Get Set

Jan 25, 2007 (LBO) – Mobitel is almost doubling its capacity to sign up 750,000 new subscribers, getting ready to cash in on a booming mobile phone market that saw 60 percent growth last year. Sri Lanka's mobile market is estimated to have grown by 60 percent to 5.4 million subscribers in 2006. Mobitel, 100 percent owned by state operator Sri Lanka Telecom, contracted China’s Huawei Techonologies to expand its network by adding 800 more base stations to extend its reach.

œWe more than doubled our customer base in 2006 and we forecast this year to be as good, CEO Suren Amarasekera said.

The firm has 900,000 subscribers at the moment.

The 200 million dollar project in a three stage project that will see broad band and 3G ready capabilities added to the network.

œIn the first stage, all the key towns and cities will be covered, Amarasekera said. "We will also cover key highways."

Mobitel got a 3G license in 2006.

The company eventually hopes provide access to video calls, high speed internet, video streaming, mobile tv and online music through the 3G network which will cater to the more sophisticated needs of subscribers.

The company says its late