I wonder whether some mobile networks OR EVEN THE SLT ITSELF uses LankaCom infrastructure. Something that must be found out about. However, btw, Dialog 3G coverage is being expanded at a rapid rate, but unfortunately at some cities, they have enabled it only to the sub tower in the city centre thus making 3G usable only at the city area and not 3/4kms away. I've been an unlucky victim of this situation as the Dialog 3G coverage ends at around 1/2km prior reaching my house. But I hope they'll further expand it. It seems Mobitel is failing to complete it's 3G coverage target of 85% by December end and if they still tell that they've covered 85%, it must be the "Vanniya" as even some major cities in Western province still doesn't have 3G coverage. But it must be appreciated that they have the lowest charges and covered most of major cities with 3G faster than Dialog did. Keep it up Mobitel!
Weekly summary
*Dialog introduced KIT Double and 3G coverage was expanded.
*Mobitel reduced video call rates from 2LKR to 50 cents and introduced SMART IDD 250 rechargeable card.
*Hutch reduced Hutch to Hutch voice rates to 2LKR
*Tigo didn't make much sound and so is about Airtel's launch.
Live pictures of a new Nokia 5 mega pixel babe have leaked to the internet. Identified as the all new N96, this phone features an improved user interface, which could be the new Symbian v9.5 probably. See the pictures and read more at GSMArena
http://www.gsmarena.com/5_megapixel_nokia_n96_pictures_leaked-news-390.php
Mobitel has reduced Mobitel to Mobitel video call rates to 50 cents per minute. Previously the charge was 2LKR per minute. The new rate is an introductory rate and will be valid for 2 months. Voice call rates will remain same (2LKR per minute).
Mobitel has reduced Mobitel to Mobitel video call rates to 50 cents per minute. Previously the charge was 2LKR per minute. The new rate is an introductory rate and will be valid for 2 months. Voice call rates will remain same (2LKR per minute).
As M3 is the hottest topic on Sri Lankan mobile telephone industry nowadays, I thought of devoting another post for M3. M3- Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel's 3.5G service- offers Video Messaging service, branded as VideoSMS, in 3G coverage areas, at voice message (aka VoiceSMS) rates. A VideoSMS sent to another Mobitel costs only ONE LANKA RUPEE, and although their website show the charge for VideoSMS to other networks as 2.50LKR, this service to be not working, as it consistently fails when tried. mTunes is a ring back tone (PRBT) service, but this is not yet introduced. Await more details on Push Mail and please feel free to comment on your experience with Mobitel M3.
M3, Mobitel's 3G service is available in many areas of the country, but currently, no list of covered areas is available. M3 is enabled for all Mobitel users and the normal SIM cards have a 500kbps+ speed and if you obtain a USIM card, you'll experience much higher speeds. It is possible to take video calls using the normal SIM and the rates are lower than those of Dialog. However, my personal opinion is that their advertising is not powerful enough and many people even don't know what M3 offers. So it's no wonder that almost nobody knows about "mTunes", their ring back tone service, which is popular as "ringin-tone" in Sri Lanka. However, the lower charges should be appreciated.
M3, Mobitel's 3G service is available in many areas of the country, but currently, no list of covered areas is available. M3 is enabled for all Mobitel users and the normal SIM cards have a 500kbps+ speed and if you obtain a USIM card, you'll experience much higher speeds. It is possible to take video calls using the normal SIM and the rates are lower than those of Dialog. However, my personal opinion is that their advertising is not powerful enough and many people even don't know what M3 offers. So it's no wonder that almost nobody knows about "mTunes", their ring back tone service, which is popular as "ringin-tone" in Sri Lanka. However, the lower charges should be appreciated.
Two Sri Lankan mobile operators are now providing 3G services. Mobitel and Dialog Telekom. Dialog recently enabled 3G service to all its customers (previously they offered 3G service only for postpaid connections) and is utilizing its 3G services over the UMTS platform, which enables a maximum downlink data rate of 384kbps. However, personally, I wonder whether they have higher speeds. Mobitel has a HSPA platform and offers a maximum speed of 7.2Mbps. Mobitel provides video calls at voice call rates and has covered many parts of the island with 3G and plans to cover 85% of the country by December.
