Government is talking to Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) to open up its now exclusive access to submarine cables.
Dominant carrier SLT has exclusive access to existing SEA- ME- WE submarine cables.
The telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has already had a few rounds of talks with SLT to iron out issues.
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rnSLT, an investor in SEA ME WE cables owns bandwidth, which the regulator wants to make available to other international voice and data operators for a fee. rn
rnThe exercise, otherwise known as providing rights of way access, would benefit both parties with SLT getting extra revenue for its unused capacity while other operators would get access to the only submarine cables connecting the country.rn
rnldblquote At the time the Sea Me We cables were laid it was the public money-the government money - that went in, dblquote says Telecom Regulator Themiya Hurulle.rn
rnldblquote So we want the SLT to get into a win-win situation where the SLT, the public and the other operators will benefit