SLT strengthens global connectivity

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) is aggressively pursuing new markets in the region. Building international connectivity is a key aspect of this strategy. SLT's global coverage was significantly strengthened via multiple undersea optical fibre cable systems such as SEA-ME-WE 3, SEA-ME-WE 4, Bharat-Lanka (between India and Sri Lanka) and Dhiraagu (between the Maldives and Sri Lanka). Sri Lanka's geographical location makes it a natural nexus for communications in the Indian Ocean basin and helps ensure that the country plays a key role in unfolding new technologies across the region.

Following a recent upgrade to the SEA-ME-WE 4 by SLT, capacity increased by three-folds enabling the system to accommodate much higher speeds using 100G technology. The cable with higher capacity became available for commercial use at the end of 2014.

The SEA-ME-WE 4 system is an ultra-high-capacity fibre-optic submarine cable linking South-East Asia to Western Europe via the Middle East. Using linear fibre network architecture, this 18,000 km cable is equipped with 16 landing stations.

The cable network is owned by a consortium of 17 leading telecom carriers of 15 countries. SLT has developed partnerships through its involvement in this project.

Group CEO, SLT, Dileepa Wijesundera said, "SLT investments continue to further strengthen the country's global connectivity as a key strategy to support the national objective of making Sri Lanka the digital hub of the region.

The company has also focused on capacities needed for future data demand."

"SLT has become a member of the 20-member international consortium that owns the SEA-ME-WE 5 international undersea cable system and is implementing another future proof project to serve the country's data demand for the next 25 years," he said.