Category: Technology

Tension between key telecom operators and the government eased Friday with both parties forming a working group to iron out issues.rn rnThe working committee will meet on February 13 to untangle issues on local access charges, ways to prevent illegal access and rules to prevent cross subsidies. rn rnMinistry sources said the issue will be […]

The cabinet has taken a firm stand to disconnect the licence of any telecom operator who refuses to toe in line with the new telecom liberalization policy.At a meeting headed by Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe, cabinet opted to go ahead with its liberalisation policy, which includes the hotly debated interconnection issue, making it compulsory for all […]

The upcoming interconnection agenda will pull together a common database of phone numbers, which will be managed by the telecom watchdog.The upcoming interconnection agenda will pull together a common database of phone numbers, which will be managed by the telecom watchdog.The common records will act as the base for networks to provide their customers with […]

New interconnection policies may require external gateway operators to make minimum traffic commitments with network operators. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), on Friday published the draft interconnection framework, a base document that will guide operators to negotiate charges for accessing and providing access to telecom networks.rn rnThe interconnection framework is the missing jigsaw in a […]

The population registry is touted as a first step in implementing e-governance in Sri Lanka and forming an integral part of the e-Lanka initiative. rn rnThe registry will combine state records of the Sri Lankan population now idling in different state departments.rn rnThe database will provide all state departments with ready access to records needed […]

Policy makers agreed to come forth with a revised date plan to issue external gateway licences, decided at a stakeholder meeting on Wednesday. rnrnTelecom operators on January 24, united to lobby against the draft External Gateway Operator (EGO) licence citing shortcomings including the lack of access tariffs. rn rnA lack of an interconnection framework also […]

Up to five firms are asking for a third generation (3G) mobile testing licence, the response to the Telecommunication Regulatory Commissions (TRC) call that ended last Friday. The telecom watchdog intends to evaluate the applications and issue the one-year test licences within February, senior TRC officials told Lanka Business Online.rn rnThe regulator also needs to […]

Government is talking to Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) to open up its now exclusive access to submarine cables.Dominant carrier SLT has exclusive access to existing SEA- ME- WE submarine cables. The telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has already had a few rounds of talks with SLT to iron out issues.rn rnSLT, an investor in SEA ME […]

Telecom operators have ganged up to lobby against the draft External Gateway Operators (EGO) licence published for public comment earlier this week. Senior telecom officials quote representing all seven operates met Friday to device a strategy against the draft licence prior to the deadline for public comment set for January 27.rnrnOfficials say that the draft […]

Regional telecom firms could come into play under a state proposal to propagate communication facilities in rural villages. The regional licences will give firms a mandate to set up telecom networks in villages and access to monies from the lquote Viswa Grama programme, a state authored proposal to create communication facilities in areas with little […]

The final draft licence for External Gateway Operators (EGO) is due Tuesday, the license fee remains unchanged at US$ 50,000.Operators will also pay 0.3 per cent of revenues annually to the telecom watchdog, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC).rn rnFor seven days the draft will be open for public scrutiny from Tuesday, before coming into effect […]

The government is pushing through plans for lquote Visva Grama, a project to roll out modern ICT infrastructure in rural areas. US 0.06 cents charged on each incoming international call minute will feed the fund, one third going to infrastructure providers as subsidies.rn rnInfrastructure providers will bid for the subsidy, with the firm quoting the […]