HUTCH expands connectivity to underserved rural communities

HUTCH, in partnership with the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), has expanded connectivity through newly commissioned sites, extending the reach of its Gamata Sanniwedanaya programme to underserved communities across rural Sri Lanka.

The latest launches bring connectivity for the first time to Werellagama, Pelawa, Muruthalawa, Halloluwa and 10 other areas in the Kandy district. In Anuradhapura, the areas connected include Kumaraeliya, Jayagama, Pahalagama, Thalawa and two other areas.

In addition, 14 new areas across the districts of Badulla, Kalutara, Kegalle and Trincomalee have also been connected.

This phase of the HUTCH and TRCSL partnership has added nearly 300 square kilometres of new broadband coverage in Sri Lanka, reaching more than 10,000 people. 

Saumitra Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of HUTCH Sri Lanka, said building towers in remote areas presented challenges, but the company remained committed to expanding connectivity.

“Building a tower in a remote area is never easy. The terrain, the logistics, access and power supply all bring their own challenges, but none of that changes our commitment.

“Bridging the digital divide is not something we do occasionally; it is an ongoing responsibility, and we have stepped up our investment to lead this effort,” he said.

HUTCH said construction of further tower infrastructure has already commenced in identified underserved communities across the country, with these sites expected to come on air during the remainder of the year.

The company remains committed to expanding the Gamata Sanniwedanaya programme and working towards universal connectivity to support Sri Lanka’s ambition of building a USD 15 billion digital economy by 2030.