Mobitel Archives

August 22, 2023

SLT-MOBITEL eTeleshop, https://eteleshop.slt.lk/, has received an award under the category ‘Best E-Commerce website’ at the BestWeb.LK 2023 awards held at the Monarch Imperial Hotel recently.

The award highlights the website’s commitment to excellence, user experience, and innovation in the digital space. Importantly, it marks the third successful year of SLT-MOBITEL eTeleshop’s website as a standalone site.

The BestWeb.LK competition, organized by LK Domain Registry, is acknowledged as Sri Lanka’s premier web design competition, aiming to elevate the quality, technology used, user-friendliness, and security of local websites. Celebrating its 13^th year, the competition follows stringent judging criteria, including technology and design, content, user interactivity, mobile optimization, traffic, and community purpose. Penalties are applied for violations and bad practices, ensuring only the finest websites are recognized.

With a focus on quality, reliability, and excellent customer service, eTeleshop has become the go-to destination for a seamless and rewarding online shopping experience for telecommunication equipment and personal electronics. Celebrating the achievement, SLT-MOBITEL eTeleshop remains motivated to offer an ever-expanding range of high-quality products and an unparalleled online shopping experience for customers, continuing to elevate the tech and e-commerce space.

eteleshop.slt.lk, is one of the oldest e-commerce sites in Sri Lanka with over 18 years of operation. Until 2019, the site was operated as a part of the SLT corporate site and introduced as a standalone e-commerce site from 2019 onwards.

During the last four (04) years, the site has transformed its purpose of operation as a ‘telecommunication equipment and personal electronics store’ with an impressive 50,000 monthly active user base. The site has been serving SLT-MOBITEL customers and the general public with a range of products such as Wi-Fi devices, telephone instruments, power backups, powerline devices, internet security products, and many more.

Additionally, the site is operated as a multi-vendor store, which facilitates vendors managing their stores via eTeleshop. The site is equipped with all standard e-commerce features and facilities on par with industry standards. All eTeleshop products are available with a warranty period and renowned SLT-MOBITEL after-sales customer support.

SLT-MOBITEL eTeleshop has had a remarkable journey over the past three years since it was established as a standalone website. This achievement of a merit award at BestWeb.LK 2023 showcases the dedication of the team behind eTeleshop to delivering an unmatched online shopping experience to valued customers.

For more information on SLT-MOBITEL eTeleshop website, please visit: https://eteleshop.slt.lk/

August 16, 2023

While SLT PLC had 2.4% (Rs.400mn) revenue growth, Mobitel recorded 9.3% (Rs.1,066mn) de-growth during Q2’23 compared to Q2’22. Group revenue, therefore, decreased by 2.8% (Rs.763mn) from Q2’22 to Q2’23. SLT PLC revenue increase was driven by growth in Broadband, IPTV, and Enterprise revenue streams. However, such increase was slowed down due to decrease in International Transit revenue (90.3%, Rs.614mn) during Q2’23, though it must be noted that such international transit revenue has virtually no margin. SLT PLC revenue growth was primarily hindered due to delay in monetization of fibre network and customer churn. Revenue de-growth in Mobitel was due to significant decline in subscriber base. Subscriber base contracted by 1mn from June 2022 to June 2023.

Group Opex increased by 15.1% (Rs.2,513mn) in Q2’23 compared to corresponding quarter in previous year. Even though Mobitel revenue has declined YoY, Opex increased by 30.4% (Rs.1,998mn) during Q2’23 due mainly to sales related commissions. SLT PLC Opex increased by 5.5% (Rs.619mn) owing to AMC/license cost driven by devaluation of LKR, electricity tariff and fuel price increases.

Group EBITDA dropped by 31.9% (Rs.3,276mn) during Q2’23 due to decrease in Mobitel EBITDA by 61.9% (Rs.3,064mn). Accordingly, Group Operating Profit, PBT and PAT were also decreased by 92.7% (Rs.3,121mn), 161.3% (Rs.6,039mn) and 208.0% (Rs.4,076mn) respectively. Mobitel recorded Rs.835mn Operating Loss due to lower revenue and higher Operating Costs, ending with a net loss of Rs.1,390mn for the quarter. SLT PLC net loss for the quarter was Rs.1,027mn due to cost escalations and impairment of LTE assets. SLT PLC staff costs account for 36.8% of Operating Costs.

SLT Group’s revenue growth was stagnant for the 1^st half of 2023 to record Rs. 52.7Mn, a 0.4% degrowth compared to the same period last year. At a company level, SLT revenues grew by 6.4% to Rs. 34.6Bn for the 1^st half of the 2023.

During the first half of 2023, Mobitel revenue has contracted by Rs. 2.2Bn compared to revenue for the same period in 2022 and the loss recorded for the period was Rs. 1.5Bn. However, with the recent changes in management, Mobitel has been able to arrest the decline in subscriber base and revenue.

Janaka R. Abeysinghe, Chief Executive Officer, Sri Lanka Telecom said, “Prolonged recovery from the effects of the economic downturn, loss of Mobitel subscriber base, low productivity, and delay in monetization of fibre network have had a significant impact on the revenue generation of the Group. The government’s macroeconomic adjustments will help the country’s economic revival in the long term but may initially affect business growth and the disposable income levels of our customers. Managing the escalating operational costs, resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates and inflationary conditions etc. is a huge concern. In this context, pricing is key but setting the right price has become increasingly challenging. This situation will add pressure to our revenue generation and top line performance. Under these conditions, the Mobitel turnaround has become an immediate concern. Bank lending rates remaining high in the recent past has caused margins to erode and made funding extremely difficult. However, with the positive changes adopted by the Central Bank recently, we believe the lending rates will decline. We will continue to forge ahead, with increased productivity and navigate through the current economic uncertainties. Our commitment to providing innovative solutions and exceptional customer service will remain unwavering.”

SLT Group 2^nd Quarter 2023 results have been reviewed by the Auditors, Ernst and Young in accordance with LKAS 34, “Interim Financial Reporting”.

January 3, 2022

The 12^th Edition of this mega trade fair will be held in the heart of Jaffna this January 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd. The event is organized by Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd (LECS), in association with the Chamber of Commerce & Industries of Yarlpanam (CCIY) and endorsed by International Business Council, The Ministry of Industry & Commerce and the Consulate General of India in Jaffna.

The Jaffna International Trade Fair is the most anticipated platform for Small and Medium Entrepreneurs to introduce their products to the population of the North. The organizers of the event noted that traders have experienced first-hand the potential the North has to offer.

The event is known to be a multi trade affair featuring industries, products and services in the Agriculture, Hospitality, Education, Food industries, Machinery, Construction, Consumer, Electronics, and real estate sectors.

The Main Sponsor for this year’s event will be Insee Cement, a proud stall holder for over a decade. Ruhunu foods tied up to become the Official Food Partner for the event. Official Telecommunication Partner will be Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd. who have been part of the event for 12 consecutive years since 2010. Official Safety & Hygiene Partner is Sun Match Company (Pvt) Ltd.

JITF provides an annual platform to reach a large portion of the market in Jaffna, both consumers and businesses based in Jaffna and the in the North, visit the show over the three days, typically 40 – 50 thousand visitors from diverse demographics visit the Exhibition. The location of the event next to the Jaffna fort, makes for maximum visibility for those participating as stall holders.

JITF 2022 will see the launch of a programme targeted at the Youth and Young Adults in Jaffna, aimed at Empowering & Inspiring youth towards self-development and entrepreneurship. The programme will feature knowledge sharing, skill development, mentoring forums, job opportunities and networking opportunities for budding entrepreneurs.

The events long-standing education pavilion “Kalvi” will also feature many higher education institutions at the event in 2022.

The organizers invite all those interested to join the exhibition to experience and reach the vast market in Jaffna and the North of Sri Lanka. For more information visit www.jitf.lk or contact Ms. Imalka on 077-1093792.

January 3, 2021

Brand unification makes history in national connectivity

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) and SLT Mobitel unveiled their unified brand identity on January 1, 2021 at SLT Headquarters forming a formidable force creating a lasting legacy as the national Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions leader. The historic unification of products and services were symbolically launched at the event that took place with the participation of Rohan Fernando, Chairman, Sri Lanka Telecom Group; Lalith Seneviratne, Group Chief Executive Officer, Sri Lanka Telecom; Kiththi Perera, Chief Executive Officer, Sri Lanka Telecom; Chandika Vitharana, Acting CEO, SLT Mobitel and other key officials of the Sri Lanka Telecom Group.

This historic unification will be an impetus to the Government’s effort to create a technology driven economy and a technology-based society, with SLT-MOBITEL contributing immensely towards the digitalization of Sri Lanka.

For over 163 years Sri Lanka Telecom PLC has solved the country’s need for connectivity, operating on Fixed, Mobile and Other operational segments, with SLT recognized as the fixed line powerhouse brand and Mobitel the benchmark for mobile services. Together, SLT and Mobitel strengthen the country’s ICT infrastructure, empowering people and transforming businesses with digitalisation.

“Today’s brand unification brings Sri Lanka Telecom and Mobitel products and services under a single brand. The new brand identity will strengthen the brand equity of SLT-MOBITEL, synergizing the goodwill gained by both to one strong brand with digitalization at its core. A brand that consumers readily recognize, trust and accept.” Rohan Fernando, Chairman, Sri Lanka Telecom Group stated.

The new brand identity brings the brands together in a setting that is instantly recognizable to the consumer and portrays the unified relationship. The change in the logo is underpinned by a companywide realignment and unification of service, truly representative of SLT. SLT-MOBITEL enables the fulfilment of customer aspirations, be it in life or in work, making for greater efficiency, ease and limitless opportunities.

Lalith Seneviratne, Group Chief Executive Officer, Sri Lanka Telecom spoke on the impact of the brand unification on consumers. “At SLT Group we no longer think of ourselves as a connectivity partner but as a lifestyle company impacting people’s lifestyles greatly. The two anchor companies in the group, SLT and Mobitel hold an important position to support the foundation of the Group. Together with other subsidiaries they provide Fixed-Line Services, Mobile Communications, Broadband Service, Internet TV, and Health Services Access among others. The companies will now further enhance collaboration under one brand and provide customer-first innovative services as the industry leader in providing a great customer experience.”

Through Sri Lanka Telecom, SLT-MOBITEL provides telecom networks and ICT services to organisations of all proportions across all economic sectors, other telecommunications operators and internet service providers (ISPs), public sector institutions, and domestic customers. These efforts are supplemented by an array of technologies including optical fibre, ADSL2+, VDSL2, carrier-grade Wi-Fi, and both fixed and mobile 4G LTE technologies. The Company also uses its multiple international submarine cable networks to offer state-of-the-art global services, securing its position as a key global player in the telecom industry.

“From today, all of our customers will know us as one SLT-MOBITEL family and will enjoy all of our services together. All of us at SLT will be bound together under our common brand identity as we take helm as the primary telecommunication services provider to the nation. We look forward to the synergized brand value this gives us, as we work with Mobitel to expand our 4G, 5G and wireless broadband offering under a unified brand umbrella, creating value for the customers and the company.” Kiththi Perera, Chief Executive Officer, Sri Lanka Telecom said, speaking on the launch of the new digital-centric identity.

Via Mobitel, SLT-MOBITEL offers mobile ICT services including mobile telephony, high-speed broadband, enterprise solutions, international services, and a range of value-added services with national coverage. As the fastest 4.5G/4G+ mobile network in Sri Lanka, Mobitel offers an unparalleled broadband network recognised by Ookla Speedtest Awards as the fastest mobile network in Sri Lanka. Mobitel has innovated market breakthrough products such as Master and Sri Flix for the local market, having carried out the biggest broadband expansion carried out in 2019 with over US$ 100 million investments. The first operator in South Asia to trial 5G over a mobile network, Mobitel is in the forefront of digital technology in Sri Lanka gearing up the country for the deployment of 5G.

Chandika Vitharana, Acting Chief Executive Officer, SLT Mobitel commented on the synergy from the brand unification. “SLT Mobitel is the only truly Sri Lankan mobile services provider and is the frontrunner in digital mobile technology. SLT and Mobitel joining forces signals to the consumers the strength of our offering and our undisputed leadership in telecommunication services in Sri Lanka. The future for our customers looks bright, as our connection brings us all together.”

Sri Lanka Telecom PLC is the national Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions provider and the leading broadband and backbone infrastructure services provider in Sri Lanka for over 163 years. SLT enables opportunities that empower Sri Lankans and elevates the country’s standing in the global arena. SLT’s transformation into a digital service provider has seen the Company move beyond telecommunications services to provide a variety of services and solutions that cater to a digital lifestyle. Mobitel, the mobile arm of SLT launched the First Commercial 4.5G/4G+ Mobile Network in South Asia in 2018 and was the first network in South Asia to successfully showcase the deployment of 5G over a Mobile Network by connecting a commercial Mobile smartphone to its 5G network exceeding speeds of 1.55Gbps. Mobitel has made great strides in recent years to expand its influence in NB-IoT, Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Critical Communication technologies and solutions and has been adjudged as the Fastest 4G-LTE network in Sri Lanka for two consecutive years by Ookla, the global leader in internet speed and testing applications.

December 31, 2020

Mobitel-partners-National-Institute-of-Mental-Health-to-provide-connectivity-solutions-1.jpg

Fulfilling its role as the caring network, Mobitel, Sri Lanka’s National Mobile Service Provider joined hands with the National Institute of Mental Health, Sri Lanka (NIMH) to provide connectivity solutions to the patients who are undergoing treatment at the facility. This joint endeavor will enable patients with Acute Mental Illnesses who are Covid Positive and who are isolated for suspicion of Covid symptoms to talk to their loved ones thus helping them to reduce their distress and anger.

The National Institute of Mental Health strives to provide comprehensive and evidence based Mental health services that are appropriate to the local context through state of the art approaches to Patient care, capacity building, advocacy, community engagement, multi sector engagement and research by a highly trained workforce.

December 17, 2020

Continuing its commitment in transforming Sri Lanka with Digitization, Mobitel, the National Mobile Service Provider together with the Ministry of Education, launched an online system to facilitate the evaluation of Grade 5 scholarship results for school application. Upon receiving outstanding marks at the highly competitive Grade 05 Scholarship exams, students currently rely on a manual system that is prone to human setbacks and unexpected delays, causing inconvenience when applying for new schools. Understanding this void, Mobitel collaborated with the Ministry of Education to create this online evaluation system that will facilitate the assessment of school applications based on the results of grade 5 scholarship students. The launch of the program was held on the 10^th December under the patronage of Minister of Education, Hon. (Prof.) G. L. Peiris and the Group CEO of SLT and Mobitel, Mr. Lalith Seneviratne along with higher officials from both the Ministry of Education and the SLT Group.

The new system comprises of a three-layer solution, namely, The Ministry level, which will consist of system administration of the selection process, application management & all other administrative functionalities; Education Zonal level, for operations and monitoring; and the School level operations, where school Principals select and apply to schools on behalf of the scholarship eligible students. The platform will provide an easy to use and digitized solution for the provision of shortlisting schools for eligible students.

The key benefits of the new online system include a completely automated Application Management & Selection process; elimination of the paper-based process, with more accuracy, efficiency and added convenience for the parents, schools and the Ministry of Education. The system can be operated simply from anywhere over the internet. Additionally, the data and statistics recorded by the system can be used for the betterment of the future education in Sri Lanka.

The new online system offers a predefined grace period which allows amendments to the initially selected schools, enabling more choice for the students. This facility ensures a hassle-free ‘Change of Mind’ period, where parents can easily amend the applied list of schools within the application calling period, through the system.

December 14, 2020

Sunday, 13 December 2020, Colombo: Continuing its commitment in helping families to overcome the challenges posed by the novel COVID-19 virus, SLT and Mobitel carried out yet another initiative by donating dry ration packs to housing schemes to support the families that were adversely affected by the coronavirus. The endeavor was carried out with the motive of helping the families to cope with the loss of their daily income and push through this national hardship. The SLT group donated 1,350 dry ration packs comprising of basic essentials and other nutritional food items to Sathhiru Sewana and Methsada Sewana housing schemes.

As the National Telecommunication Service Provider, the SLT group has carried out numerous initiatives including a donation of Rs. 50 million to the President’s Fund to support the Government of Sri Lanka in its commendable efforts in managing the present situation.

December 3, 2020

SLT and Mobitel together began an exemplary green initiative project simultaneously with Sri Lankan Premier League (LPL) 2020 called “SLT – Mobitel Green Premier League” (GPL), as a sustainable environmental conservation project. According to the winning score of each team in every match of the LPL, SLT and Mobitel will take necessary actions to plant the equivalent number of plants as forest restoration at Rajawaka forest reserve in Kalthota, Balangoda. Thus, by the end of the LPL tournament, SLT and Mobitel will have taken the necessary actions to plant possibly around 4000 plants in the forest reserve and would have arranged a sustainable maintenance program with the Forest Department in accordance with UN sustainable developments goals. This would be a pioneer project within the context of any cricket premier league in the world!

From the 26^th of November 2020 till the 16^th of December 2020, SLT and Mobitel will be conducting this remarkable initiative aiming to increase the forest cover in Sri Lanka by planting these trees in 6 hectares in Rajawaka Forest reserve, which has identified as a rich biodiversity site and also the major water catchment area for the Samanalawewa reservoir. With an island-wide reach as the national telecommunications service provider, SLT hopes to inspire sports fans and the youth of the country to undertake their own steps towards environmental conservation and sustainability. SLT will continuously monitor this project in the next two years with the support of the Forest department to ensure the desired outcomes.

Furthermore, aligning with Lanka Premier League, SLT has initiated the SLT Virtual Premier League (SLT VPL) – an online cricket tournament for cricket fans across the country. This can be accessed by logging in to the SLT Facebook page. Fans can support their favorite team and stand a chance to win exciting gifts from SLT. You can also guess the winning team on the SLT Instagram page and win prizes. By guessing the Man of the Match or Highest Wicket Taker and Highest 6 hitter, lucky cricket fans could win fabulous prizes. Follow, like and stay connected with the Facebook, Instagram and YouTube platforms to find out if you are one of the lucky winners. Be up to date on the super-fast moments of the LPL 2020, with SLT.

November 4, 2020

Colombo, November 04^th, 2020: Allianz Life Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading life insurance companies, announced that it has entered into an agreement with Mobitel, Sri Lanka’s National Mobile Service Provider, to offer ‘Araksha 365,’ an exclusive life insurance cover to all its customers.

Designed to provide maximum benefit, the ‘Araksha 365’ cover will be offered in 2 different packages encompassing a Life Cover, Total Permanent Disablement Cover, Partial Permanent Disablement cover, a Critical Illness cover for over 40 illnesses, a Funeral Expenses Cover, Hospital Cash Daily Benefits as well as a Dengue Cash Benefit. Mobitel customers can avail themselves of this exclusive offer by simply sending an SMS with ‘REG1’ or ‘REG2’ to 226 on their Mobitel phones to activate the cover.

Commenting on the launch of this product, Jayalal Hewawasam, Chief Executive Officer, Allianz Life Insurance Lanka said, “At Allianz Life Insurance Lanka we take great pride in offering innovative and relevant products to keep pace with the ever changing needs of the modern customer. This partnership will enable us to provide protection to a greater cross section of Sri Lankans and we warmly invite all Mobitel customers to embrace the flexibility and ease offered under this product.”

Speaking about the partnership, Nalin Perera, the Chief Executive Officer of Mobitel said, “As the caring network, we always strive to provide the best benefits and value to our customers. As such, this strategic partnership with Allianz Lanka at this point in time reiterates our core belief and will be of great importance to all our valued customers.”

October 22, 2020

Monday, 19 October 2020, Colombo: Continuing its support in nurturing local talents to spark internationally, the SLT group is proud to be with Dilantha Malagamuwa, Sri Lanka’s automotive racing legend who has brought countless glories to Sri Lanka for the most anticipated Lamborghini Super Trofeo 2020 Championship.

Dilantha Malagamuwa has been an iconic figure in the motoring industry, representing Sri Lanka in international racing events. Dilantha’s love and passion for the country and his fellow citizens, as well as his diligence and courage, have surpassed all pit stops, enabling him to achieve great success in international motoring events. Over the years, Dilantha has shaped the local motoring industry with his expertise and has inspired thousands of youngsters to unlock their fullest potential.

“As the National Telecommunication Provider who has made global presence, we feel privileged and honored to partner with Dilantha Malagamuwa who has taken Sri Lanka to the international motoring world. As we embark on a new journey to bring glory to the Island Nation, we wish all the very best for the champ on behalf of Sri Lanka and fellow citizens”

At present, Dilantha is currently competing in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo 2020 and has won second in the second race of the event. SLT and Mobitel is proud to be with Dilantha and wish him the very best of luck for this event and his future endeavors.

Racing in his Lamborghini for the team Dilango Racing, Dilantha Malagamuwa is a GT3 Asia Champion and a Triple Malaysia Super Car GT Champion. Making history as the First Sri Lankan racing driver to win an International Motor Racing Championship. Dilantha became the first non-Japanese Asian driver to compete in Formula Nippon and Japan GT500 and GT300, winning the N1 Championship in Japan in 1995 and winning the Tokachi 24 hours race 3 times. Malagamuwa has also done several 24 endurance races around the Globe including USA, Dubai and finishing 2nd overall in the 24-Hour Bathurst race in Australia. Up to now Dilantha has over 150 Podiums in International races and over 200 in local races.

Older Posts

SLT-MOBITEL eTeleshop excels at BestWeb.LK 2023

SLT Group Announces 2nd Quarter 2023 Results

Jaffna International Trade Fair in January 2022

Sri Lanka Telecom and Mobitel Join Forces

Mobitel Partners with National Institute of Mental Health to provide Connectivity Solutions

Mobitel and Ministry of Education digitizes Grade 5 Scholars’ school application process

SLT & Mobitel continues to assist COVID-19 affected families

SLT and Mobitel launch Green Premier League 2020

Allianz Life Insurance joins hands with Mobitel to provide exclusive Life Insurance Cover to its customers

SLT and Mobitel are proud to be with Dilantha Malagamuwa for the Lamborghini Super Trofeo 2020 Championship