Sri Lanka’s launch of the 5G spectrum will be a key pathway for economic growth, Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne said at the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) official frequency auction of 5G, last Friday (3).

Expressing his views at the event, Weeraratne stated that 5G technology, in particular, will serve as a key pathway for Sri Lanka’s economic growth, innovation, and industrial development.

Weeraratne said that the final assignment will provide a strong foundation to expand next-generation telecommunication and information communication services.

He further noted that through faster internet connectivity, low-latency communication services, and new technological infrastructure, vital sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and apparel can be revitalised.

As examples, he pointed out that in agriculture, the use of smart sensors can increase yields and reduce resource wastage, while in the apparel industry, automated systems can improve quality and production capacity.

Meanwhile, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) Director General Air Vice Marshal (Rtd.) Bandula Herath stated that although efforts have been made since 2017 to introduce 5G services, implementation has not materialised to date.

Accordingly, from 2017-20, the TRCSL carried out regulatory work related to technical and other aspects.

Herath added that during 2020-22, following technical evaluations conducted with the World Bank’s technical committee, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), a decision was reached regarding the most suitable frequency range.

However, he emphasised that after this lengthy process, the final assignment notice for the auction will be issued in 2025 and forwarded to all relevant parties to obtain the necessary approvals.

He further noted that the auction process is expected to be completed within approximately two months of the notice being issued, after which the public will have the opportunity to experience telecommunication services enabled through this process.

5G Auction Committee Chairperson and Finance Ministry Director General Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena made a comprehensive presentation on the auction process, the statement said.

He announced that a 40-day period has been allocated for the process and that all relevant information has been uploaded to the website of the TRCSL (www.trc.gov.lk).

He further assured that the process will be carried out with high transparency.

TRCSL Director Shantha Gunanananda stated that 5G technology will bring a major transformation to the lives of the people of Sri Lanka.

He clarified that this technology will help minimise the digital divide between rural and urban areas and enable all children and families to gain access to quality education and economic opportunities.

He also noted that the Covid-19 pandemic confirmed that the internet has become an essential basic necessity in daily life.

He stated that the TRCSL, together with the 5G Auction Committee, has implemented this initiative in line with legal and technical standards.

He expressed his belief that the 2025 frequency auction will open a new technological pathway for Sri Lanka and make a significant contribution to elevating the economy and the lives of the people to the highest level.