Growing mobile usage is powering rises in telephone connections in Sri Lanka, which grew 8.4% to 23.8 million overall in 2012.
A recent report by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka found that mobile connections grew 10.9% during the year compared to a 6.1% rise in fixed line connections, though the latter figure is up from 5% growth in 2011.
The bank’s report claims mobile is posting higher growth due to increased competition between mobile operators through promotional schemes, value added services with local and international services, and competitive pricing, coupled with the ease of obtaining services, internal labor mobility and increased incomes.
Cellular penetration in the country is now 100%, up from 87.8% in 2011.
Internet penetration, on the other hand, is growing slower and reached only 6.7% in 2012 from 4% in 2011. However, there was a high growth of 66% in penetration level compared to previous year. Internet penetration through mobile broadband connections is growing at a faster pace at 99.3% in 2012.
The report noted that higher growth can be expected for 2013 as mobile operators are expanding 3G service coverage and competition is strong among internet service providers.
The government's Nenasala Centers, which were established by the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) to enhance accessibility across the country, now number 694, which are bringing connectivity to rural communities.
This article originally posted on eGov Innovation