Sri Lanka Telecom makes progress with its next-generation network

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) is serious about transforming its PSTN voice network to one that can support a host of new IP services.

Greg Young, CEO of SLT, revealed in a TeleGeography article that the service provider will add 10,000 km to its fiber-based transmission network by the end of this year, with plans to add another 5,000 km in 2011. This network will cover the entire island, including the North and East provinces.

At the same time that it's building out its new fiber network, SLT is moving ahead with its plans to replace its legacy network with IP-based equipment.

One possible market segment that will benefit from the new upgrades is broadband. Fueled by increases in DSL and the adoption of 3G and WiMAX, Research and Markets forecast that Sri Lanka's broadband penetration to reach 21.3 percent by the end of 2014, up from 1.2 percent at the end of 2009.

For more:
- TeleGeography has this article

Related news release:
Research and Markets: Sri Lanka Telecommunications Report Q4 2010 - Broadband Penetration to Reach 21.3% By The End Of 2010