SLT-MOBITEL wins ‘Best Innovation in Telecommunication’ Award at World Innovation Congress

Mobitel General Manager Network Planning Indika Asurappulige (third from right) receiving the ‘Best Innovation in Telecommunication Award’ from CAMSPay CEO Vasanth Jeyapaul. Mobitel Manager Network Strategy Buddhika Maldeniya, and the organisation's Senior Manager Radio Network Planning Lasitha Rideewita are also present 

Reaffirming its leadership in telecommunication and technology, SLT-MOBITEL Mobile recently won the prestigious international award for the ‘Best Innovation in Telecommunication’, at the World Innovation Congress held in Mumbai, India.

SLT-MOBITEL’s said the recognition is a testament to deployment of the innovative Sub-1GHz band LTE network solution, designed to further expand rural broadband penetration in Sri Lanka. The Sub-1GHz band LTE technology also focused on improving telecommunication infrastructure and support services especially to assist customers in rural areas during COVID-19 lockdown periods. 

SLT-MOBITEL Group Chief Executive Officer Lalith Seneviratne said: “It gives us immense pride and joy to witness our innovative work being recognized on an international level.  World Innovation Congress is a world-renowned body for recognizing innovative businesses across the world, and we take pride as the National ICT Solutions Provider to receive this prestigious award. Whilst the recognition has brought glory to Sri Lanka, it has also enabled us to save Forex outflows and regain the national spectrum resources in the 900 Band; otherwise wasted due to cross-border interference. This innovative solution could only be realised because of the support extended by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), in making Sri Lanka empowered with 4G LTE connectivity island-wide. On behalf of SLT-MOBITEL, we are thankful to TRCSL for the continuous support extended throughout in making Sri Lanka a technologically advanced nation.” 

SLT-MOBITEL Mobile’s innovative Sub-1GHz 850MHz LTE network also provided unprecedented support during Covid-19 travel restrictions when broadband had become a necessity for everyone. Due to the timely deployment of the LTE network, the public were able to work from home, conduct online education, engage in telemedicine, and continue business and transactions. Mobitel Ltd CEO Chandika Vitharena said: “Winning the Best Innovation in Telecommunication at the World Innovation Congress reaffirms the company’s continuous innovation drive and technology leadership in the intensely competitive market of Sri Lanka. The award reflects our teams’ hard work and untiring dedication for innovative connectivity solutions. As the only local mobile service provider, we are happy to see that our initiatives are supporting the nation to move forward in the technology space and are being recognized both nationally and internationally.”

During this challenging period, with the innovative deployment of a wider broadband coverage LTE network, SLT-MOBITEL Mobile provided free access to online educational platforms and National University based zoom platforms, offering affordable extra GB volume packages to support uninterrupted education during the time. 

Furthermore, via eChannelling, a subsidiary company, SLT-MOBITEL Mobile offered remote doctor consultations (telemedicine services), medical and vaccination appointments, and ensured online medicine deliveries to support health services. 

SLT-MOBITEL Mobile also provided high priority services to Work-From-Home applications such as Zoom, MS TEAMS, and Google Meet to offer customers the best broadband experience. SLT-MOBITEL Mobile was also recognized by Ookla, the global leader in fixed and mobile broadband network testing applications, data and analysis as the ‘Fastest Mobile Network in Sri Lanka’ consecutively in 2019, 2020 and 2021. 

Additionally, driving digital inclusivity and boosting rural connectivity, SLT-MOBITEL continues to support national-level initiatives such as the ‘Gamata Sanniwedanaya’ program collaborating with the TRCSL which aims to provide 100% 4G LTE connectivity to the nation.  With 5G deployment plans taking place, SLT-MOBITEL continues to invest in improving its 5G ready network infrastructure and has invested over USD 800Mn to bolster broadband services in Sri Lanka.