Mobitel marks World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

Giving life to the brand’s corporate philosophy of ‘caring’; endorses its national commitment to uplift Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the country by promoting the responsible use of mobile devices and technology. The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the internet and other ICT can bring to societies and economies, as well as ways to bridge the digital divide around the world.

Marking the anniversary of the signing of the first international telegraph convention on 17 May, and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union, the theme for 2013 is ‘ICT and improving road safety’. As Sri Lanka’s national mobile service provider, Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel is dedicated to deliver ‘caring’ telecommunications solutions to uplift the lives of Sri Lankans by bringing world class mobile technologies and global learnings for the betterment of our country.

It is against this background that Mobitel will continue to keep abreast of global innovations and cutting-edge information technology solutions, so that Sri Lankans can develop ahead of their time. Positioned as a brand that cares always, Mobitel expresses the brand’s commitment to support and strengthen the different segments of customers who will in turn form quotient, that will power Sri Lanka’s growth to be the Wonder of Asia. Given this backdrop, the brand lays great emphasis on creating telecommunication solutions that transcend normal conveniences of contemporary life by innovating solutions that have the power to offer ‘real life’ solutions to people’s day to day issues.

It is in this regard that the brand Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel launched dedicated services like ‘Doc Call’ (medical advice and guidance via the mobile), Liyasara (special advice and services dedicated to women delivered via the mobile), Aachara (special roaming rates for the Sri Lankan migrant community), Upahara (dedicated services and discounted rates for Government employees) to name a few. The brand’s portfolio of products is heavily influenced by creating lasting conveniences and facilities at affordable prices to the common man, the lifeblood of our Nation.

In a message on behalf of the World Telecommunications Day 2013, ITU Secretary-General Dr. Hamadoun I. Touré commented: “ICT play a catalytic role in creating opportunities for people in every walk of life. Today, even as we take to the streets in our vehicles, we have the tools at our fingertips to communicate across the world, navigate through dense traffic and find our way in unfamiliar terrain. While these technologies are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, we must ensure that we use them responsibly and with caution, especially while driving, in order to avoid accidents and injury.” (Source: http://www.itu.int/en/wtisd/Pages/2013toure.aspx)

Public health and injury prevention

Road traffic safety is a global concern for public health and injury prevention. Every year, 1.3 million people die in traffic related accidents and another 20 to 50 million people are injured mainly in developing countries around the world. As a result, Governments and individuals suffer an estimated USD 518 billion in global economic loss. It is estimated that in the year 2005, approximately 2,300 people died in Sri Lanka due to road traffic crashes, approximately 300,000 were injured in non-fatal crashes and approximately 140,000 received care for their injuries at hospitals.

While the road traffic death rate in Sri Lanka is low compared with other low-income countries, it has been steadily rising for several years. Although young adults are at high risk in non-fatal crashes, the elderly have the highest death rate. Pedestrians and cyclists account for more than half of all road traffic deaths and riders of motorised two-wheelers accounted for an additional 13%. (Source: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/5190)  

Distraction among drivers and pedestrians is one of the main causes for fatal accidents. Today operating mobile phones while driving, as text messaging and interfacing with in-vehicle navigation or communication systems are among the leading contributors towards road traffic accidents. Keeping in line to the WTISD and President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s vision to transform Sri Lanka towards a new era, Mobitel today stands committed to introduce ICT applications with the view of facilitating growth in the public and private sector of the country and takes this valuable opportunity to emphasise on the use of technology responsibly.

The company’s continuous strategy is positioned around value innovation and customer centricity, making the best out of the technology being used, distribution systems, product portfolio and value added services with a heightened acumen focus on customer needs and interests through optimum levels of service quality, service delivery and customer care, the company has expanded its distribution channels and introduced a divisional structure to optimise channel management.

With the current stage of network expansion slated to add 1,800 new base stations islandwide, increasing the current number from 3,500 will aim for 100% population coverage. With the development and transformation that Mobitel is undergoing, it is well poised to assume a lead role in bringing cutting-edge mobile technology that would inevitably help shape the next phase of ICT technological development in Sri Lanka.

Pioneering initiatives like the mTaxi service, issuance of railway tickets and airline tickets via mTicketing not only contributes towards the Government policy on equipping public transportation with ICT, but also leads the company towards making ICT the backbone of the country’s transport industry. Since Mobitel commenced its operations back in 2003, the telecom giant has invested over US$ 400 million in creating the best internet network coverage, ensuring the best service quality to its customers and 1,000 of its base-stations are LTE-ready, far ahead of many developed countries.

As technology evolves, new and exciting possibilities are created. The development of technology is both the inspiration and the catalyst for the country’s advancement. Mobitel was proud to spot the opportunities first within Sri Lanka, and encourage responsible use of mobile devices and technology.