Communications services generate $ 83 m

by Sapumali GALAGODA

The Communications services sector reflected improved performance during 2010. Gross foreign exchange inflows on account of communications services increased by 3.8 percent to $83 million during the year, states the 2010 Central Bank report.

This was driven by the increase in earnings on International Direct Dialing (IDD) for voice calls and increase in rental receipts for data transmission through leased circuits.

Due to rapid expansion of communications services with improved technology, the usage of broadband internet connections, satellite and cable TV have improved notably during 2010.

Further, lower call rates offered by mobile and fixed line operators for IDD have encouraged generation of more IDD calls from Sri Lanka, resulting in outflows on account of communications services to increase at a parallel rate.