Mobitel to invest $50m in 5G this year
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Sri Lankan national mobile service provider Mobitel has revealed plans to invest $50 million this year to deploy a 5G network and upgrade its network infrastructure.
The operator, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telecom, has commenced 5G trials ahead of a planned rollout.
While Sri Lanka was the first country in South Asia to introduce 3G and 3.5G technology, Mobitel does not expect it to be the first to introduce 5G, the report states.
Meanwhile Mobitel has been investing heavily to upgrade its 3G network to 4G, having spent around $100 million to convert around 100 3G base stations. The operator plans to continue the 4G upgrade, with plans to soon switch off its 3G network.
Mobitel has now invested around $600 million over its 25 year history. But despite heavy investments and foreign exchange losses, the company managed to increase its revenue by around 10% last year.
Mobitel is the second largest mobile operator in Sri Lanka after Dialog Axiata, with around 22.6% market share.
Questions & Answers
Q.Will Sri Lanka be the first South Asian country to introduce 5G with Mobitel's investment?
Will Sri Lanka be the first South Asian country to introduce 5G with Mobitel's investment?
No, Mobitel does not anticipate being the first to introduce 5G technology, despite Sri Lanka previously being the first in South Asia for 3G and 3.5G. They have, however, already started 5G trials.
Q.What is Mobitel's current market position in Sri Lanka's mobile operator landscape?
What is Mobitel's current market position in Sri Lanka's mobile operator landscape?
Mobitel is currently the second-largest mobile operator in Sri Lanka, holding approximately 22.6% of the market share. Dialog Axiata is the leading operator in the country.
Q.How has Mobitel's revenue performed recently, given its significant investment and foreign exchange losses?
How has Mobitel's revenue performed recently, given its significant investment and foreign exchange losses?
Despite substantial investments and foreign exchange losses, Mobitel successfully increased its revenue by about 10% last year. The company has invested around $600 million over its 25-year history.
Q.What is Mobitel's strategy regarding its 3G network?
What is Mobitel's strategy regarding its 3G network?
Mobitel plans to continue upgrading its 3G network to 4G, having already spent about $100 million on converting around 100 3G base stations. They intend to switch off their 3G network soon.
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