‘Lanka to have 100% LTE 4G coverage soon’

by Rohana Jayalal

Sri Lanka will soon become the first country to have 100 percent LTE 4G technology coverage and the first to bring universal internet access to every citizen, prompting the highest downloading speeds anywhere.

It will also soon have total fibre optic coverage, all of which is pushing the country speedily towards becoming an IT hub in the region, Minister of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure, Harin Fernando told guests at the launch of Blackphone 2 by Chelcey Telecom in Colombo.

“It has been proved that with 10 percent internet penetration, a country gains a GDP growth rate of 1.2 percent. Sri Lanka currently has a smartphone penetration rate of only 26 percent, which we must increase fast if we are to reap benefits on a national scale,” the Minister said.

“The LTE 4G technology will introduce new avenues of education and employment to the country’s youth.

Only 10% of students who pass their Advanced Level examination gain entrance to national universities, with another 25% entering private universities and institutes. Access to the internet will give people an international online education from their homes minimising foreign currency outflow,” he said.

Blackphone 2, which was launched in the US in September last year, works on enhanced Android OS, guaranteeing privacy, eliminating security risks inherent in other smartphones.

It has a faster processor, a larger display, a multitude of next generation features, is Google Play enabled and combines Android usability.

CEO, Chelcey Telecom, Asela Waidyalankara said that with nearly one million daily reported data threats globally, compromising privacy is one of the biggest threats in today’s mobile world.

Businesses are constantly subject to privacy breaches, which could create extensive repercussions, putting all stakeholders at risk. Therefore, privacy now has to be part of the decision-making process as the risk it poses is immense.

Channel Director, Silent Circle, Michael Berg said the seamless integration with leading MDM systems possessed by this Smartphone enables it to integrate into business immediately. The use of multiple phones too is eliminated as the Blackphone 2 has up to four separate virtual phones on one device, securely compartmentalised. Each space can be customised to fit a person’s need, with access and control solely by the Blackphone user.

Chelcey Telecom, a subsidiary of Chelcey Holdings hopes to introduce innovative technological products to the Sri Lankan market.