Technology

Cellular operator Dialog GSM said Monday it has become the first in Sri Lanka to commercially offer high-speed data service, starting with customers in the Colombo South area.Dialog users have to own an EDGE (enhance data rates for GSM evolution) handset to make use of quicker data download time while on the move.rn rnldblquote Dialog […]

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) diversified its business interests further, opening an internet data center (IDC) in Colombo. The SLTiDC will offer a range of data housing facilities including web sites and services, mailing systems for retail customers and reselling opportunities. rn rnThe data center also offers clients rack space at the data center to house […]

Microsoft could couple a home edition license of its new Office 2003 software package free with every corporate license it sells in Sri Lanka. The incentive is meant to popularise the use of original software in the local personal computer (PC) population, as Microsoft plans to set up shop here in Sri Lanka.rn rnThe software […]

Dialog GSM says it is planning to create competition in international submarine bandwidth. Last Friday the IFC gave US$ 50 million in loan funding to the fast expanding mobile operator.rn Dialogs parent, Malaysia Telecom, a shareholder of the SEA-ME-WE 3 cable, initially invested US$ 140 million and has committed a further US$ 90 million.rn rnIFCs […]

The Board of Investment is mooting changes to the BOI Act for bigger tax holidays encouraging call centres to relocate here. rnCurrently Sri Lanka trails behind neighbouring countries like India and the Philippines as potential centres for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).rn rnHigh electricity costs and until recently – inflexible labour laws restricting overtime for women […]

HSBC Group is pumping US$ 30 mn to set up its seventh group service centre in Sri Lanka, which will generate employment and put the country on the map as a serious contender in the global call centre business.Situated near the Chandra Silva stadium in Kotte, the call centre and back office unit would be […]

Sri Lanka Telecom is asking the government to sell the balance 49.5 percent it owns in the firm in small parcels through an international listing.Last October, the government said it hopes to sell a further stake in the telco operator and is presently exploring various exit options.rn rnSLT Chairman Thilanga Sumathipala says an international listing […]

The Welikada prison and its 7,000 inmates will relocate elsewhere to make room for Sri Lanka Telecoms expansion plans into the business of call centre outsourcing. SLTs Telecom City project that will provide in house technology to outsource call centre operations and various other ICT related services would acquire nearly 60 acres of land currently […]

Free incoming calls for cellular phones have been shelved indefinitely due to the ongoing political spat, a top government minister said Monday.Telecommunications Minister Imthiaz Bakeer Markar says all mobile phone operators were ready to roll out the new tariff structure by January 1, but the current political problems have delayed the process.rn rnWhen President Chandrika […]

The Govi Gnana System (GGS), a pilot project under the e-Sri Lanka initiative will go live at the end of the week at the Meegoda and Dambulla economic centres, offering vendors and buyers an index of wholesale prices for over 143 varieties of vegetables. The price information system is however only the first phase of […]

Sri Lanka Telecoms much talked of marriage with Lanka Bell is getting delayed, as the Treasury has not given its blessings.SLT Chairman, Thilanga Sumathipala says Treasury approval is a mere formality, but the delay, prevents SLT from consolidating Lanka Bell into its 2003 accounts.rn rnldblquote SLT board has approved the acquisition, but we need Treasury […]

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) is forecasting a surge in international call revenue, as an old microwave link with South India was re-established on Monday. The link with Indias domestic call giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will also offer international connections to neighbouring Nepal, Pakistan and Bangaladesh.rn rnBSNL has a countrywide network services over 43 […]