70% of Celltel's GSM network expansion program completed

The expansion program commenced by Celltel which is the largest to date by any telecom operator is 70% completed", said Celltel's CEO, Dumindra Ratnayaka.

According to Ratnayaka 70% of the planned 750 towers are now in place resulting in a four-fold increase in GSM outstation towers, ensuring good quality connectivity islandwide. Ratnayaka said this would also include a new layer of 1800 MHz (dual band network) in Colombo and in key outstation towns to add capacity and connectivity to a growing subscriber base.

"The balance towers that have been scheduled for completion by March will take the total number to 750," said Ratnayaka.

As a result of this expansion, existing coverage in Colombo, the suburbs and key towns has also substantially improved. Celltel has also commissioned its third GSM switch with a capacity of three million subscribers. "This takes our total number of switches to four, one Analogue and three GSM, while all the new base stations will be commissioned with high power transmitters giving extra coverage", said Ratnayka.

"Over the past five years Celltel has undertaken a series of GSM expansion projects and this islandwide expansion program, with an investment of over US$ 100 million underlines Celltel's commitment to the country and the confidence placed on rising penetrations of telecom, especially in the rural areas", said Ratnayaka.