Today, at a ceremony to sign a large number of investment agreements at the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, it was revealed that Bharti Airtel, Sri Lanka’s fifth mobile operator, is planning to invest USD 150 million. This amount is below industry expectations and suggests that Bharti will start slow, with a conventional rollout concentrated in the Northwestern, Western and Southern provinces.
Pity.
209 Comments
Abu Saeed Khan
Bharti is a “cool operator.” It has no technical workforce as its entire Indian network operation has been outsourced to the equipment suppliers. Bharti even doesn’t buy any equipment. Suppliers import the equipment, pays duties and taxes, installs and runs the network. Bharti sets the networks’ key performance indicators and simply buys airtime from the vendors while the latter embed all costs in that pricing. More the airtime Bharti sells, the vendors get paid more quickly. I am not sure if Bharti is following similar business model in Sri Lanka. But it has all the merits to rock the market. Time will answer.
samarajiva
So a fast rollout is still possible, if its suppliers invest in the network. In this country, BOI status matters; unless you get BOI status, your costs go up considerably. So if this theory is valid, we should see Ericsson or Alcatel or whoever get BOI standing to operate Bharti’s network.
samarajiva
To place the USD 150 million commitment by Bharti in context, next week Dialog Telekom will sign an agreement with BOI for an additional USD 300 million in investments: http://www.lbo.lk/fullstory.php?newsID=679279340&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=5
There was a USD 300 million agreement signed by Dialog immediately after the international liberalization in 2003 and there may have been more in the 2003-07 period.
Shifan
Great news…
We all Sri lankans need a fair competition,
that will benefit us eventually…
Come soon…
mudassar mohemed
how get a aitrel connection 2 srilanka
Hamdhan
I agree with Shifan………
Com soon……….
Rizak
I think all the operators are bit scared. With Airtels FMCG market approach everyone is scared. I think that is why Dialog is introducing CDMA, Tigo is giving free incoming without daily rentals and HUTCH has started a cool GSM payphone call Simphony. HUTCH sell their connection for Rs 100 and user need to go to a Simphony payphone booth and use as a mobile technology. Recently I have visited several outstations and saw many Simphony phone and seems like they are giving a run to tritel guys too.
At the same time, any operator needs to get 9 different authority approvals to set up a tower and it would take at least 12-18 months to launch such service. BOI thing is tricky since Airtel needs to give some commitments to those vendors before they sign up for BOI. Then again, they have to pay VAT on every imports and it will add 15%, then and there. If they go for 1000 towers, I doubt Alcatel or Nokia could give attractive rates to Airtel.
So Airtel will have a tough time (those they have cash to throw away) to jump start their operations.
Dhanu Rocks
We’re waiting for you Airtel, Come soon. Best of luck.
ahmed irshad
i have completed MCSA and following MCSE iam looking suitable from airtel
dharus
we are really waiting only for airtell
Sameera A.D.R
we are like to join with you!!!!!
come soon !!!!!
show us the diffrence!!
Fawaz
U people are all crazy!!!
Airtel is just another motivation of Indains to increase the Indinization of this country!!
Hell to people if you all dont undersatand that so many products and services are being brought into this country of Indian orgin.
Why is Indian IOC despite all its losses still remains in this country?
The for Indian ambassodor even commented to our local politicians that “One day we will be driving your buses!”
I lived in Oman, a gulf country for 8 1/2 years and witnessed the slow Indianization of the country!!
Operators need not be scared just some mobile operator comes and we local consumers worry or just because an entatiner is associated with Airtel!
(Please note that Airtel was behind the propaganda to promote TajMahal of India)
Rizak says that Dailog CDMA launched because of Airtel.Refrain making baseless statements as Dialog CDMA was launched in January 12th,(Much before The 5th license was offerd to Aortel)tested for Six months and then launched.
Dailog is following its mission to be a quadruple player and mind you all its the first in South asia to be one and this to define business in : Mobile.Broadband.Fixed.Media.
We shuld be proud that Mobitel and Dialog are being created by Sri Lankan brains and even former Celltel.
Nuzri
Hey fawaz get a life dude, u knw wat… hv u gt ne freakin idea f d crnt inflation rate or the BOP in comparison wd the comunications systems in sri lanka…
u talkin abt d IOC z crap, d governmnt used thm, their motive z as 2 nt 2 gv up…
get a knowleg of economics bro.. wish u all d bst..
Promotion n motivation r the main concepts of business entity bro…
u talk abt Srilankan brain…. u wnt us to b proud of malaysian interfearnce (Dialog)…. dialog wz d bst cz it didnt hv proper market competition.. good mkt utilization wz inherited… hehehehe no more gains bro, v proudly welcome AIRTEL. n listn up dude v wud b proud 2 entertain our neighbor country to interfear n our BOP than malaysia…
grow up bro…
Airtel… v r waiting for u….
Nuzri
WOWWWWWWWWWWW AIRTEL
(NUZRI NIYAR 19)
Fawaz
The current inflation rate is now 15% for you information.
Tell me one good thing that the indians have done for this country?
If you know your history, this country was invaded ny the indians ie, the cholas (the south indians) the most recent – The IPKF ( the indian peace keeping forces) all were and ensure that this country is torn into shreds
Our neighbour country never helped in any way, all it wants is it to ensure , that this country dances to its tune.
You also say something about market competition ? do you know already there are competitors in the market?Tigo , Mobitel and Hutch?Arent they competitors. Dailog was the last to enter the mobile market in 1995, and wasnt it competiton that drives each of this mobile operator to be on top?
You talk of market utilization is just not inconsistent with what yo are saying and what you are trying to prove?
BOP-Balance of payment is the defecit caused with imports exceeding exports, and as far I can see i understand what you are trying to say is increase the deficit caused by the indians ..haha negative impact on this country again..well done you justified your inconsistence of facts!!
jazil ahamed
thank you for starting airtel in sri lanka. we expected so much.
thank you
JW
Let’s take an example, Hutch, the all round mobile communications giant, but in Sri Lanka it’s a different story. Also Celltell was backboned by the giant mother-network Tigo which took over the brand recently. Both of them have one thing in common, “less market share in sri lanka compared to Dialog”. So what does it actually mean, one thing – “Brand name”. The brand name Dialog has become a passion for people. I don’t think those INDIANS could easily cope up with the brand Dialog as it has became lifestyle for Srilankans both corporate as well as house hold.
JW
Nuzri – I cant understand why all this crap. Are you looking for a Job in airtel? If so I suggest you to take a print-out of your comments and go to the interview because you are actually giving your a** to them. Any way what do you actually know about Mobile telecomiunication ? Its like you prefer to give a** to India rather than Malayasia. I suggest YOU TO GROW UP rather than bull s*****.
M.N.M.Rizwan
do you have any vacancies in sri lanka
muckzith
this will be amazing,
come soon …..
because we all suffering to get a proper network connection in all over srilanka.
i heard about your facilities by TV & others.
it will be very useful for srilankans,
thanks a lot.
when we can use airtel???
Santhya
do you think that Airtel can compete in Srilankan Market. it takes them time to caputre the market. there are not much sucribers left. Dilog have 3.5 million sucribers out of 4.5Mn
Robert
Hey guys,
I have heard all the arugments before…………
1) I do agree with a total market of only 6-8 million tops it is a very small market in the region when you compare your neighbors.
2) In the telcom market has always been dominated by foreign investors, Telecom Malaysia (Dialog), Telia- Sweden (Suntel), Lanka Bell – Transmarcos SIngapore, Tritel SIH – Malaysia, Celltel Millicom (Swedish), Mobitel – Hutch – Hutchison (HK), even SLT – NTT (Japan) sooooooo what your problem about India.
3) I agree that 5 mobile operators is too many given the market demographics but that is a business decision by the operators. From a consumer point of view there will be a fight for market share so the price will drop and the services will improve. Again whats the problem if Airtel thinks it can come in a make a go of it………………
At the end of the day people shbould not always look at the negative side but looks towards the positive. The above notes reminds me of the days when I was there when I first heard the phrase “Crab Minding”….. Aitel will generate jobs in a time when hi end jobs are required. They will bring in cash when the country is struggling for investments, and they will drive the call charges down.
informer
Inside news:
Bharti will launch the network in Jan 2008 with 1000BTS sites.
it has selected huaweii telecom for this.
Lot of indians will be coming to do this project
Loshan
hey airtel
come soon,,,,, we are waiting to use your new technology
all the best on your journy in sri lanka
mohamed shifan
we all srilankan need a you are coming. well come
kader narammala
i will heartly welcome 2 airtel
Ashraff Ameen
Welcome Airtel to Sri Lanka,because in Srilanka Dialog is Dominating the mobile telecommunication markets.I am really happy about airtel Investing in Sri Lanka.With in another few months .We can get cheap & good contract mobile phone.
I am Ashraff Ameen. I am SriLankan Student.I looking for a job at Air Tel. How to Apply for jobs at Air tel Sri Lanka. I finished my Degree at Portsmouth University, UK. Jun 2007 . BSc(Hons)E-Commerce and Internet Systems.
I am Specialized in Database & Web Site Managment(Oracle 9i,10g)
Plz send more details.
Trevor
we are like to join with you
we are really waiting for airtell
GEETH
Bist Wishes For the new operation
farhan manaf
we ar like to see you soon with a.r.rahman ringtones……………..
madhava
coom soon ,we like to use air tel its nice connection in the world,we are waiting soon soon
unitex
DAER SIR
I LIKE DO AUTHORISED DEALER FOR YOUR COMPANY
I HAVE MY OWN PLACE IN COLOMBO 3/6/11
my company is last 20 years old pls if you i have
any idea pls contact
zaki/zulfikar
2541323/2327503
Captain Shi
Salams,Ayubowan,Vanakkam,Hello,Namaste,Ciao ………
Sri Lanka mein aajao ore majao.. All the best….to Airtel Keep it kool !
Hey folks ! what do think of Airtels presence in the paradise island of this beautiful country ? Will it be a competition among the other Giants of the mobile industry ?
Best wishes from Captain Shi, the mahagedera gang, The Puttalam Community here and in the UK.
Shihab Aaqeel Daiyan a.k.a.Captain Shi
Salams , Ayubowan , Vannakkam, Hello, Namaste, Ciao………………
Hai Every1,
whats ur opinion bout Airtel being introduced in this paradise island of Sri Lanka ? Do u think it’s gonna be a competion among the other Mobile Giants ?
Anyways Best wishes to Airtel…. !
Lanka mein aajao or shuru karo Airtel ki Maza…..
Captain Shi, the mahagedera gang,The Puttalam Folks and The Puttalam Community(UK)
ozzie
Hey guys
To further more discuss this situation there is a Blog created under
http://airtellanka.blogspot.com
Please visit and post your opinions about airtel, and what you think Dialog, Mobitel, Hutch, Tigo should be doing, and also what you hate about these operators.
U can make your own posts, and present it in your own form.
Thnks
Ozzie.
subaharan
fist New sim card
R.Subaharan
We all Sri lankans need a fair competition,
that will benefit us eventually…
shamika perera
please let us know whether u have job oppertunities related to marketing at AirTeL-SriLanka
samarajiva
Attention: New CEO Ms Amali Nanayakkara.
Looks like Bharti Lanka needs to set up a website, at least for the job seekers.
Jeyanthran
Great to see you in Sri Lanka. Why till March 2008? Hope to see Airtel action soon here in Sri Lanka. Welcome.
shafras
big brand for sri lankan telecominicatioin sector well come
PRADEEP
Are there any vacancies in Airtel??????
I also like 2 join with Airtel,,,,, Coz I have experience and Qualifications as A Cashier at “Dialog Franchise Outlet”…….. Pls let me know if there r any….
Tnks…..
A.G Sajith
WOW……. AIRTEL
I’M proved to work in your company so plz let me know if there ant vacancies.becz i have that talent/work experience/pesonal Qualifications.let me know
thanks.
Rahul
WELCOME AIRTEL !
We are expecting your service in Sri Lanka. Come Soon ! (we are not satisfied in other GSM services in Sri Lanka) Best Wishes !
ramesh
we need your service and i need a vacacant to serve airtel as a member
trevor
ayubowan airtel
welcome to sri lanka
i w’d like 2 join with airtel as soon as i can coz i have a work experience in an rr donnelly company as a transaction associate. bye……………………….
asela
Ayubowan airtel
i would like to join with ur , i have 10 years work experience as cashier cum clark ,if u have jobspaces like me ill do my best.
GOOD LUCK
Fawmy
Fuck off airtel
fahim
jay airtel
subaharan
wel Come Airtel
my Tel:- 0716451145
Please your new airtel Jan-2008 sim card
Prassannaa
Willing to join Airtel
kishor kumar
im proud of to airtel come to lanka. im waitng for job vacancy
Anusha
I would like to know about the career opportunities in Bhrati Airtel Lanka PVt Ltd. I had alrady sent my cv.But still no reply.
Anu
samarajiva
THIS IS NOT BHARTI AIRTEL. THIS IS THE WEBSITE OF A RESEARCH ORGANIZATION THAT HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY TO WRITE ABOUT BHARTI.
imran dj
Salams,Ayubowan,Vanakkam,Hello,Namaste,Ciao ………
Sri Lanka mein aajao ore majao.. All the best….to Airtel Keep it kool !
Hey folks ! what do think of Airtels presence in the paradise island of this beautiful country ? Will it be a competition among the other Giants of the mobile industry ?
Best wishes from Captain Shi, the mahagedera gang, The Puttalam Community here and in the UK.
Nazman Zanha
Good Luck to Airtel…….I came to know bout this website thru the mahagedera gang, Puttalam and cousin Roshan in the UK.. Keep it kool !
Radhik Daiyan a.k.a Rayan Saliheen(Ray)
Hi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome to Sri Lanka. I m a part of the famous mahagedera gang of Puttalam and It was Shihab Daiyan(Captain Shi) who introduced me to this website. Keep it kool !
Roshan Aman a.k.a Dim from Norwich, UK.
Salamz and Hai Dudes…. This is Roshan a.k.a Dim from London , I came to know the story of Airtel goin to b launched in Sri Lanka thru ma cousin and Boss Captain Shi in Puttalam. Originally I m from Puttalam but now I live in Norwich, UK. From all of us here in the UK , Best Wishes 2 Airtel and ma Cousin Shihab Daiyan and his Love Nazman Zanha. I pray to God that Both tie the knot very soon coz both r deeply in the world of Love……
Mohammed Adil Daiyan.
Hai every1,
It’s gud to know that Airtel is being launched in Sri Lanka but can they beat Dialog GSM ? What do u say bout the competition ? I m Captain Shi’s Bro.
Roshan Aman a.k.a Dim from Norwich, UK.
Dudes presently m n Puttalam for a vacation…. got it ! don’t misunderstand…
jesry
WELCOME AIRTEL !
We are expecting your service in Sri Lanka. Come Soon ! (we are not satisfied in other GSM services in Sri Lanka)
WE WOULD LIKE TO BE UR ONE OF THE AGENT
FROM :- M.JESRY
CELLSTAR
240,LEWIS PLACE,NEGOMBO.
SRILANKA.
*** BEST WISHES ***
senthil maree
Whatever said and done Airtel would not be able to capture much of the market unless number portability is introduced.
So now again it’s up to the regulatory! or the politicians?
chandana
do you have any vacancies in sri lanka
plz…. tell me
I am system support enginner in intemax pvt Ltd
Thushara Ranaweera
do you have any vacancies in sri lanka
plz…. tell me
I am system administrator in Ceylinco Group.
Thanks & best wishes……………………….
p.thavasuthan
WELCOME AIRTEL !
We are expecting your service in Sri Lanka. Come Soon ! (we are not satisfied in other GSM services in Sri Lanka)
WE WOULD LIKE TO BE UR ONE OF THE AGENT,do you have any vacancies in sri lanka
plz…. tell me
I am system administrator in pc house(pvt)ltd.in vavuniya.
Thanks & best wishes……………………….
form-psuthan
vavuniya
harsha
welcome air tell. we are expecting you. come soon.
harshajith
welcome AIRTELL,
We are waiting for your service in Sri Lanka and I am willing to joing your company also.
I have a degree of B.B. Mgt(Acc)sp being part qualified
of ICASL. (3 Years experiance in accounting and auditing)
Contact me – 0773973535
Merrill Thilakasiri (Retired public servant)
This reminds me the 1970-77 era. I think it is an entirely different time, which our younger generation might want to blissfully forget.
There was hardly any private sector (few British companies and handful of local companies like Maliban) and the key employer was none other than the government.
Getting a job in the public sector was so difficult at that time the prospective employees (not the employers) had to advertise themselves on newspapers giving education qualifications.
I thought we have passed that era with the post-1978 reforms.
When I see this page I realised I was wrong and the history has repeated.
Is getting a good job in Sri Lanka (with the expansion of the private sector) so difficult that one has to openly advertise one’s self?
Why everyone wants to job at Airtel? Why not in the other phone companies? Are the prospects that good?
sudharshan
Well Come AIRTELL….
I hope its a great job if you all launching your service in sri lanka…coz sri lanka has all facilities to perform well.If you toch the point correctly your the winner…
So best of luck…
suba
welcome air tell. we are expecting you. come soon.
MY Tel:- 0773937994
suba
hey airtel
come soon,,,,, we are waiting to use your new technology
all the best on your journy in sri lanka
NIVANTHA
Hello Airtel Srilanka,
We all are waiting for you…..What will your code..
Is it 073, 076 or 079….?
We didn’t have any real operator with new technology in Srilanka…..
Dialog 3G is very poor and some of their emloeeys are saying before go to a 3G wait till Airtel has arrived.
Mobitel is worest than Dialog and remaning 2 (Tigo & Hutch) is very very bad……..
Airtel Please come Soon….!!!!!!!!!!
Kandy Boy
I do not understand this.
People in Sri Lanka are waiting the arrival of Air Tel like a 7 day hungry man waits for a buriyani. Why?
Was Dialog services that bad all these days? I am a Dialog user who not have complaints, but I am not a power user.
Don’t you guys think that Dialog gave us value for money?
What is wrong with Dialog? Do their value added services suck? Do they fail often? Don’t they take care of customer complaints?
mahagedara GANG
hi every body my best wishes for airtel.hey mahagedara gang this is opinion gallery but not love gallery
Riyasath
fantastic airtel.hey mahagedara love is lost
Amal
Come soon to SL.we want to be part of U Airtel.If you have jobs related Finnace pls select me also. I’m a Accounting Graduate from Universty of Sri Jayawerdenepura.
Azmil
well its nice if Airtel launches to Srilanka, bcos it brings in many job opportunities
Shihab Aaqeel Daiyan(Captain Shi)
Hey ! What d hell is goin on ? This is meant only for Airtel Comments and suggestions not to put or create chaos among our family. If we catch hold of the guy or gal v will squeeze him or her, got it ! Folks please dont take into consideration if names related to the mahagedera gang appears in some nonsense way.
Thank you
Shihab Daiyan,Family and the mahagedera gang.
Iflal and the bajar
Halo everyone….
Pavam mahagedera gang captain. no no once airtel come everything will be alright. Riyasath why your gang captain Shi is growing beard like devdas. Love Failur. Airtel come fast and save the Sri Lanka. Also airtel music is good. A.R.Rahman is copy cat. music orignally by Aman and Raslan
T.U.Arshath
Airtel ku vannakkam. Thilladi ill tover adingay. best of luck. Riyasath enda uyir nanban thaan intha website ai arimuham padathunaar.
Reeji
What nonsense is goin on ?
Sahir Nana
Is this Airtel or anything else ?