January, 5, 2015
Mobitel and Ericsson today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two companies, stating that in 2015 they intend to forge a strategic business partnership that aims to significantly contribute to the nation’s Smart Society vision and Knowledge Hub strategy. The collaboration, which focuses on jointly working together to make WiFi broadband services more accessible and affordable to university students across the country through a ’WiFi as a Service’ business partnership, is aligned with the nation’s Smart Society vision and Knowledge Hub strategy, as well as the recently announced policy of transforming Sri Lanka into a WiFi nation in the coming years.
Ranjith G. Rubasinghe, Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel said, “Mobitel considers it a pleasure to join hands with Ericsson in exploring the ways and means of driving the Smart Society vision in Sri Lanka. We believe that our partnership will bring significant value to university students across the country as they increasingly gain access to affordable broadband services through WiFi connectivity. We understand that a country’s socioeconomic development is intrinsically tied to the extent to which its student population is empowered via access to ubiquitous broadband connectivity and internet services. Through this important initiative with Ericsson, we aim to empower university students with the communication tools required to foster innovation and enhance the education experience in alignment with the nation’s Knowledge Hub strategy. An initiative of this nature is a testament to Mobitel’s continued contribution towards enriching the lives of students, and in turn the nation, through technological advancements.”
Denis Brunetti, Head of Ericsson Sri Lanka, said: “In recognition of Ericsson’s 20 year anniversary in Sri Lanka, and our long standing relationship with Mobitel, we are extremely proud and honored to again stand alongside Mobitel in empowering the nation through the value of ICT. Ericsson and Mobitel share a like-minded vision and mission to realize the nation’s Smart Society vision through the provision of accessible and affordable WiFi broadband services for university students across Sri Lanka. This will be enabled through an innovative ’WiFi as a Service’ business partnership between Mobitel and Ericsson. We believe that today’s university students are tomorrow’s industry leaders, and by investing in their education, we are investing in the nation’s future prosperity. This partnership further reaffirms Ericsson’s ongoing commitment to Mobitel and the people of Sri Lanka.”
This partnership builds on the Connect To Learn initiative that was launched in October this year between Mobitel, Ericsson, Open University of Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth of Learning, which aims to empower teenage girls in farming communities through an education in ICT.
Mobitel and Ericsson are jointly committed to engaging in strategic business partnerships of national interest that contribute to the well-being and future prosperity of people’s lives in Sri Lanka.
Photo caption: Head of Ericsson Sri Lanka, Denis Brunetti and Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel Chief Executive Officer, Ranjith G. Rubasinghe are seen shaking hands following the signing of a MOU between the two companies to provide affordable and accessible WiFi services for university students in Sri Lanka.
About Mobitel: Mobitel is Sri Lanka’s National Mobile Service Provider and a fully-owned subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telecom. The company offers mobile telephony services, high-speed broadband, Enterprise Solutions, IDD services and a host of Value Added Services. Mobitel was the pioneer in South Asia to launch a Super 3.5G network, to successfully demonstrate HSPA + MIMO technology and successfully trial 4G/LTE technology. The recent introduction of Dual Carrier HSPA+ technology and 4G-LTE service makes Mobitel’s broadband speeds the fastest in the country. Mobitel’s coverage spans the entire island, with international roaming available in over 400 networks worldwide. Fuelling over USD500mn worth of investments to-date, Mobitel has shaped the ICT landscape, experiencing exciting growth – poised to lead the industry into its next phase of development. A customer base of well-over 5 million, stands testament to Mobitel’s strong focus laid on customer centricity, emulating its credo of "We Care. Always." For more information, visit www.mobitel.lk or dial 1717 to reach the Customer Care Hotline.
About Ericsson: Ericsson is the driving force behind the Networked Society – a world leader in communications technology and services. Our long-term relationships with every major telecom operator in the world allow people, businesses and societies to fulfill their potential and create a more sustainable future.
Our services, software and infrastructure – especially in mobility, broadband and the cloud – are enabling the telecom industry and other sectors to do better business, increase efficiency, improve the user experience and capture new opportunities.
With more than 110,000 professionals and customers in 180 countries, we combine global scale with technology and services leadership. We support networks that connect more than 2.5 billion subscribers. Forty percent of the world’s mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks. And our investments in research and development ensure that our solutions – and our customers – stay in front.
Founded in 1876, Ericsson has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. Net sales in 2013 were SEK 227.4billion (USD 34.9 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX stock exchange in Stockholm and the NASDAQ in New York.
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