*Will add 1,000 more base stations
*Offer customer made packages
*Preferential rates for group networks
The United Arab Emirate’s telecom giant, Etisalat launched operations in Sri Lanka with the takeover of Tigo which was Celltel earlier.Telecommunications has become a major factor in development to which Sri Lanka is heading and Etisalat will cater to customer oriented needs, Etisalat Lanka Director/Chief Executive Officer Dumindra Ratnayaka said.
Speaking at the launch of Etisalat Lanka at Water’s Edge yesterday, he said Etisalat Lanka expects to link Sri Lankan customers in the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with their relatives in Sri Lanka.
The company will double the existing coverage network of 1,000 base stations in the island.
Moreover 450 base stations for 2G technology as well as 500 base stations for 3G technology will be installed within 12 months of its operation. Out of 500 base stations for 3G, more than 100 base stations will be installed in Jaffna and adjoining islands.
The service of Etisalat Lanka is available from yesterday for the people in North and East covering 95 percent of the population there.
Among the prevailing base stations in Jaffna, eight were given coverage from yesterday. Cable TV facilities too will be introduced in the near future.
“Etisalat Lanka will ensure preferential rates for the group networks covering overseas customers,” he said.
“At a time where all the other telecommunication providers work hard to cut down rates, we will be concerned on the needs of the customers while reducing our costs,” he said.
“Etisalat has its presence in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tanzania, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Niger and Ivory Coast and has a large customer base amounting to 100 million.